The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested 89 individuals during a multi-week undercover operation targeting those seeking to sexually exploit children and purchase sex, resulting in more than 1,200 felony charges.
Between January 1, 2026, and February 6, 2026, HCSO’s Human Trafficking Section and Internet Predator Unit conducted coordinated undercover operations targeting individuals seeking to exploit children.The individuals believed they were communicating with underage victims and arrived expecting to purchase sex. Instead, they were met by our undercover detectives. In several cases, the suspects negotiated prices and logistics with someone they believed was willing to sell a child.
“In every instance, they were communicating with law enforcement and arranging their own arrest,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
The operation resulted in 89 arrests and a combined total of 1,217 felony charges.
Among those arrested was Stephen Fabic, 41, a math teacher at Hillsborough High School. Fabic offered to pick up a teenager and bring them to his home to engage in sexual activity during conversations with someone he believed to be a minor.
In another case, John Altieri, 69, arranged for a ride share to pick up a juvenile from their home and bring them to his residence to perform sexual acts. What Altieri didn’t know was that an undercover detective was on the receiving end of his explicit messages and videos. At the time, Altieri was serving home confinement while on probation in Hernando County for two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance. A warrant was obtained for his arrest, and detectives coordinated with the Florida Department of Corrections and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office to take him into custody.
Beyond arrests, the operation saved victims from ongoing exploitation. Our Internet Predator Unit received a cyber tip involving the sexual exploitation of a sleeping two-year-old child. Peter Torres, 42, was identified and arrested, and the child was safely recovered.
In a separate case, our Human Trafficking detectives located a missing 17-year-old girl being exploited for commercial sex. She was safely rescued, and her trafficker, Armani Hopkins, 23, was arrested and charged.
“If you are using a hotel room, a chat app, or a fake profile to pursue a child, we are there,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our detectives will follow the digital trail all the way to your door.”
Selah Freedom and One More Child provided victim support services. Additional assistance was provided by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Children and Families, and the Florida Department of Corrections (Probation and Parole).
Some cases remain an active investigation. Any updates will be provided by the Public Affairs Office.
