We have said it before and we will say it again, the Internet has created a world where anyone can be anyone. There is a certain sense of anonymity that law enforcement officials have taken full advantage of to conduct investigations into alleged Internet crime ranging from gambling to child pornography.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted a six month long investigation called Operation Amalgamate which began in early July of this year. The investigation into alleged Internet sex crime involving minors came to a head this month after 48 Florida residents were arrested, 13 of which were from the Broward and Miami-Dade area.

The investigation was led by the FDLE's Computer Crime Center and Attorney General Pam Bondi's Child Predator Cybercrime Unit. The investigation used "undercover" Internet agents who entered into chat rooms to solicit conversations with possible suspects, accessed social media networks and dating sites, and even went as far as texting and messaging people they thought they could build a case against.

Internet sting operations such as these often gather evidence that investigators claim is "obscene" material but in reality can be shown to be perfectly legal. Other times, investigators may cross the line by collecting the evidence through an illegal search and seizure or conduct that could amount to entrapment.

Those arrested could now face serious charges like child pornography that could impact their futures in a big way if convicted. It is important that these individuals seek the assistance of a defense attorney who can wade through the evidence against you.

Source: NBC Miami, "48 Arrested in Statewide Child Predator Roundup," Dec. 15, 2011