48 Arrested in Statewide Child Predator Roundup

Authorities say 13 men from Broward and Miami-Dade were arrested along with 35 others in a massive Florida child predator sweep.

The 48 arrests were part of Operation Amalgamate, a six-month investigation that began in July, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The operation, done by the FDLE's Computer Crime Center and Attorney General Pam Bondi's Child Predator Cybercrime Unit, focused on investigating Internet sex crime against children.

Investigators found child sex predators in chat rooms, on dating sites, social networks, and texting and instant messaging, the FDLE said.

The arrests covered 17 Florida counties and include a TSA agent, a school teacher's aide and a church treasurer, the FDLE said.

In Miami-Dade and Broward, suspects face charges for child pornography, sexual battery, and drug possession, among others.