Sean Mooney of Homosassa sentenced to 10 years as result of Operation Lucky Strike

State Attorney's Office, Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit
Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter and Hernando counties

Citrus County, Florida - On May 15, 2024, 41 year-old Sean Robert Mooney of Homosassa, Florida was sentenced to serve 10 years in the Florida Department of Corrections. This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Blake Shore.

Mooney was charged with traveling to meet a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. He was one of twelve people arrested on varying charges or warrants during an undercover operation, Operation Lucky Strike, that occurred in March 2023.

Operation Lucky Strike was an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation conducted by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) High Tech Crimes Unit, aimed at apprehending internet cyber predators who attempted to engage in sexual activity with a child.

"With the advancements in technology, it's becoming easier for offenders like this defendant to prey upon our children," said State Attorney Bill Gladson with Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit. "My office is grateful for our law enforcement partners who continue to apprehend these predators."

During the operation, law enforcement officials received sexually explicit messages via phone calls and text messages from Mooney, who believed he was contacting a 14 year-old girl. Mooney agreed to meet with the juvenile at a designated location. When Mooney showed up at the location, he was placed under arrest.

Officials learned that Mooney was registered as a sex offender in the State of Virginia, related to a case in Virginia where he was also charged with traveling to meet a minor.

View a CCSO video of Operation Lucky Strike here: youtube.com/watch?v=GQGWk5dxomc.