JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Eight men, ranging in age from 28 to 72, were arrested during a one-day undercover operation at Beach and Peach Urban Park in Jacksonville’s Southside Estates area after police received multiple complaints about alleged illegal sexual activity in the public park.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) said its Vice Unit conducted the operation on Thursday, October 1, 2026, using an undercover detective to investigate complaints from residents.
According to JSO, all eight men approached the undercover detective and solicited a sexual act inside the park. Some allegedly exposed themselves during the encounters.
All eight were charged with offering to commit lewdness, while three also face additional drug-related or public indecency charges.
Complaints About Sexual Activity Prompt Undercover Investigation
The investigation began after Jacksonville patrol officers received multiple complaints about people engaging in illegal sexual activity at Beach and Peach Urban Park.
The park, located in the Southside Estates area, is a public recreational space intended for residents and families to enjoy outdoor activities.
Following the complaints, JSO’s Vice Unit launched an investigation to determine whether unlawful activity was occurring.
On October 1, detectives positioned an undercover officer inside the park to observe and document suspected criminal conduct.
According to the sheriff’s office, the operation resulted in eight arrests in a single day.
Eight Men Arrested for Offering to Commit Lewdness
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office identified the eight men arrested during the undercover operation as follows:
| Suspect | Age | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| John Aguirre | 62 | Offering to Commit Lewdness; Possession of a Controlled Substance |
| Peter Smith | 63 | Offering to Commit Lewdness |
| George Freeman | 72 | Offering to Commit Lewdness |
| Cedric Jones | 56 | Offering to Commit Lewdness |
| Alejandro Brioso Martinez | 37 | Offering to Commit Lewdness; Possession of a Controlled Substance; Using Drug Paraphernalia |
| Tajmaus Johnson Jr. | 28 | Offering to Commit Lewdness |
| Florentino De La Cruz | 47 | Offering to Commit Lewdness; Exposing Sexual Organs in Public |
| Elkin Espitia | 45 | Offering to Commit Lewdness |
All eight men were arrested after allegedly soliciting sexual activity from the undercover detective.
Police said some suspects also exposed themselves during the encounters, although only De La Cruz was identified as facing an additional charge of exposing sexual organs in public.
The sheriff’s office did not disclose the specific controlled substances allegedly found in connection with the arrests of Aguirre and Martinez.
Three Suspects Face Additional Charges
While all eight men face the same primary charge, three were arrested on additional allegations.
John Aguirre, 62, faces a controlled substance possession charge in addition to offering to commit lewdness.
Alejandro Brioso Martinez, 37, faces three charges, including possession of a controlled substance and using drug paraphernalia.
Florentino De La Cruz, 47, was additionally charged with exposing sexual organs in public.
The sheriff’s office did not provide bond amounts, booking details or court appearance dates for the eight suspects.
JSO Says Operation Aimed at Keeping Public Parks Safe
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the undercover operation was intended to address residents’ concerns about unlawful sexual activity in a public recreational area.
“Jacksonville’s beautiful parks are for residents to enjoy the outdoors. They are not a place for illegal or indecent acts,” the agency stated.
JSO emphasized that public sexual activity can interfere with the ability of children, families and other visitors to use parks comfortably.
“When people use parks to commit sexual acts, it makes the park an unsafe space for children and families,” the agency said.
“We’re proud of our parks, and we’ll do whatever we can to protect them.”
The department did not announce whether additional undercover operations are planned at Beach and Peach Urban Park or other Jacksonville parks.
Residents Encouraged to Report Suspicious Activity
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to report suspected criminal activity in public parks and other recreational areas.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity can contact the department’s non-emergency line at 904-630-0500.
The eight individuals arrested are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.