Former Children's Week coordinator arrested in online child predator sting
The former statewide coordinator for Children’s Week at the Capitol was arrested in an undercover sting operation in Georgia targeting online child predators.
Jason Zaborske, 48, of Tallahassee, was among four people charged in “Operation Threat Level Midnight,” according to a news release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Zaborske was charged with sexual exploitation of a child, is being held in the Decatur County jail.
More:Former statewide coordinator of Children's Week, Senior Day arrested on sexual assault charge
The GBI, working with local, state and federal authorities, said investigators had more than 40 exchanges with the suspects on various social media and internet platforms. The arrests occurred over three days in early March.
“Every individual arrested during the operation believed they were going to meet with a child and engage in prearranged sex acts,” GBI said.
GBI Special Agent in Charge Brian Johnston, commander of the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, said law enforcement has prioritized crimes against children that are facilitated through technology.
"Proactive undercover operations like Operation Threat Level Midnight uncover some of the darkest most horrific activity that is occurring on the Internet," he said.
Zaborske was arrested on Sept. 8, 2022, on charges of sexual assault and simple battery after a woman reported that he forced himself on her after a date. He was taken to the Leon County Detention Facility but later released on bond.
He was well-known in political and nonprofit circles from his Capital Events firm, which helped with event coordination, publicity and fundraising. His past clients included United Way of Florida, Capital City Youth Services, and Senior Day and Children’s Week at the Capitol. He was working as a cook at the time of his arrest, according to court records.
Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com and follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Ex-Children's Week coordinator arrested in online child predator sting
