JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Parents of more than a dozen Florida children authorities describe as habitually truant were arrested Tuesday by deputies in Duval, Clay and Nassau counties.

A total of 15 parents were charged with failure to comply with compulsory school attendance laws and contributing to the delinquency of their children, WJXT reported.

Every child whose parent was arrested in this sweep had at least 20 unexcused absences from school this school year. Added together, the children had missed more than 4,600 days -- nearly 26 school years.

The 4th District State Attorney's Office worked with the school boards and sheriff’s offices in the three counties in what was described as the largest truancy operation ever conducted in the area.

"I think it brings it to the attention to the parents that they do have a responsibility to their children, and education is the key," said investigator Steve Tillman. "Children in the street, not in school, are the cause for a lot of crime in our community -- whether its burglary (or) criminal mischief."

The parents arrested were identified as:

Diorah Ann Crews from Clay County.

Lorena Cothran, Michael Nap, Joni Thomas, Teresa Rowland and Chad Brown from Nassau County

Donald Winchester, Bobbie Singleton, Kathy Stanford, Michelle Todd, Rashael Pichelman, Terri Bullard, Lashawnda Russel, Terracotta Hughes and Jennifer Braley from Duval County

The State Attorney's Office said 11 other parents are being sought on outstanding warrants.

Authorities said those arrested will appear before a judge, who will ultimately decide what punishment they receive. In most previous cases, parents of habitual truants were given probation.

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