Clay County sheriff's investigators have arrested three men as part of an ongoing investigation of illicit sex acts at the Black Creek Bike Trail that runs along U.S. Highway 17 on Fleming Island.

The men were arrested by undercover officers in separate incidents over the past five months.

In all three cases, police said the men propositioned or exposed themselves to an undercover deputy who then issued the suspects notices to appear in court.

Those arrested are Ronald MacDonald, 53, of Jacksonville, Michael Fallin, 56, of St. Augustine, and Alan Goodner, 44, of St. Augustine.

MacDonald was sentenced last week by Clay County Judge Richard Townsend to one month in the county jail. At sentencing, Townsend emphasized that this sort of criminal behavior will not be tolerated in Clay County.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office said this undercover operation is ongoing and there may be additional arrests.

The arrests of MacDonald, Fallin and Goodner underscore the type of criminal behavior about which Clay County citizens should be aware so steps can be taken to protect themselves and their children.

Although the most recent incidents involve the Black Creek Bike Trail and the restroom there, officials said that such behavior is not limited to that location. Detectives are following up on leads of similar sex crimes are being committed in other public restrooms in various spots across the county.