Human Trafficking Sting Nets 244 Arrests
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office regularly conducts sting operations throughout the county to catch people engaging in various crimes. Human trafficking stings occur often and the results are always favorable for law enforcement.
A major undercover human trafficking operation called “Fool Around and Find Out” took place in Polk County in early May. It began on May 2 and lasted for nine days. The sting targeted those soliciting prostitutes, offering to commit prostitution, or aiding and abetting such activities.
In total, 244 suspects were arrested for human trafficking crimes. The demographics ranged widely, but of note, a former NFL star was among those arrested. Adarius Taylor is a retired NFL linebacker who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and Carolina Panthers. He brought his 6-year-old child to the site of the sting operation and left the child inside his car. Taylor was arrested for felony negligent child abuse and misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution.
According to the sheriff’s office,141 suspects were arrested for soliciting a prostitute and traveling to exchange sex for money. Another 93 suspects traveled to commit prostitution, while the remaining 10 suspects were arrested for aiding and abetting, transporting, or deriving proceeds from prostitutes.
Four possible human trafficking victims were identified, and authorities arrested 11 child predators who solicited minors online. The total charges include 102 felonies and 284 misdemeanors. The suspects’ combined prior criminal histories include 400 felonies and 519 misdemeanors. Those arrested had been previously convicted of crimes such as sexual assault, aggravated battery, attempted murder, kidnapping, and robbery.
Among those arrested, 141 people were booked for soliciting a prostitute. Ten others face charges for aiding or abetting prostitution. Thirty-six suspects were in the United States illegally. Most — 221 — were from outside Polk County and hailed from 12 different states. The youngest suspect was just 17 years old, while the oldest was 70. Twenty-five people are facing narcotics possession charges. Also, eight firearms were seized during the sting operation.
Sheriff Grady Judd stated that the 244 arrests is a record, as it was the highest number of suspects ever arrested during a single undercover operation. He said the goal of the operation was to identify victims, offer them help, and arrest those profiting from human exploitation.
The operation involved multiple agencies, including several local police departments as well as larger federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division. Social services organizations, such as One More Child and Heartland for Children, were also involved. They screened 93 suspects to determine if they were being exploited.
Contact a Legal Professional for Help
Human trafficking is a common crime in Florida. Unfortunately, many people are attracted to the prospect of exchanging sex for money but that is not legal in any of the 50 states.
Human trafficking is a federal crime with harsh consequences. If you are facing charges, contact a Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. Count on us to defend you and get you the best possible outcome. To schedule a consultation, call (352) 505-1799 or fill out the online form.
Source:
nbcmiami.com/news/local/florida-sheriffs-office-arrests-244-in-major-human-trafficking-operation/3616527/
