157 People Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting

Polk County is known for its various sting operations, and human trafficking is no exception. A recent human trafficking sting led to more than 150 arrests.

Florida law enforcement officials arrested 157 people during the operation, which began on October 2. Of those arrested, 25 were illegal immigrants. Many of them received federal benefits not long after arriving in this country.

The suspects arrested were involved in illegal acts related to soliciting prostitutes, attempting prostitution, and aiding and abetting prostitutes. Three others were arrested for traveling to sexually batter children. There were nearly four dozen prostitutes who showed up to undercover locations to commit prostitution. Of those, four were possible human trafficking victims who were smuggled across the border.

Of the 157 arrests, 47 were prostitutes, 96 were Johns, and one was a human trafficker. Fourteen others are facing charges. There were 35 felonies and 201 misdemeanors issued. Also, 96 suspects were arrested for soliciting prostitution.

The sting operation lasted just five days, as law enforcement officials had to end the sting early due to Hurricane Milton. Still, they were happy that they were able to put 157 people in jail. Of them, there were three child predators. In addition, 25 were in the United States illegally from countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Venezuela.

Officials were frustrated that 16% of these total arrests were people who should not even have been in the United States in the first place. Unfortunately, the government let them come here and stay illegally.

Also, 26 suspects were married. Ten brought illegal drugs such as cocaine and marijuana to the locations where they planned to meet. Also, 10 people brought firearms to the undercover location.

Of those arrested, nine said they received government assistance and 131 suspects were from outside of Polk County, including nine states and the United Kingdom. The oldest person arrested in the sting was 61 years old, while the youngest was just 15.

Also, three suspects were active-duty military or veterans. Three worked at Disney World, while three had previously been arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in similar stings.

The sting, called Operation Autumn Sweep, was done in cooperation with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department as well as law enforcement agencies from Tampa, Davenport, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Auburndale, Marion County, and Lake County.

Contact a Legal Professional for Help

Human trafficking is a horrible sex crime that is looked at negatively, as it uses fraud, force, or coercion. If you have been accused of this crime, you need to seek legal help right away.

In these cases, judges and juries may be inclined to view the accused very unfavorably. The penalties are often very harsh. A Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit can get you the most favorable outcome possible. To schedule a consultation with our office, call (352) 505-1799 or fill out the online form.

Source:

foxnews.com/us/florida-human-trafficking-sting-nabs-157-people-including-25-illegal-immigrants