2 Men Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting
Human trafficking is a major problem in Florida. To combat it, law enforcement officials often engage in sting operations to catch offenders and put them behind bars.
A recent two-day sting in Broward County was enacted with the goal of identifying and arresting human traffickers and assisting their victims. The sting, known as “Operation Suite 16,” netted two arrests.
The two men arrested were identified as Deavion McClendon, 21, and Randall Taylor, 38. McClendon was identified as a potential trafficker after detectives saw McClendon dropping off a victim in Dania Beach on August 22. The man had a felony warrant out for his arrest for auto theft.
Detectives approached the man, but he got into his car and accelerated towards them, striking several occupied patrol cars. The man was eventually arrested for aggravated battery on law enforcement and fleeing and eluding. Detectives believe the man was trafficking the victim. The sheriff’s office is still investigating his suspected criminal activities.
According to the sheriff’s office, Taylor allegedly targeted teens and young women who were homeless or experiencing substance abuse problems. Taylor coerced the victims to perform sex acts, sell illegal narcotics, and commit fraud through their drug addictions. He faces multiple criminal charges, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, human trafficking of a minor, and
aggravated manslaughter. The aggravated manslaughter count stems from the overdose death of a 16-year-old girl. He is currently in federal custody and is expected to be brought to Broward County to face these charges.
Through the investigation, the sting operation generated leads on additional human trafficking suspects, so there could be more arrests in the future. The sheriff’s office contacted the 14 victims and offered them various services such as food, lodging, medical services, counseling/therapy, drug rehabilitation, childcare, education, and employment assistance.
Types of Human Trafficking
Trafficking is a violation of human rights. It involves the exploitation of humans in regards to coercing them and taking them against their will. When you think of human trafficking, sexual activities may come to mind, but there are other types of trafficking as well. They include the following:
- Forced labor. Victims are made to work in various industries, such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, or manufacturing, under inhumane conditions and without proper compensation.
- Child exploitation. Children may be trafficked for purposes such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, or illegal adoption.
- Forced marriage. Victims, often women and girls, may be trafficked into forced marriages.
- Organ trafficking. In some cases, traffickers exploit victims by forcibly removing and selling their organs.
Contact a Legal Professional for Help
Many people coerce young women in an effort to use them for sex and other services, but this is considered human trafficking and is illegal. Law enforcement officials punish this crime harshly.
Protect your legal rights and future with help from a Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. These are felony charges you are facing, so don’t handle them on your own. To schedule a consultation, call (352) 505-1799 or fill out the online form.
Source:
cbs12.com/news/local/human-trafficking-operation-nets-two-arrests-14-victims-aided-in-broward-county-sex-trafficking-labor-trafficking-deriving-support-from-proceeds-of-prostitution-human-trafficking-of-a-minor-aggravated-manslaughter-south-florida-news-august-29-2024