Over 200 individuals, including Disney employees and a school coach, caught in Florida sex trafficking operation.
Florida Law Enforcement Agencies Collaborate to Arrest 219 Suspects in Massive Sex Trafficking Sting Operation
Officers from 10 different law enforcement agencies in Florida joined forces to apprehend a total of 219 suspects, including 119 alleged prostitutes, 35 suspected illegal immigrants, and two individuals accused of human trafficking.
Out of the suspected prostitutes arrested, 21 were identified as potential victims of human trafficking.
In a press conference titled Operation Traffic Stop 2, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd unveiled the outcomes of the sting operation. The arrested individuals encompassed a local high school coach and several employees from the renowned Disney company.
“This operation has surpassed all our previous records in terms of the number of suspects apprehended. Moreover, we have successfully identified 21 victims of human trafficking, which adds to the 24 victims identified during a similar operation in February. In total, we have identified 45 victims this year,” stated Judd in a news release.
Judd emphasized the significance of the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and social services organizations, which enables the rescued women to receive the necessary assistance and break free from their exploitative circumstances.
Immediate Support for Human Trafficking Victims
“One of the crucial aspects of these operations is that we promptly provide services to the victims of human trafficking. That is our primary focus,” emphasized Judd.
The 219 individuals apprehended during the operation had a history of numerous misdemeanor and felony charges, leading Judd to categorize them as “criminals.” However, he acknowledged that some of them may be “innocent victims” of trafficking.
According to Judd, some of the arrested individuals engaged in the sex industry to repay the “coyotes” who facilitated their illegal entry into the United States.
Among the arrested suspects was Russell Rodgers, identified as a public school teacher and athletic director at a private school. Additionally, several Disney employees were also caught in the sting operation.
“What kind of operation would it be if we didn’t arrest someone employed by Disney?” Judd rhetorically questioned.
To read the complete news release, click here.
Details of the Operation
During a seven-day undercover human trafficking operation that commenced on September 19, 2023, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit apprehended 219 suspects. The investigation received assistance from detectives representing the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Auburndale PD, Bartow PD, Davenport PD, Lakeland PD, Lake Hamilton PD, Lake Wales PD, Winter Haven PD, and Zephyrhills PD. The Office of the State Attorney 10th Judicial Circuit, State Attorney Brian Haas, members from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and various social services organizations were also involved.
The suspects who traveled to provide prostitution services underwent screening by detectives and social services organizations to determine if they were victims of trafficking or exploitation. These individuals were offered services by the social services organizations during the operation. Out of the 119 arrested prostitutes, 21 potential human trafficking victims were identified. Two suspects faced charges of human trafficking, a life felony:
- Freddy Escalona, DOB 9/6/1993, of Chicago, Illinois, was charged with Human Trafficking (F1) and Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution (F2). Escalona loaned money to a victim to fix her car and forced her into prostitution to repay the debt. He transported the victim to the undercover location and was subsequently apprehended. Escalona admitted to having “several females that he worked” who paid him for transportation and protection. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are pending.
- Maria Guzman, DOB 5/29/1987, of Orlando, was charged with Human Trafficking (F1) and Deriving Proceeds. Guzman trafficked two victims from a hotel in Orlando, arranging their “dates” and profiting from their earnings.
A total of 83 suspects were arrested for soliciting a prostitute and traveling to the undercover location to negotiate sexual services in exchange for money. Additionally, 17 other suspects were apprehended, including five who were either deriving proceeds from prostitution or aiding and abetting prostitutes, and eight who transported the prostitutes to the undercover location. Throughout the investigation, detectives filed a total of 44 felony charges and 242 misdemeanor charges.
“Not only did we arrest more suspects during this single operation than we have ever arrested before, we identified 21 human trafficking victims; during a similar operation in February, we identified 24 victims. That’s 45 victims we were able to identify this year. The valuable relationships that we have with the social services organizations who join us in these operations make it possible for these women to get help and be emancipated from this way of life.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Interesting Facts from the Operation
- 35 of the arrested individuals are suspected of being in the country illegally, and three of them were identified as victims of human trafficking. The individuals who are in the country illegally originate from six different countries: Cuba, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and the Bahamas.
- 41 suspects informed detectives that they are married.
- 13 suspects disclosed that they receive government assistance.
- 42 suspects brought illegal drugs to the location, resulting in the seizure of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
- Two suspects carried firearms to the undercover location.
- 18 suspects came from other states, including Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
- The oldest individual arrested is 76 years old (Frank Bydairk), while the youngest is 18 years old (Latrice Vilsaint).
The post Disney Employees, School Coach Among 219 Snared in Sweeping Florida Sex Trafficking Sting appeared first on The Western Journal.
What actions are law enforcement agencies taking to support the victims of sex trafficking?
Al of 255 charges against the 219 suspects, including charges for human trafficking, deriving proceeds from prostitution, aiding and abetting prostitution, and solicitation of prostitution.
The success of Operation Traffic Stop 2 highlights the dedication and effectiveness of Florida’s law enforcement agencies in combating sex trafficking and rescuing victims. By collaborating with social services organizations, the rescued victims are able to receive the immediate support they need to begin their journey towards healing and recovery.
While the operation has resulted in the apprehension of numerous individuals involved in criminal activities, it is important to recognize that some of them may be victims themselves. Many are coerced or forced into the sex industry as a means to pay off debts or survive. By providing resources and assistance to these individuals, law enforcement agencies are able to address the root causes of human trafficking and offer hope for a better future.
The involvement of individuals employed by reputable companies such as Disney serves as a reminder that human trafficking can infiltrate any industry or community. It reinforces the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement and corporate entities to eradicate this heinous crime.
Moving forward, it is vital for law enforcement agencies to continue their efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks and bring the perpetrators to justice. Through increased awareness, comprehensive training, and ongoing collaboration, we can create a society that is intolerant of exploitation and committed to the protection and empowerment of its most vulnerable members.
To learn more about Operation Traffic Stop 2 and the efforts of the Florida law enforcement agencies, please visit the Polk County Sheriff’s Office website and read the complete news release. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking and ensure that our communities are safe and free from exploitation.
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