Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd detailed the outcomes of a recent operation titled “Fool Around and Find Out,” which led to the arrests of 255 individuals implicated in human trafficking, child exploitation, and illegal immigration in Central Florida over nine days in May.
This operation marked a record for arrests in a single sting for the sheriff’s office, showcasing a collaborative effort with multiple law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), marking their first significant involvement in such operations with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Among the arrests, the sheriff revealed that 36 illegal migrants were apprehended, out of which 26 had not previously registered with federal authorities, effectively making them invisible until this operation. Sheriff Judd emphasized that their presence might have contributed to approximately 15% of the crimes committed during this period.
The arrested suspects represented a spectrum of backgrounds, including professionals like a medical doctor and a former NFL player, Adarius Taylor, who was reportedly intercepted while engaging with an undercover officer, leaving his vulnerable child unattended.
The investigation resulted in a staggering total of 102 felony charges and 284 misdemeanors, uncovering a disturbing pattern of serious past crimes among the suspects. Sheriff Judd underscored that the online prostitution industry perpetuates trafficking and exploitation, stating, “Prostitution is not a victimless crime.” The initiative aims to rescue victims and hold exploiters accountable.
Source: www.foxnews.com
