ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. – Police in Zephyrhills, Florida, arrested eight people during a four-day multi-agency operation targeting human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, prostitution solicitation, and individuals trying to arrange unlawful sexual contact with minors.
The Zephyrhills Police Department carried out the enforcement effort alongside the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force.
Authorities charged the individuals following the operation:
Jorge Silva Montebello, 26, of Brazil, faces charges of human trafficking and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Marvin Thornton, 41, of Tampa, was charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex, attempted human trafficking, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and prohibited use of computer services.
Glenn Logan, 69, of Lakeland, faces charges of traveling to meet a minor for sex and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
David Exantus, 32, of Tampa; Kendall Freeman, 18, of Tampa; Charles Derr, 32, of Dade City; Destiny Rodriguez, 28, of Houston, Texas; and Sheila Gomez-Fontanez, 19, of Houston, Texas, were all charged with soliciting prostitution.
“This operation reflects our continued commitment to identifying individuals who exploit vulnerable people, attempt to engage in unlawful sexual activity with minors, or contribute to the demand that allows commercial sexual exploitation to continue,” Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer said. “We are grateful for the assistance and partnership of the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force. Collaborative operations such as this strengthen our ability to protect vulnerable individuals and hold offenders accountable.”
Department officials stated that human trafficking and sexual exploitation can involve force, fraud, coercion, manipulation, or commercial exploitation. Police encourage anyone who suspects human trafficking or sexual exploitation to contact local law enforcement.
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