CITRUS COUNTY, FL. – Throughout the month of June, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), along with fifteen other counties participated in a statewide initiative developed by the Florida Sheriff’s Association named Operation Breaking Chains.
This operation follows emerging crime patterns and has identified areas throughout the state affected by human, labor, and sex trafficking.
Persons of interest, leads, and evidence were shared with other agencies in real-time for the purpose of rescuing victims and identifying suspects engaged in human and sex trafficking.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the State of Florida is ranked 3rd in the nation for reports of human trafficking.
This operation served as a public awareness effort to inform the public of human trafficking, prevention, rehabilitation, and resources. Throughout the month, the CCSO worked tirelessly on education efforts through the use of in-person contacts, putting educational materials in the right hands, as well as posting signs in high traffic areas.
Detectives from CCSO’s Behavioral Health Unit and the Tactical Impact Unit conducted a two-day operation as part of this initiative to identify and rescue victims of human and sex trafficking. Officials worked proactively and collaboratively with members of the Intel Analysis and Victim Advocates Units in order to identify potential victims.
Overall, thirteen sex workers engaged in risky and unsafe prostitution-based activities were identified.
All thirteen individuals were provided with help and referrals to community-based services while those known to be trafficking and others profiting from this activity were arrested.
Ten out of thirteen victims had substance abuse-related issues, one was pregnant, six were previously trafficked by another individual and one resorted to this type of activity due to being homeless.
Of the thirteen victims officials discovered, nine were highly receptive to services offered and have already taken the initiative to make appointments with providers to combat their drug addiction. Additionally, one of the victims was referred to Healthy Families’ substance exposed newborn program for guidance.
“In the coming months, our Behavioral Health Unit will continue to assist these victims,” said Sheriff Prendergast. “By staying in contact with these individuals, we hope to provide them with the support they need to make a clean break from the cycle of human trafficking.”
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