TAMPA, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has arrested a man following an extensive human trafficking investigation that revealed multiple victims.
Deune Dukes, 38, Tampa, was taken into custody on April 1, 2025, during an undercover operation, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives investigating Dukes uncovered two female victims who were allegedly coerced into engaging in sexual acts in exchange for drugs.
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Authorities stated that Dukes employed both narcotics and physical violence to exert control over the women, who reportedly displayed visible bruising believed to have been inflicted by the suspect.
Further investigation identified a potential third female victim of human trafficking and a fourth woman who detectives believe Dukes was in the process of grooming but had not yet forced into sexual acts at the time of his arrest.
While executing a search warrant at Dukes’ Tampa residence, law enforcement officers discovered a quantity of illegal substances, including Methamphetamine, Powder and Crack Cocaine, MDMA, and Suboxone Patches.
At the time of his arrest, Dukes had several active warrants out for his arrest, including Failure to Appear-Resisting Arrest or Detention in Retail Theft, Failure to Appear-Petit Theft, Failure to Appear-Possession of Cocaine, and Failure to Appear-Battery.
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Now, Dukes faces a slew of additional charges directly related to the human trafficking investigation, including two counts of Coerce for Commercial Sex Act by Human Trafficking, two counts of Deriving Support From Proceeds of Prostitution, Trafficking in Amphetamine 28 to 200 Grams, Possession of Cocaine, two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Sheriff Chad Chronister addressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes we confront. These survivors endured unimaginable trauma. Our top priority is protecting the vulnerable and making sure every predator responsible is held fully accountable.”
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the non-profit organization Selah Freedom is providing support and resources to the victims in their recovery process.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about human trafficking or who may be in need of assistance to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (813) 247-8200.
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