TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Police conducted an undercover operation targeting prostitution along the Nebraska Avenue corridor on Sunday, resulting in the arrest of ten individuals and the seizure of ten vehicles.
The operation, conducted by the Street Anti-Crime Unit, focused on those soliciting prostitution.
“Prostitution is not a victimless crime and fuels the exploitation of vulnerable people. Those who pay for these services contribute to a cycle of harm and should be held accountable,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “This operation should send a clear message that we are committed to enforcing community standards and will proactively address quality-of-life concerns for those who live and work in Tampa.”
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Those arrested during the operation face charges of soliciting another to commit prostitution. One individual also faces an additional charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Tampa Police Department provided a list of resources for those who suspect someone may be a victim of human trafficking or is being exploited through prostitution:
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888, Text: 233733, https://humantraffickinghotline.org
- Florida Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-855-FLA-SAFE (1-855-352-7233)
- Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: 211, https://www.crisiscenter.com/about-us/services-programs/care-coordination/, Email: carecoordination@crisiscenter.com
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity or concerns about human trafficking by calling 911 or the Tampa Police non-emergency number at 813-231-6130.
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The following arrests were made during the operation:
Eduardo Javier Valero Yanez
DOB: 12/01/1970
Charge(s): One Misdemeanor Count of Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution and One Misdemeanor Count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Frankie L Brown Jr
DOB: 06/06/1963
Charge(s): One Misdemeanor Count of Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution
Marcelino Perez Sanchez
DOB: 01/19/1995
Charge(s): One Misdemeanor Count of Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution
Eric D Johnson
DOB: 03/22/1974
Charge(s): One Misdemeanor Count of Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution
Kenneth Wayne Seago
DOB: 01/04/1969
Charge(s): One Misdemeanor Count Oof f Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution
Freddy Cortez Noyola
DOB: 10/31/1985
Charge(s): One Misdemeanor Count of Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution
Markeith Jawuan Wilson
DOB: 07/31/1989
Charge(s): One Misdemeanor Count of Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution
Marlon Gregorio Mariano Bello
DOB: 09/18/1988
Charge(s): One Misdemeanor Count of Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution
Eric Edward Knight
DOB: 05/04/1998
Charge(s): One Misdemeanor Count of Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution
Carl Randall Domer
DOB: 10/24/1966
Charge(s): One Misdemeanor Count of Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution