POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County authorities have wrapped up a major multi-agency investigation into human trafficking and child predators that led to 266 arrests.
The operation, titled “Polk Around and Find Out,” gained particular attention after two men were charged with child neglect for bringing children with them to meet undercover detectives for sex.
The sting involved a massive collaboration between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and several partners, including Homeland Security, the Florida Department of Children and Families, and local police departments from as far away as San Francisco.
The goal was to target those seeking to exploit others and to identify victims trapped in the cycle of human trafficking.
During the operation, detectives identified seven possible trafficking victims. These individuals were immediately offered resources and support from social service organizations like One More Child and the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, which were stationed on-site throughout the investigation.
The arrests were split between two main categories:
- Child Predators: 19 suspects were arrested for felonies related to traveling to meet a minor for sex.
- Prostitution and Trafficking: 247 suspects were arrested for various offenses, including soliciting prostitutes, offering to commit prostitution, and aiding or transporting those involved in the trade.
The statistics from the week-long surge were extensive. Detectives filed a total of 439 charges, the majority of which (298) were felonies. The suspects ranged in age from 18 to 68 and came from 11 different states and 18 different countries. Authorities noted that 167 of those arrested lived outside of Polk County.
Beyond the child neglect cases, investigators highlighted several other incidents. One woman was arrested for offering prostitution, posted bond, and was promptly arrested again after she went back online to advertise her services and met with another undercover officer. Additionally, police seized four firearms and charged 21 people with drug possession during the operation.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the suspects had a combined criminal history of over 1,000 prior charges. Of those arrested, 34 were identified as being in the country illegally, and 22 told investigators they were currently receiving government assistance.
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