Photo: Professor25 / iStock / Getty Images
Polk County, FL - Polk County law enforcement conducted a seven-day undercover operation resulting in 246 arrests related to human trafficking, prostitution, and child sexual exploitation.
The operation, known as “Fool Around and Find Out - Again,” focused on removing dangerous individuals from the community and protecting vulnerable populations.
Of the total arrests, 230 involved prostitution-related offenses, while 16 individuals were arrested for allegedly attempting to sexually exploit minors.
Sheriff Grady Judd reported that the ages of those arrested ranged from 18 to 67.
Forty-six of the suspects were in the United States illegally, while the majority were residents of Florida, including 37 from Polk County.
Many of the individuals arrested were repeat offenders, collectively holding over 650 prior charges.
The operation was a coordinated effort involving the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division, Florida Department of Financial Services, and multiple local police departments.
Social service organizations assisted in identifying potential human trafficking victims and providing support services.
Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the importance of keeping offenders off the streets and ensuring the safety of children.
Officials reported that the arrests include 89 felony charges within a total of 371 charges filed against the suspects.