BARTOW, FL – In a sweeping crackdown on human trafficking, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested over 250 individuals, including a diverse array of professionals such as doctors, business owners, and a former NFL player. The operation, dubbed “Fool Around and Find Out,” spanned nine days and involved multiple agencies working undercover to tackle the serious issue of human trafficking.
The operation resulted in 244 people facing charges related to soliciting prostitution, offering to commit prostitution, and aiding or transporting prostitutes. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized that each suspect has a unique story, underscoring the complexity and pervasiveness of the issue.
Among those arrested was Adarius Taylor, a 34-year-old former linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who allegedly left his six-year-old child in the car during the operation. Sheriff Judd remarked on the situation, questioning Taylor’s judgment and highlighting the serious nature of the charges.
Another notable arrest was 48-year-old Sherry Pena, who reportedly drove her daughter, Haley Pena, to the location of the operation. Sheriff Judd recounted Sherry’s defense, claiming she was under the impression she was merely taking her daughter to purchase drugs, a rationale the sheriff dismissed as equally concerning.
The initiative also saw active participation from One More Child, a social services organization, which helped identify four potential victims of human trafficking. The organization is advocating for legislative changes to escalate the charge of soliciting prostitutes from a misdemeanor to a felony for first-time offenders, aiming to curb the demand for human trafficking.
This operation marked the first time U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) collaborated with the sheriff’s office, resulting in the arrest of 36 individuals found to be in the country illegally. Sheriff Judd encouraged communities to support similar operations, stressing that human trafficking is a widespread issue not confined to any single area.
The sheriff’s office is committed to continuing its efforts to uncover and dismantle trafficking networks. Sheriff Judd urged the public to recognize the hidden nature of these crimes, noting that perpetrators often operate in secrecy, making proactive measures essential.
This comprehensive operation serves as a wake-up call, illustrating that trafficking is not bound by geography or demographics. It calls for increased vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement, communities, and legislative bodies to effectively combat this pervasive crime.