Polk sheriff says 281 arrested in undercover trafficking and predator operation

Polk County deputies say a seven-day undercover operation led to 281 arrests and identified 11 human-trafficking victims, with 17 suspects telling investigators they worked at local theme parks or resorts. The sheriff’s office says the sting focused on people who prey on children and on human trafficking.

What the sheriff’s office said it found

The sheriff’s office said 239 arrests were tied to soliciting prostitutes, offering to commit prostitution or helping transport prostitutes. It said 31 arrests were tied to child sexual predators and 11 others were made, for a total of 198 felonies and 290 misdemeanors.

Detectives said 122 people who traveled to commit prostitution were screened with One More Child and the Florida Department of Children and Families to see whether they were being trafficked or exploited. All were offered services, and investigators identified 11 human trafficking victims.

Why the case matters locally

The release says 17 suspects told detectives they work at local theme parks or resorts, including Disney World and Universal Studios, and seven of those suspects were child sex predators. That is part of why the sheriff says parents should keep an eye on children’s online activity and know who the adults are in their lives.

PCSO said the operation also included federal, state and local partners, including police departments in Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Lakeland and Lake Wales.