ORLANDO, Fla. – Nearly 30 people were taken into custody as part of a recent child sex sting and prostitution operation in Orlando, according to the police department on Friday.
In a release, police said that the operation — dubbed “Operation HEARTBREAKER” — began on Feb. 6 as a collaboration between the police department, the FBI, and the MBI, along with other law enforcement partners.
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According to police, the operation yielded 27 arrests, with suspects ranging from ages 18 - 42.
In addition, police said that an underage victim of human trafficking had been rescued as a result of the operation.
Police Chief Eric Smith issued a statement after the operation’s results were announced:
“The Orlando Police Department urges parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s social media and online accounts. In today’s digital age, it’s important to stay informed about what children are experiencing online and address any concerns promptly.
“If you notice any suspicious activity or incidents, we encourage you to report them to your local law enforcement agency. Our goal is to work together with the community to keep our children safe both online and offline.”
Orlando Police Chief Eric D. Smith
Per investigators, those arrested in the child sex sting and prostitution operation are as follows: