Polk County undercover prostitution operation nets 277 arrests

Suspects included accused human traffickers

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested 277 people during a five-day undercover operation targeting prostitution and human trafficking in Central Florida, according to a news release.

Suspects arrested range from 16 years old to 74 years old and include 209 people who solicited prostitution services, 51 people who offered prostitution services and 17 people who planned to derive proceeds from prostitution or other charges, deputies said.

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The 334 charges those suspected in the crimes face include human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for sexual conduct, transmit material harmful to a minor, soliciting another for prostitution, offer to commit prostitution, transporting for prostitution, drug and paraphernalia possession, battery, violation of probation and resisting, according to a news release.

Five of the people apprehended are believed to be victims of human trafficking. During Operation No Tricks, No Treats, detectives posted ads and profiles on various websites posing as prostitutes or soliciting the services of a prostitute between Oct. 10 and Sunday. Detectives said they also replied to online ads posted by prostitutes.

"We are committed to fighting human trafficking, by arresting those who engage in prostitution and trying to identify human trafficking victims. It's no secret -- you need to stay out of Polk County if you're going to commit crime," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.

Click here to see a full list of the more than 200 people arrested and the charges they face.