The Leon County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the arrests of 19 individuals for trying to engage in sex trafficking and the exploitation of women. Those arrested include a college professor and a guardian at a local elementary school.
The busts were made in a two-day operation in January.
Among those charged with soliciting or procuring another to commit prostitution are an oncology surgeon and college professor…a guardian at a local elementary school…a volunteer firefighter from a neighboring county…and two suspects from Louisiana.
An undocumented man facing the same charges is now in the custody of federal immigration officials.
Sheriff Walt McNeil says the busts show such crimes won’t be tolerated in Leon County.
“This operation sends a clear…clear…clear message to those involved in illegal sex trafficking in our community,” he said.
LCSO Sgt. Rachel Keller said the operation is about more than simply the arrests.
“It is about sending a strong and unequivocal message," she said. "The purchase of sex is not only illegal, but it fuels a dark and tragic industry. By targeting the demand, we reduce the power of traffickers and disrupt their operations. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that no one becomes a victim of trafficking and that those who attempt to buy and sell human beings face their due consequences.”
LCSO spearheaded the multi-agency operation, which includes Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
If you believe you or someone you know is or may be a victim of human trafficking, contact the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit at (850) 606-3300.
