Local, state and federal law agents have wrapped up a major probe into human trafficking in and around Tallahassee. Leon County Sheriffs' Department Sergeant Rachel Buell was among the lead investigators in what the agencies called "Operation Cupid's Cleanup."
"As a result of this operation, we made 18 arrests, including charges such as solicitation, transportation for the purpose of prostitution and deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution."
Buell said the main priority was identifying and helping the victims of the offenders. That included providing assistance from advocacy groups, safe housing and recovery support. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, along with the other members of the anti-trafficking coalition, had this warning for offenders.
"If you're involved in these types of crimes, we're going to put your face everywhere in the community, so everybody knows who you are and we want you to know we're coming for you."
Operation Cupid's Cleanup was conducted over 3 days in early February. Investigators say several of the arrested suspects were local residents. Some came from out of state and a handful were undocumented immigrants.
