The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) has announced the results of a human trafficking initiative dubbed Operation Lighthouse. It was conducted May 27 through August 3.
Investigators say they made seven human trafficking-related arrests and eight additional felony arrests.
“The state of Florida is consistently ranked in the top 3 for human trafficking complaints,” says TPD Sgt. Dan Warren. “In 2025, one-third of the complaints that we received involved children. The immediate need was apparent to us to put an operation together, and collaboratively we planned Operation Lighthouse.”
Warren says detectives worked alongside victim advocates to build trust with potential victims and provide opportunities for resources and support services.
“Human trafficking doesn’t just affect the victim themselves. It expands to their families, their loved ones, their friends, and communities,” Warren says. “It steals something that every human being has a right to, and that’s hope. It also robs them of their fundamental value as a person.”
The Protecting Children’s Innocence Task Force includes sheriff’s offices in Leon, Wakulla, and Jefferson counties, as well as state and federal agencies.
Here's the news release from TPD:
The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), in partnership with the Protecting Children’s Innocence Task Force, today announced the results of Operation Lighthouse, a coordinated human trafficking initiative focused on identifying potential victims, providing support services and holding offenders accountable.
The task force includes TPD, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also provided support during the operation.
Operation Lighthouse began May 27, with proactive investigative efforts and follow-up continuing through August 3. During the operation, investigators established contact electronically with approximately 140 potential victims and made in-person contact with 22 potential victims. Of those contacted, 14 individuals exhibited indicators consistent with human trafficking.
The operation resulted in six human trafficking investigations, seven human trafficking-related arrests and eight additional felony arrests for crimes associated with the investigations.
From its inception, Operation Lighthouse was designed to be victim centered. Throughout Operation Lighthouse, detectives worked alongside victim advocates to build trust with potential victims and provide opportunities to receive assistance, resources and support services.
This operation is another example of TPD’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community and holding accountable those who seek to profit from the exploitation of others.
“Operation Lighthouse demonstrates the importance of working together to combat a crime that often occurs in the shadows,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “Our mission is not only to hold those who exploit others accountable, but also to help victims recognize that there is hope beyond trafficking. Through the dedication of our investigators, victim advocates and law enforcement partners, we will continue working to protect the vulnerable and bring those responsible to justice.”
“Human trafficking is a horrific crime. This operation shows what can happen when law enforcement agencies work together to identify predators, protect victims and hold those responsible accountable,” said Sheriff Walt McNeil.
“This joint operation reflects the power of coordinated, victim-centered law enforcement work,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa acting Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Working alongside our local, state, and federal partners, HSI investigators were able to identify potential victims, connect individuals with support services, and take enforcement action against those who exploit vulnerable members of the community. HSI remains committed to supporting investigations that protect victims, disrupt trafficking networks, and hold offenders accountable.”
“Operation Lighthouse is a strong example of what can happen when law enforcement agencies work together with the right resources and support. We’re proud to stand alongside these agencies in protecting vulnerable individuals and holding offenders accountable,” said Katie Yaryan, Executive Director, Protecting Children’s Innocence Task Force.
The Protecting Children’s Innocence Task Force encourages anyone who witnesses or suspects human trafficking or other criminal activity to report it to law enforcement. Anyone with information about suspected human trafficking in Tallahassee can contact TPD at 850-891-4200. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Big Bend Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS (8477).
Individuals who believe they or someone they know may be a victim of human trafficking are also encouraged to seek help. Any tip can help law enforcement identify victims, connect them with resources and hold offenders accountable.
