INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Fifty people were arrested after a four-day undercover operation targeting human trafficking, prostitution and people seeking unlawful sexual contact with minors, authorities announced Thursday.
Operation Late Checkout ran Sept. 10-13 and was led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators made about 60 contacts during the operation. Arrests included prostitution, drug and other charges, officials said.
One person was charged with transmission of material harmful to a minor and traveling to meet a minor for unlawful sexual conduct. Three others were placed on immigration detainers for follow-up by federal authorities.
Investigators identified several human trafficking victims. Those cases and other investigations that grew out of the operation remain active. Officials said no one has been charged so far with human trafficking.
“This operation demonstrates what can be accomplished when agencies at every level work together toward the same mission,” Sheriff Eric Flowers said. “Our goal was not simply to make arrests. It was to identify victims, disrupt the demand that fuels human trafficking, and identify individuals willing to prey upon minors. I am extremely proud of the work that went into this operation and grateful to FDLE and every agency that stood alongside us.”
FDLE Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alfonso Williams said the sting was initiated by FDLE with the sheriff’s office and was the first operation of its size in the county.
“This operation shows that within our communities there are dangerous individuals committing heinous crimes who think they can get away with it,” Williams said. “Our work is far from done.”
Victim advocates trained in trafficking cases were on scene to speak with people involved in prostitution and determine whether they were being forced or coerced, officials said.
Agencies that took part included the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Altamonte Springs Police Department, Vero Beach Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
FDLE assigned agents and analysts from the Fort Pierce Field Office, the Orlando Regional Operations Center and the Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse.
Cases are being prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution, the State Attorney’s Office for the 19th Judicial Circuit and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking can call the Florida Trafficking Hotline at 855-352-7233.