According to Fox 5 News, Detectives have arrested more than 100 people in an undercover sting that targeted prostitution, human trafficking, and child predators in Polk County, Florida, including two Orlando theme park workers and a Pastor.
The nearly week-long investigation called “Operation Santa’s Naughty List” was targeted to help victims of human trafficking who may have been forced into prostitution.
“I in my heart believe that every one of these prostitutes at some point in their time in their life were a victim of human trafficking, if, in fact, they’re not currently a victim of human trafficking,” Sheriff Grady Judd said.
The Sheriff added that a large portion of those targeted answered online ads and wanted to meet with undercover detectives at a location in Polk County.
Detectives placed a Disney security guard under arrest named Rodney Davis for soliciting prostitution.
“This guy walked up to the front door of this home in a neighborhood on a cool evening buck naked,” Judd said.
A total of 124 people were arrested, five of whom had the intent to sexually harm a child, Judd said.
Fifty-three people were arrested for prostitution, a second-degree misdemeanor, and 46 were arrested for seeking the services of a prostitute, a first-degree misdemeanor, Judd said.
A professional golfer and member of the PGA, Tommy Gainey, was also placed under arrest in the sting. He reportedly told officials that he was in town for a charity golf event. “He missed his tee time the next morning,” Judd said.
Eighteen people were arrested on other charges, including aiding, transporting, and deriving proceeds from prostitution. Seven men were also arrested for soliciting prostitution.
The oldest was 70, and the youngest was 19 years old, revealed Judd.
Judd also stated that the seven women that were arrested for prostitution might be victims of human trafficking. Two of those women were taken to nearby shelters and were referred to anti-trafficking organizations for assistance and support.
Advocates say sex workers can be helped from their arrests, as well.
“The violence against them is going to be stopping for tonight. They’re going to be hearing about services,” said Christa Lynn, an advocate at One More Child.
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