A multi-agency law enforcement operation in Polk County, Florida, led by Sheriff Grady Judd, resulted in the arrest of 255 individuals suspected of human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and other crimes. The nine-day sting, named ‘Fool Around and Find Out,’ was conducted in coordination with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with ICE agents embedded for the first time in the Central Florida department. Judd emphasized that the operation was a direct response to criminal activity, utilizing social media to identify and target suspects.
Among the 255 arrested were 36 illegal migrants, 26 of whom had not reported to federal authorities, making them untraceable until the operation. The sheriff highlighted that these undocumented immigrants could have been responsible for 15% less crime if not present in the country. Judd argued that such individuals often contribute to criminal activities that threaten community safety and public welfare.
The operation uncovered a diverse group of suspects, including a medical doctor, an executive from the American Red Cross, active and retired military personnel, and even a former NFL player, Adarius Taylor. Judd recounted that Taylor allegedly left his young, medically vulnerable child alone in a car while seeking sexual favors from an undercover officer posing as a prostitute. Another suspect allegedly visited the operation site while his wife was battling cancer at home, a situation that Judd described as shocking and disheartening.
Authorities charged 102 felonies and 284 misdemeanors, with suspects having a combined history of 400 felonies and 519 misdemeanors. Charges included premeditated murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, aggravated battery, and sexual assault. Judd criticized the online prostitution industry for enabling human trafficking and emphasized the sheriff’s zero-tolerance policy towards criminal activity in Florida. He vowed to continue such operations, stating, ‘This is not the last one,’ underscoring the commitment to combatting illegal activities in the state.
Judd’s message was clear: anyone attempting to exploit Florida’s environment for illegal activities will be held accountable. He assured the public that the state remains a safe place for residents and visitors, emphasizing that criminal intent would not go unnoticed. ‘If you think you’re gonna sneak here and, ‘Hey, what goes on in Florida stays in Florida’, that’s wrong,’ he said, ‘I’ll put you on blast all across the nation, and that’s a guarantee.’ The sheriff’s approach reflects a broader conservative stance on immigration and law enforcement, aligning with policies that prioritize public safety and strict enforcement of criminal activities.