NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsOctober 30, 2026Hillsborough County
Polk County Sheriff's Office arrests 281 individuals in undercover human trafficking and child predator operation
Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — News
A multi-agency undercover operation conducted by the Polk County Sheriff's Office resulted in 281 arrests targeting human trafficking, child predators, and prostitution-related offenses. The seven-day investigation, named "Polk Around and Find Out II," also led to the identification of 11 human trafficking victims who were connected with support services.
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The operation resulted in the arrest of 281 individuals—including theme park employees, a youth sports coach, and a school resource deputy—and identified 11 human trafficking victims who received assistance from support organizations and state agencies.
Key Facts
- A seven-day undercover operation by the Polk County Sheriff's Office resulted in 281 total arrests.
- The operation targeted human trafficking and child sexual predators.
- 31 of the arrests involved suspected child sexual predators communicating online and attempting to meet individuals they believed were children or guardians.
- 17 suspects were reported to work at local theme parks or resorts, including Disney World and Universal Studios.
- One suspect arrested was a head coach for a youth football and cheerleading program in Davenport.
- A 24-year-old Clermont man who previously worked as a character performer at Disney World was arrested after attempting to arrange an encounter with an undercover detective posing as a guardian.
- 239 arrests were connected to prostitution-related offenses.
- Eric Raymond, an Orange County deputy sheriff and school resource deputy at Independence Elementary School, was among those arrested for allegedly agreeing to pay for sex via an online ad.
- Investigators identified 11 human trafficking victims during the operation.
- Stacie Ham, an anti-trafficking supervisor with One More Child, was embedded with detectives to connect victims with resources such as jobs and housing.
- The Florida Department of Children and Families and the nonprofit One More Child screened individuals traveling to meet officers for signs of exploitation.
- Multiple federal, state, and local agencies participated, including the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, the Florida Attorney General's Office, and the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationFlorida Department of Financial Services“Involved in the joint-agency investigation.”PersonStacie Ham“Anti-trafficking supervisor with One More Child and survivor of human traffickin”PersonRebecca Petit“Reported on the investigation.”PersonGrady Judd“Sheriff of Polk County who commented on the operation.”locationDavenport“Location where a youth football and cheerleading program operated.”Organization10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office“Involved in the joint-agency investigation.”OrganizationUniversal Studios“Employer where some suspects reportedly worked.”OrganizationOne More Child“Nonprofit organization that provided support and screening for victims.”locationOrange County“Jurisdiction of the arrested deputy sheriff.”OrganizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Involved in the joint-agency investigation.”locationIndependence Elementary School“School where arrested deputy Eric Raymond served as a school resource deputy.”OrganizationImmigration and Customs Enforcement“Involved in the joint-agency investigation.”locationClermont“Hometown of an arrested suspect.”PersonEric Raymond“Orange County deputy sheriff arrested during the operation.”OrganizationDisney World“Employer where some suspects reportedly worked.”OrganizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“Led the joint-agency undercover operation.”OrganizationFlorida Department of Children and Families“Worked alongside detectives to screen individuals for signs of trafficking.”locationPolk County“Location of the sheriff's office and the operation.”OrganizationFlorida Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution“Involved in the joint-agency investigation.”