Nearly 300 Arrested in Polk County Prostitution Sting

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and several other Polk law agencies have arrested 277 people in a week-long prostitution sting.

The men and women are accused of being Johns, pimps and prostitutes. The sting was conducted at two locations and was called “Operation No Tricks No Treats.”

According to reports, five of the women arrested on prostitution charges are considered to be victims of human trafficking.

The Lakeland based anti-human trafficking organization called The Porch Light went behind the scenes during the sting. It hopes to help the women considered to be victims.

Those arrested in the sting included doctors and pharmacists, a teacher and even a Polk Sheriff’s sergeant who resigned after he was charged, according to reports.

Human trafficking involves the transportation of illegal or undocumented workers either from foreign countries into the United States or from one state to another. Individuals are often forced to work as prostitutes, in sweatshops or do some type of agricultural work.

The federal government and the state of Florida aggressively pursue those individuals who are caught and accused of sex trafficking in the state. If you or someone you love is arrested and charged with sex trafficking, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced and aggressive Florida Sex Crimes Lawyer at Whittel & Melton.

We will immediately go to work for you, from the moment you are arrested. We understand the delicate and serious nature of these sex charges and will fight aggressively to build a solid defense designed to have the charges against you reduced or even dropped entirely.

Call us today for a free consultation at 866-608-5529 or contact us online. The sooner you get in touch with us, the sooner we can begin helping you fight the charges.