244 Arrests In ‘Fool Around And Find Out’ Sex Trafficking Sting Operation In Florida

A sweeping undercover operation by in Florida has led to the arrest of 244 individuals in connection with prostitution and human trafficking-related offenses, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The nine-day enforcement effort, titled “Fool Around and Find Out,” began on May 2, 2025, and is now the largest of its kind conducted by the department to date.

The sheriff’s office said suspects were arrested for a range of offenses including soliciting prostitution, offering to engage in prostitution, and aiding, abetting, or transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. Of those arrested, 141 individuals traveled to an undercover location intending to pay for sex, while 10 others were accused of profiting from or facilitating prostitution.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division, the Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution, and several local police departments across central Florida. Social service organizations such as One More Child and Heartland for Children, along with the Florida Department of Children and Families, were also involved in the operation to assess and assist potential trafficking victims.

Authorities identified four possible victims of human trafficking. Ninety-three individuals arrested during the operation were screened by detectives and social workers to determine whether they were being coerced or exploited, and services were offered to those in need.

In total, detectives filed 102 felony and 284 misdemeanor charges. The suspects had prior criminal histories that collectively included 400 felonies and 519 misdemeanors, with past charges ranging from premeditated murder to sexual assault.

“This is the highest number of suspects weve ever arrested during a single undercover operation — in addition to these 244 arrests, we also arrested 11 child predators who solicited who they thought were children online in order to sexually batter them,” Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement. “The online prostitution industry enables traffickers and allows for the continued victimization of those who are being trafficked. Our goal is to identify victims, offer them help, and arrest those who are fueling the exploitation of human beings (Johns) and those profiting from the exploitation of human beings. Prostitution is not a victimless crime – it results in exploitation, disease, drug and alcohol addiction, violence, and broken families.”

Among the arrestees, 36 individuals were in the U.S. illegally from countries including Venezuela, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, and Brazil. The suspects came from 12 states and 221 were from outside Polk County. Twenty-two individuals reported receiving government assistance totaling $18,617 per month.

The age range of those arrested spanned from 17 to 70. Eight suspects brought firearms to the undercover location, and 25 were charged with drug possession. Among the group were a number of military veterans, one active-duty service member, and several individuals working in the medical profession. Some suspects had been previously arrested by PCSO in similar sting operations.

The investigation remains ongoing.