‘Polk Around And Find Out’: Deputies Round Up Alleged Child Predators, Human Traffickers In Operation

Florida deputies arrested 266 people in a six-day undercover sting targeting alleged human traffickers, child predators and illegal immigrants.

Sheriff Grady Judd announced the results of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s (PCSO) six-day operation “Polk Around and Find Out” during a Friday press conference. He announced 247 arrests connected to human trafficking. Officials previously said there were 19 more apprehensions connected to child sexual predators. Of the 247 trafficking-related apprehensions, 34 are in the U.S. illegally and 22 were receiving public benefits totaling more than $15,000 per month, according to the PCSO, FOX 13 reported, citing the PCSO.

Those taken into custody carried a combined 1,028 prior criminal charges, and investigators piled on 439 new ones, according to the Judd. Suspects traveled from 11 states and 18 countries, and 35 were married, the sheriff continued. Four suspects carried firearms to the sting location, according to Judd. Two allegedly brought their children while attempting to solicit sex. Judd praised Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the agency’s work with his office, rejecting what he called false media portrayals of the agency. (RELATED: Santa Impersonator Among 19 Busted In Undercover Alleged Child Predator Sting, Police Say)

Judd singled out several of the accused by name. The PCSO allegedly apprehended Craig Long II, a Tampa fitness company owner and TikTok personality with over 500,000 followers who posts pro-law enforcement content, while he was pursuing a prostitute’s services, according to Judd.

“Well, there you go. You got arrested in a human trafficking sting,” he alleged. “Influence that for a while.” Long’s attorney entered a not guilty plea, WFLA reported.

A 44-year-old Polk County utilities employee used a government vehicle to travel to “engage in sex,” according to Judd. His supervisor allegedly thought the calls from investigators regarding the vehicle were jokes.

A 27-year-old who claimed to hold a “top security clearance” as an Air Force cybersecurity contractor “came for sex” and offered $200, according to the sheriff. “Now don’t you feel comfortable knowing a guy with a top security clearance is coming to meet a prostitute? That’s a recipe for disaster,” he said.

One woman posted bond after her initial arrest for allegedly offering prostitution, then went back online to advertise her services and traveled to another undercover location, where deputies arrested her a second time, deputies said, FOX 13 reported.

The PCSO said investigators screened 127 suspects who traveled for the purpose of prostitution for signs of exploitation and identified seven potential victims of trafficking victims, according to outlet. Social service organizations provided assistance during the operation.