Sheriff reveals 26 illegal migrants not on federal 'radar' among 255 arrested in Florida sex-trafficking sting
Share and Follow

A multi-level operation, aptly named “Fool Around and Find Out,” nabbed 255 suspected human traffickers, child sex predators and illegal migrants in Central Florida.

The Polk County, Florida, operation, conducted over nine days in May, resulted in the arrest of the highest number of individuals ever recorded in a single sting by the sheriff’s office. 

Sheriff Grady Judd told Fox News Digital that the operation was a coordinated effort with multiple law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which was embedded for the first time with the Central Florida department. 

“We made a lot of arrests. Our team preps in advance. We know what places to go on social media to find those evil people or to set up for them to come to us, so they did a remarkable job.”

Handcuffed man behind prison bars

Detectives charged a total of 102 felonies and 284 misdemeanors during the investigation. (Getty Images)

Judd said Polk County has a zero-tolerance stance on criminal activity.

“This is not the last one. This is just the last one. There’s going to be another one, and another one and another one.” 

Judd’s message is clear: those who come to Florida with criminal intent will not remain in the shadows and will be publicly held accountable.

“Florida is the vacation state. People come from all around the world with their children,” he said. “We want to make sure that it’s a safe environment, and it is.” 

“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.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chicago's bloody July Fourth weekend leaves 55 shot, 6 dead: report

Chicago’s bloody July Fourth weekend leaves 55 shot, 6 dead: report

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! During a bloody Fourth…
Texas sheriff who predicted floods says lives could have been saved

Sheriff from Texas Warned about Flooding, Believes Lives Could Have Been Saved

Floodwaters were receding in Texas on Saturday as federal, state and local…
RHOA's Eva Marcille reconciles with ex Michael Sterling two years post-divorce

Eva Marcille from RHOA reunites with ex Michael Sterling after two years of the divorce.

Eva Marcille and Michael Sterling are giving it another go. Two years…
Exclusive: New 'Bachelor In Paradise' promo highlights couples and some drama! 

New sneak peek of ‘Bachelor In Paradise’ showcases couples and drama!

We’re getting more hints as to what we can expect on season…
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac rails against MetLife Stadium grass

Niko Kovac, Borussia Dortmund manager, criticizes the quality of the grass at MetLife Stadium

The complaints about the MetLife Stadium field are unrelenting. Borussia Dortmund, the…
Woman bursts into tears over neighbor's letter

Woman breaks down crying after receiving a letter from neighbor

A Michigan couple who transformed their home into a vibrant purple cottage were…
Denise Richards' husband Aaron Phypers 'files for divorce'

Aaron Phypers initiates divorce proceedings with Denise Richards

Denise Richards’s husband Aaron Phypers has filed for divorce after six years…
A Vermont dairy farm was raided. The mixed messages from Washington since then have increased fears

Confusion and Concern Rise After Raid on Vermont Dairy Farm

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — After six 12-hour shifts milking cows, José Molina-Aguilar’s…