JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A coordinated three-day operation by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO), with assistance from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), has led to the arrest of 33 individuals allegedly involved in prostitution and related crimes. SJSO dubbed it “Operation Poppin’ Johns.” 

Charges stemming from the operation include prostitution, narcotics trafficking, illegal firearm possession, and offenses that have triggered multiple human trafficking investigations.

Authorities say the joint effort targeted criminal networks engaged in serious offenses such as sex trafficking and child exploitation. Investigators discovered disturbing trends, including juveniles soliciting sex, juveniles being forced into sex trafficking and adults knowingly engaging in sexual activity while carrying STDs.

“These are not victimless crimes,” said Sheriff Robert Hardwick. “They perpetuate cycles of exploitation, endanger public health, and erode community trust. This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting our communities and holding offenders accountable.”

The operation relied on intelligence-led policing, undercover tactics, and tight coordination between law enforcement agencies. It also prompted additional investigations now underway by the Northeast Florida Inter-agency Child Exploitation and Persons Task Force (INTERCEPT).

Officials emphasize that the crackdown is part of a broader mission to disrupt organized criminal activity across county lines and dismantle trafficking pipelines in Northeast Florida.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to local law enforcement or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

If you or someone you know is a victim of trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.