In a recent Polk County, Florida human trafficking bust, law enforcement officials successfully apprehended 219 individuals, among them undocumented immigrants, a high school teacher, and three employees associated with Disney, according to authorities.
Sheriff Grady Judd disclosed the outcomes of the operation last Thursday, underscoring the significant impact of the seven-day initiative. Among the 119 apprehended prostitutes, 21 were identified as potential victims of human trafficking. Two suspects, Freddy Escalona, 30, and Maria Guzman, 36, both in the U.S. illegally, face charges of human trafficking and deriving proceeds from prostitution.
Escalona allegedly compelled a victim into prostitution after lending her money for vehicle repairs and Guzman is accused of trafficking two victims, organizing their “dates,” and profiting from their earnings. Escalona admitted to having “several females that he worked,” implying that they paid him for transportation and protection.
The operation resulted in a total of 83 arrests for soliciting prostitution, with 17 suspects facing charges related to deriving proceeds from prostitution or aiding and abetting, and eight charged with driving prostitutes to undercover locations. A total of 44 felonies and 242 misdemeanors were filed.
Sheriff Judd emphasized the significance of partnerships with social services organizations in identifying and helping victims, with 45 victims identified in similar operations this year. Out of those arrested, 35 are suspected to be in the country illegally, hailing from Cuba, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, or the Bahamas.
The suspects varied widely in background and demographics, with 41 admitting to being married, 13 receiving government assistance, 42 bringing illegal drugs to the undercover location, two possessing firearms, 18 from other states, the oldest being 76-year-old Frank Bydairk, and the youngest, 18-year-old Latrice Vilsaint.
During the operation, one man arrested left his one-year-old daughter home alone while engaging in illegal activities, claiming the dog was watching her. Notably, Russell Rogers, an athletic director at Vanguard School and teacher at Auburndale High School REAL Academy, was among those apprehended. The school district expressed disappointment, stating that such conduct has no place in their system, despite the charges not involving students. Rogers, hired in April 2013, is facing termination.
Three suspects employed by Disney and one from a Disney hotel were also arrested. Sheriff Judd expressed his disbelief at the actions of one individual who, upon seeing the police, waited for a man and woman to exit a room before entering, thinking it was his turn.
