POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office concluded a successful undercover operation targeting human trafficking despite having to end early due to the approach of Hurricane Milton.
Over five days, starting on October 2nd, 2024, the operation resulted in 157 arrests for various offenses related to prostitution, soliciting, and aiding and abetting prostitution. Three additional suspects were arrested for attempting to sexually batter children.
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This large-scale operation involved collaboration with multiple agencies, including the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Auburndale Police, Clermont Police, Davenport Police, Haines City Police, Lakeland Police, Lake Wales Police, St. Cloud Police, Tampa Police, Winter Haven Police Department, and Winter Haven Fire departments. The operation also included participation from the State Attorney’s Office, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and social services organizations like One More Child and Heartland for Children.
A key focus of the operation was identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking. Detectives screened individuals who traveled to the undercover location to engage in prostitution, offering services and support through partnering organizations. Out of 47 individuals who arrived at the location offering to commit prostitution, four were identified as potential human trafficking victims.
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Among the 157 arrests, 96 individuals were charged with soliciting a prostitute, while 14 others faced various charges including human trafficking. One suspect, 25-year-old Travis Hutchinson from Davenport, was charged with human trafficking, forcing someone into prostitution, deriving proceeds from prostitution, and battery strangulation. His victim, who had been trafficked from Colombia, bravely shared her story with law enforcement, leading to Hutchinson’s arrest.
The suspects arrested during the operation had a significant collective criminal history, with charges ranging from premeditated murder and attempted murder to kidnapping and sexual assault. Sheriff Grady Judd noted that 25 of the arrested individuals were suspected of being in the country illegally, raising concerns about the burden on taxpayers.
Three suspects stood out due to their attempts to solicit sex from minors online. They traveled to an undercover location believing they were meeting children for sexual encounters. One of these individuals, 28-year-old Branden Orr, is employed as a lifeguard at Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort. The other two suspects were identified as 34-year-old Michael Gillis from Minnesota and 30-year-old Ezequiel Mejia from Haines City.
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The operation underscores the persistent problem of human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Despite its shortened duration, the operation successfully disrupted criminal activity, rescued a victim of human trafficking, and apprehended individuals seeking to harm children. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to combating these crimes and protecting the community.
The press conference will take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday. Sheriff Judd will provide further details about the operation and the individuals arrested, including the 25 suspects in the country illegally.
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