HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office rescued two survivors from the horrors of human trafficking.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Squad recently conducted an undercover operation to identify and rescue victims from commercial sex trafficking and apprehend their ruthless traffickers.
Their latest effort led to the rescue of two victims who endured unimaginable abuse.
“While we celebrate these two victims’ newfound freedom, we vow to rescue, protect, and support as many survivors as we can,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Their rescue stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to their resilience and determination. Your Sheriff’s Office has the same resilience and determination to end human trafficking in our community.”
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The first survivor is barely 20 years old. She suffered for months at the hands of Roannil Fentress. Fentress, 31, initially met his victim on a popular social media dating app, where he lured her from Jacksonville to Tampa. He intentionally exploited her insecurities and vulnerabilities and coerced her into the sex industry.
Fentress seized total control of her earnings and her life. This young woman had a revenue quota of $1,000.00 per day, and when she did not meet her sales number, Fentress physically and sexually abused her.
On May 24, 2023, the victim and her trafficker responded to an escort advertisement by our detectives. From there, detectives contacted the victim, who admitted she was being trafficked.
“Thanks to the swift actions of our detectives, this victim’s nightmare was over, and Fentress was taken into custody. He has a troubling criminal history with 19 felony charges, three felony convictions, and served time in federal prison for some of his crimes. Our survivor is now receiving support and services from our partners at Selah Freedom,” said HCSO.
“The strength of this survivor inspires us to keep searching for other victims trapped in the grasp of human traffickers; it pushes us to continue supporting their healing and empowering them to reclaim their lives,” said Sheriff Chronister. “As for this suspect and any other person aiming to take advantage of another, my resounding message to you is that your reign of terror is over, and we will relentlessly pursue the path of justice to ensure that no more lives fall victim to your vile acts.”
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Our second survivor is a woman who has suffered at the hands of her trafficker for the past 15 years. She was exposed to years of extreme violence and intimidation and forced to remain under her trafficker’s physical and psychological control.
This survivor was frequently strip-searched for any money or valuables she may be hiding, and when her trafficker thought she might be pregnant, he would repeatedly punch her in the stomach to terminate a potential pregnancy.
On May 25, 2023, she was beaten again and sought help at Tampa General Hospital. Deputies who responded believed she might be a trafficking victim and immediately called our human trafficking squad.
“The courage and strength of this victim led to the end of 15 years of terror,” said Sheriff Chronister. “I am beyond grateful for and proud of our deputies for their quick response and awareness of the signs of human trafficking.”
Vanzini Hansel, 42, was arrested in Pasco County and is awaiting extradition to Hillsborough County to face several charges for his role in trafficking this victim. Hansel is no stranger to the criminal justice system, with 37 prior felony charges and ten felony convictions. At this time, investigators believe there may be more victims at the hands of Hansel.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is proud to work alongside community partners, including Selah Freedom, to end human trafficking.
If you suspect someone may be a victim or if you have information related to human trafficking, please come forward. Your information could save a life and bring justice to those who have been exploited.
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