HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – Eight men face charges following a six-day undercover operation targeting human trafficking in Hernando County. Sheriff Al Nienhuis announced Thursday that detectives posed as juveniles between 11 and 15 years old online, leading to the arrests.
The suspects, ranging in age and profession, allegedly solicited or enticed the undercover detectives for sexual encounters, either through offers of payment, casual encounters, or other means. Some of the individuals traveled to meet the “minors,” while others engaged in explicit conversations online.
Among those arrested was Erick Digaudio, a DoorDash driver who battered a female deputy, according to Nienhuis.
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Another suspect, Jarrod Alamo, allegedly left his 2-year-old child at home with a relative to meet the “minor,” and a registered sex offender in Pasco County, James Brand, was also arrested.
The operation also involved the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and other agencies.
Sheriff Nienhuis expressed the gravity of these crimes, stating, “They’re monsters… There are things we can’t even talk about that I guarantee you would turn your stomach.” He urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities and report any suspicious behavior.
The eight arrested men face charges including human trafficking, attempted sexual battery, and soliciting a minor. Four are specifically charged with human trafficking.
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FDLE Assistant Commissioner Lee Massie emphasized the disturbing nature of the evidence gathered during such investigations, underscoring the importance of continued efforts to combat human trafficking.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office maintains a dedicated team to monitor potential sex offenders in the area, though undercover operations like this require extensive resources and are not conducted frequently.
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