HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office successfully concluded Operation Summer Shield, resulting in the arrest of 148 individuals, including 11 charged with human trafficking.
Seven victims were rescued, including five adult women and two 17-year-old juveniles.
The operation aimed to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Sheriff Chad Chronister highlighted several egregious offenders, including 33-year-old John Randall Craddock, who traveled from Alabama to Florida with the intention of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl he met online. Craddock was unaware that he was communicating with undercover detectives and was arrested upon his arrival.
Another offender, 28-year-old Devante Kershaw, planned to exploit women for profit by taking 60% of their earnings from performing sex acts. He was apprehended after attempting to recruit an undercover detective into his scheme.
A disturbing case involved a 17-year-old girl who was being forced into sex trafficking by her trafficker, Dontae Burton, while living at home with her unsuspecting mother. Burton was arrested and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The operation also led to the arrest of Dennis Aguilar-Morato, who met his victim when she was 16 and later engaged in sexual activity with her in exchange for money once she turned 17. He was charged with human trafficking.
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“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you work, you’re never above committing a crime, you’re never above the law and we will hold you accountable here. What we’ve seen is a trend when we’re doing these operations, whether you’re in the military, whether you’re a physician, whether you’re a paramedic, whether you’re a law enforcement officer, no one is above the law and you will be held accountable and prosecuted here in Hillsborough County,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
Sheriff Chronister expressed his gratitude to the Human Trafficking Squad for their dedication and hard work in protecting the community. He also acknowledged the collaboration with State Attorney Susan Lopez and her team in prosecuting these cases.
State Attorney Lopez emphasized the importance of combating human trafficking and assured victims that they have the support of the criminal justice system. She highlighted the difficulty of prosecuting such cases due to the fear and vulnerability of the victims.
“Human trafficking victims are often people like you and me who fall into a tough situation and don’t feel that they can find their way out. I am in awe of the brave victims who tell their story to help prosecute traffickers so we in the criminal justice system can hold them accountable,” said Lopez. “I want victims of human trafficking to know that we stand with you. Tthe state attorney’s office here in Hillsborough County will vigorously prosecute anyone responsible for these horrific crimes.”
The operation sends a clear message that human trafficking will not be tolerated in Hillsborough County, and those who engage in such crimes will be held accountable.
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