Over 250 Arrested in Florida Human Trafficking Sting Including Ex-NFL Linebacker

A large-scale, nine-day undercover operation called "Operation Fool Around and Find Out" in Polk County, Florida, resulted in the arrest of over 250 individuals on prostitution and human trafficking-related charges. The operation, led by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and supported by multiple local and federal agencies, targeted offenses including soliciting prostitution, offering to commit prostitution, and aiding or abetting prostitution, with 141 charged with solicitation. Among those arrested was retired NFL linebacker Adarius Taylor, who faced charges of negligent child abuse and solicitation of prostitution after allegedly leaving his child in a car during the sting. The operation identified four potential human trafficking victims and screened 93 individuals for coercion or exploitation, providing services where needed. The suspects came from various states, and 36 were found to be in the U.S. illegally, reflecting the broad geographic reach of the crackdown. Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized that prostitution fuels exploitation, addiction, violence, and broken families, marking this as the largest undercover operation of its kind conducted by the department.