Former NFL Linebacker Adarius Taylor Arrested in Florida Human Trafficking Sting with 255 Others

Former NFL linebacker Adarius Taylor was arrested in Florida as part of a large-scale human trafficking sting operation named "Operation Fool Around and Find Out," which resulted in the arrest of over 250 individuals. Taylor faces misdemeanor charges for solicitation of prostitution after responding to an online escort advertisement and felony charges for negligent child abuse without bodily harm for leaving his six-year-old child unattended in a locked vehicle during the operation. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd publicly criticized Taylor's actions, highlighting the presence of the child at the sting site and noting Taylor's prior NFL career. Taylor played seven seasons in the NFL with teams including the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Cleveland Browns, with his last NFL appearance in 2020. The operation targeted a range of crimes including prostitution, child endangerment, and immigration violations. Following his arrest, Taylor was released on bond, and his child was taken into custody by the Florida Department of Children and Families.