Over a Hundred Caught in Major Human Trafficking Sting

A Hillsborough County paramedic was among 148 suspects arrested in a major human trafficking sting operation that lasted 102 days and rescued seven victims, including two minors.

At a Glance

Operation Summer Shield resulted in 148 arrests and 7 victims rescued
11 suspects were charged with human trafficking
Two 17-year-old girls were among the rescued victims
Notable arrests include individuals grooming and exploiting minors
Those arrested included employees from Uber, Amazon, and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

Massive Human Trafficking Operation Unveiled

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has concluded a 102-day operation targeting human trafficking in the area. Operation Summer Shield, conducted by the HCSO’s Human Trafficking Squad, led to the arrest of 148 individuals and the rescue of seven victims, including two 17-year-old girls.

148 Arrested, 7 Victims Rescued in Hillsborough County Human Trafficking Bust, Sheriff Reports. pic.twitter.com/toizDhwmML

— OpenEyeReports (@OpenEyeReports) August 20, 2024

Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the operation’s focus on protecting children during the summer break. The sting operation was so successful that law enforcement had to rent additional rooms to meet with suspects due to high demand.

Notable Arrests and Charges

Among those arrested were 11 individuals charged with human trafficking. The operation also netted several high-profile suspects, including employees from Uber, Amazon, and shockingly, a paramedic from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

“Our mission is clear: to protect our community and hold traffickers accountable,” Chronister said. “We will not rest until every victim is safe and every trafficker is behind bars. Let me be clear: traffickers, your days of exploiting innocent people are over in Hillsborough County.”

Four arrests were particularly noteworthy:

John Randall Craddock, 33, sent explicit messages to an individual he believed to be 15 years old.
Devante Kershaw, 28, communicated with an undercover detective for a month before attempting to meet.
Dontae Burton, 39, forced a 17-year-old into prostitution.
Dennis Jose Aguilar-Maroto, 35, groomed and paid a teenager for sexual acts.

Legal Consequences and Victim Support

State Attorney Suzy Lopez highlighted the severe consequences awaiting those convicted of human trafficking in Florida. Convicted traffickers face a mandatory minimum life sentence in Florida State Prison, demonstrating the state’s commitment to combating this heinous crime.

“I want victims of human to know we stand with you,” Lopez said. “The State Attorney’s Office here in Hillsborough County will vigorously prosecute anyone responsible for these horrific crimes and we don’t just fight for justice, we connect victims with the services that they need. Every survivor in our office gets a victim advocate, who helps them with the entire court process.”

The State Attorney’s Office provides victim advocates to help survivors through the court process, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary for recovery. The two minor victims rescued during the operation were placed under the care of One More Child, an organization dedicated to helping trafficking survivors.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking

Since its establishment in 2021, the HCSO Human Trafficking Squad has made significant strides in combating this pervasive issue. To date, the squad has arrested 793 individuals and recovered 42 victims, highlighting the scale of the problem and the importance of continued vigilance.

Sheriff Chronister’s words serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against human trafficking: “From April 29, the 102 days during summer until Friday before school started, we really ramped up our efforts to combat human trafficking to assure that no child fell victim to human trafficking operations.”

As Operation Summer Shield comes to a close, law enforcement officials remain committed to eradicating human trafficking in Hillsborough County and beyond. The success of this operation serves as a warning to traffickers and a beacon of hope for victims, demonstrating that justice will be served, and help is available for those in need.