Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Arrests 148 in Major Human Trafficking Operation
TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the results of a major human trafficking operation that has led to the arrest of 148 individuals over the past 102 days. Sheriff Chad Chronister detailed the outcomes of “Operation Summer Shield” during a press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to dismantling human trafficking networks in the region.
The operation, spearheaded by the Sheriff’s Office’s Human Trafficking Squad, resulted in the recovery of seven victims and the apprehension of numerous suspects who sought to purchase sex, often under exploitative circumstances. Among those arrested were employees from prominent companies such as Uber, Amazon, and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.
Sheriff Chronister highlighted several key arrests during the operation, including:
- John Randall Craddock, accused of traveling to meet a minor with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity.
- Devonte Kershaw, charged with conspiring to traffic a victim.
- Deonte Burton, accused of sex trafficking a minor.
- Dennis Jose Aguilar-Maroto, charged with human trafficking.
One of the more shocking arrests involved Ronald Craig Favata, a paramedic with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. Favata was arrested in June after soliciting sex from an undercover deputy posing as a prostitute. According to the arrest affidavit, Favata offered $140 to the undercover officer at a hotel room that was being used as part of the sting operation.
“Our mission is clear: to protect our community and hold traffickers accountable,” said Sheriff Chronister. “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.”
State Attorney Suzy Lopez also addressed the press, emphasizing the severe legal consequences for those convicted of human trafficking crimes. “If convicted, human traffickers face a mandatory minimum sentence of life in Florida State Prison,” Lopez stated. She reassured victims, saying, “We stand with you. 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.”
The Human Trafficking Squad, established in 2021, has made significant strides in combating human trafficking in the region. Since its inception, the squad has arrested 793 individuals and successfully recovered 42 victims from trafficking situations.
The operation underscores Hillsborough County’s ongoing efforts to eradicate human trafficking and provide support to its victims. Sheriff Chronister and his team remain steadfast in their mission to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that traffickers are held accountable for their actions.
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