Disney Employees and a Retired Judge Swept Up in Human Trafficking Sting

Polk County Undercover Operation Leads to Over 100 Arrests, Including Human Trafficking Charges

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Sheriff Grady Judd announced the results of an extensive undercover investigation, “Operation March Sadness 2,” which led to the arrest of 108 individuals, with charges ranging from human trafficking to child exploitation and prostitution solicitation. Among the most serious charges was the arrest of 32-year-old Tiffany Nash, who faces allegations of human trafficking.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Nash was arrested for trafficking another woman, whom she allegedly forced into prostitution through threats of violence. Nash is accused of taking all the money the victim earned from prostitution. She was charged with human trafficking, deriving proceeds from prostitution, possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

During a news conference on Wednesday, Sheriff Judd revealed that Nash was once employed by a KFC restaurant in Orlando, though the fast-food chain later confirmed that Nash’s employment ended in 2018 and that she did not hold a managerial position.

The victim of the trafficking case is receiving assistance from the Sarasota-based organization Selah Freedom, which specializes in helping victims of human trafficking.

Operation Targets Human Trafficking, Prostitution, and Child Predators

“Operation March Sadness 2” spanned six days, beginning on March 8, and involved multiple law enforcement agencies. The undercover investigation not only targeted prostitution but also focused on child predators.

Four individuals were arrested for attempting to engage in illegal sexual activity with minors, according to Sheriff Judd. Among them was 39-year-old Timothy Finley, who allegedly believed he was communicating online with a 13-year-old girl. Deputies say he sent a nude photo and traveled to what he thought was the girl’s residence, where he was arrested. Finley now faces several charges, including traveling to meet a minor and attempted lewd battery.

Similarly, 41-year-old Shannon Johnson was arrested after sending a nude photo and attempting to meet with a minor for sexual purposes. Johnson faces charges of attempted lewd battery and transmitting harmful material to a minor.

Jody Rose, 36, was arrested in Alachua County for engaging in sexually explicit communication with an undercover detective posing as a 13-year-old girl. Rose allegedly sent graphic images and was charged with transmission of material harmful to a minor.

Xavier Jackson, 27, a lifeguard at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, also faces charges after allegedly sending sexual images and messages to an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old girl. Disney confirmed Jackson’s employment and placed him on unpaid leave following his arrest. Jackson was charged with transmission of material harmful to a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Other Notable Arrests

During the operation, Seth Phillips, 49, was arrested after allegedly pointing a gun at two undercover detectives when a planned prostitution meet-up was canceled. Phillips was charged with attempted armed robbery, extortion, possession of methamphetamine, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The sheriff’s office also arrested 66-year-old Daniel Peters, a retired judge from Cook County, Illinois, for soliciting a prostitute. Peters, who had previously served as a special assistant for legal affairs with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, requested an attorney upon his arrest, to which Judd quipped, “Well, judge, you need an attorney.”

Another arrest included that of James Compton, 42, who left one of his children at a soccer game to meet with a prostitute. Compton, who is married with eight children, was charged with soliciting prostitution.

Sheriff Judd emphasized the importance of such undercover operations in combating human trafficking, prostitution, and the exploitation of minors. “We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our community and ensure that predators and traffickers are brought to justice,” he said.

The operation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to target criminal activity related to human trafficking and child exploitation, and underscores the need for continued vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals.

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