Florida Human Trafficking Sting Leads to 228 Arrests, 13 Potential Victims Rescued

Polk County Sheriff said his department has identified ‘58 potential victims of human trafficking in one year,’ the most ever.

Mug shots of those arrested in "Operation March Sadness 2024" for offering to commit prostitution in Polk County, Fla., on March 5, 2024. (screenshot Polk County Sheriff's Department).

Almost 230 people were arrested, and 13 potential victims were rescued in a Florida human trafficking sting dubbed, “Operation March Sadness 2024.”

At a March 5 press conference, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the bust of a human trafficking operation on the west side of the county in Lakeland that led to 228 arrests and the rescue of 13 potential victims. The Polk County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) was assisted by police departments in Lakeland, Haines City, Davenport, Auburndale, Lake Hamilton, and the Winterhaven Fire and Rescue.