TAMPA, Fla. – More than 120 people have been arrested and 28 victims have been saved following a 90-day human trafficking operation in Hillsborough County, according to the sheriff’s office.
For the past 90 days, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s Human Trafficking Squad conducted a number of investigations under the name Operation Renewed Hope.
Over 120 arrested in human trafficking bust
According to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, detectives conducted a number of undercover streetwalker and hotel/motel operations along with online chats, in which undercover investigators posed a minors available for sex. The sheriff added that they also posed as guardians selling children for sex.
Sheriff Chronister said he chose to conduct the operation over the holidays when children are out of school and more likely to be online.