Three-day sting operation in Northeast Florida leads to 33 arrests

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a planned and collaborative effort lasting three days, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO), with support from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), successfully arrested 33 people suspected of engaging in prostitution and other related offenses. This initiative was termed “Operation Poppin’ Johns” by the SJSO.

The arrests have led to various charges, including prostitution, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and have initiated several human trafficking investigations.

Authorities say the joint effort targeted criminal networks engaged in serious offenses such as sex trafficking and child exploitation. Investigators discovered disturbing trends, including juveniles soliciting sex, juveniles being forced into sex trafficking and adults knowingly engaging in sexual activity while carrying STDs.

“These are not victimless crimes,” said Sheriff Robert Hardwick. “They perpetuate cycles of exploitation, endanger public health, and erode community trust. This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting our communities and holding offenders accountable.”

The operation relied on intelligence-led policing, undercover tactics, and tight coordination between law enforcement agencies. It also prompted additional investigations now underway by the Northeast Florida Inter-agency Child Exploitation and Persons Task Force (INTERCEPT).

Officials emphasize that the crackdown is part of a broader mission to disrupt organized criminal activity across county lines and dismantle trafficking pipelines in Northeast Florida.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to local law enforcement or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

If you or someone you know is a victim of trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.