In Polk County, Florida, Sheriff Grady Judd spotlighted a diverse group of offenders, including an undocumented immigrant, a participant from the January 6 Capitol events, and a social media personality, following a comprehensive undercover operation. This sting operation led to the apprehension of 266 individuals linked to activities such as prostitution, human trafficking, and child exploitation.
On Friday, Sheriff Judd provided a candid summary of what he described as some of the most “outrageous events” uncovered during the collaborative operation, aptly named Polk Around and Find Out.
“We arrested a total of 266 individuals,” Judd announced, noting that “approximately 247 of these were involved in human trafficking activities.” These suspects had amassed “1,028 prior charges,” to which deputies have now “added 439 additional charges.”
This extensive, multi-day undercover effort in central Florida specifically aimed to dismantle networks involved in human trafficking, prostitution, and targeting child predators, as confirmed by Sheriff Judd on Friday.
The arrests spanned across individuals from 11 different states and 18 countries worldwide.
“For those who mistakenly believe this is a low-level, non-violent crime—think again. It is indeed violent and poses a significant danger,” Judd emphasized.
Among those highlighted was Ryan Yates, of Odessa, Florida, who had previously been convicted in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and later pardoned, Judd said.
“He got away with it with a federal system. But not here,” Judd said. “He came here to violate the law. We arrested him.”
At a news conference Friday, Sheriff Grady Judd highlighted several suspects, including Craig Long II, 41. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)
Judd also singled out Craig Long II, 41, a Tampa-area fitness business owner and a self-proclaimed “MAGA influencer.”
On X, Long describes himself as “MAGA to the core.”
“Well, I’m going to give him some content for his social media today. He was a previous felon who straightened up, really, what we want to see in life. Now he’s an influencer,” Judd said.
Another case involved Uno Garcia, an illegal immigrant from Cuba. Judd said Garcia brought his wife to engage in prostitution.
“So, it’s kind of a family affair,” Judd said.
Shannon Brooks of Haines City, Florida, allegedly brought a 7-year-old into a room during a sexual encounter and left the child in a bathroom.
Judd said Brooks told the child, “Don’t answer the mf-ing phone. This is the kind of parenting that we want? Come on, man. What are you doing?”
In another case, Derek Partita, 37, left a 10-year-old child in a car while attempting to meet a prostitute.
“This is a very sad situation,” Judd said.
Judd also pointed to J.R. Jackman, 27, who he said had a high-level military security clearance.
“Don’t you feel comfortable knowing a guy with top security clearance is coming to meet a prostitute?” Judd said.
Another suspect, Salvador Villarel, a county utilities employee, allegedly arrived in a government vehicle.
“He doesn’t have the county truck. He doesn’t have the county job. But he does have the county jail,” Judd said.
Of the total arrests, 247 were related to prostitution and human trafficking investigations, including suspects accused of soliciting sex, offering to commit prostitution or aiding and transporting sex workers. Another 19 suspects were arrested on charges related to child exploitation, including traveling to meet minors for sex. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities said 247 of the arrests were for prostitution-related offenses, while 19 involved suspects accused of attempting to meet minors for sex. They added that 34 of those arrested were in the U.S. illegally.
The operation involved federal, state and local agencies and is part of ongoing efforts to target both buyers and facilitators in prostitution networks, officials said. Cases remain pending.
–>
