- June 23, 2026
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The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Northeast Florida Inter-Agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking Task Force partner agencies, conducted “Operation Innocence Shield,” culminating in a four-day undercover operation focused on human trafficking. The primary purpose of the operation was to disrupt the online sex-market activity and human trafficking by targeting demand, identifying and rescuing victims, and apprehending offenders. Operation Innocence Shield resulted in the rescue of three human trafficking victims, as well as 10 arrests and numerous seizures.
From June 10 to 14, the FCSO Cyber Crimes Unit conducted a series of undercover operations in coordination with the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit, and the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
In the initial phase of the operation, undercover detectives responded to internet websites and platforms that advertised commercial sex services. Upon the arrival of the sex workers, detectives detained them to identify, interview, and evaluate them for indicators of human trafficking, coercion, exploitation, or victimization. During this phase, detectives identified and rescued three women who they determined were being trafficked and assisted them with obtaining services, support, and a safe living arrangement. Detectives also made six arrests of individuals on various prostitution or drug-related charges and seized narcotics, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, and a car.
In the operation’s second phase, detectives focused on individuals seeking to purchase sex services from online ads. The second phase resulted in four arrests of individuals who offered or solicited prostitution.
The third and final phase of the operation is still ongoing. Based on interviews and forensic examination of digital evidence conducted by the FCSO Digital Forensics Unit, detectives have identified and are investigating three human sex traffickers. The subsequent investigation is likely to identify additional victims, lead to further seizures of narcotics and firearms, and lead to additional arrests and charges.
“Operation Innocence Shield identified and rescued victims from the nightmarish world of human sex trafficking. Rescuing even one victim from being trafficked is priceless; this operation liberated three, and we may continue to be able to help more as the investigation continues,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I would like to thank our partner agencies, organizations, and the men and women that conducted the investigations and helped rescue three victims. I also want to warn human traffickers and those seeking sex on the internet: Watch out… you are next!”
The three human trafficking victims who were rescued were provided with resources and assistance necessary to escape the world of human trafficking. Operation Light Shine, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combatting child exploitation and human trafficking, will follow up with the rescued victims — as well as any other possible victims who may be rescued during the ongoing investigation — to ensure they continue to receive further support resources, assistance, and have the chance to break the cycle of human trafficking.
“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and collaboration of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, our Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, and all partnering agencies involved in Operation Innocence Shield,” said Operation Light Shine’s Executive Director Bryan Weight. “Their commitment to identifying victims, disrupting trafficking networks, and bringing hope to those affected by exploitation is making a real impact. At Operation Light Shine, we are honored to support these efforts and remain committed to providing the resources and technology needed to help protect more victims and hold offenders accountable.”
Those arrested during Operation Innocence Shield include:
“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and there is no place for it here,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our law enforcement partners to get these predators behind bars and keep them there. Traffickers will not be given the opportunity to re-offend in Florida."
“We are proud to work with our law enforcement partners to combat these heinous crimes in Florida and remove the criminals who commit these crimes from our streets,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Keesha Nauss. “Our priority is and always will be to protect our children, families, and communities.”
Sheriff Staly encourages residents to help save human trafficking victims by visiting the National Human Trafficking Hotline’s website and learning to recognize the signs of human trafficking. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, report it by calling 911, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-352-7233.
