A major human trafficking investigation in Polk County, Florida, resulted in the arrest of 255 individuals, marking the largest crackdown of its kind in the county’s history. The nine-day undercover operation, carried out in May 2025, was dubbed “Operation Fool Around and Find Out” and involved coordination between local law enforcement and federal agencies.
Authorities say the sweep targeted not only traffickers but also individuals engaging in solicitation, illegal immigration, and various other crimes tied to the human trafficking trade. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office led the effort, working closely with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other regional partners.
One of the most high-profile arrests was that of former NFL linebacker Adarius Taylor, who previously played for teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. Taylor is facing charges of felony negligent child abuse and misdemeanor solicitation after allegedly leaving his young child alone in a locked car while attempting to hire a prostitute—who turned out to be an undercover officer. Investigators say the child was medically vulnerable and unattended during the incident.
Beyond individual arrests, the operation shed light on broader immigration enforcement concerns. A total of 36 undocumented immigrants were taken into custody during the sting—26 of whom were not on any federal watchlist or previously tracked by immigration authorities. These individuals came from various nations, including Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, Haiti, and Brazil.
In total, the suspects now face 102 felony and 284 misdemeanor charges. Authorities also revealed the disturbing scale of criminal history among those arrested: a collective rap sheet of over 400 felonies and more than 500 misdemeanors. Charges range from violent crimes like murder and sexual assault to drug offenses, fraud, and robbery.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the operation wasn’t just about arrests—it was about rescuing victims and sending a message. “These operations are about finding the people who are being exploited, offering them a way out, and holding accountable those who perpetuate this abuse,” he said during a press briefing.
Judd emphasized that human trafficking continues to thrive under the veil of online prostitution ads and transient criminal networks. “There are no harmless victims in this crime. It leaves a wake of addiction, abuse, and broken families,” he added. He also reiterated his commitment to continuing these efforts: “This won’t be the last sting—there will be more.”
This landmark operation underscores Florida’s growing efforts to combat human trafficking, illegal immigration, and associated crimes through proactive and coordinated law enforcement strategies.
