A four-day law enforcement operation in Pasco County, Florida, has led to the arrest of eight individuals on charges related to human trafficking and prostitution. The Zephyrhills Police Department, in collaboration with the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force, conducted the operation targeting commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, prostitution solicitation, and individuals seeking unlawful sexual contact with minors.

Arrests and Charges

Those arrested include Jorge Silva Montebello, 26, of Brazil, charged with human trafficking and unlawful use of a two-way communication device; Marvin Thornton, 41, of Tampa, charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex, attempted human trafficking, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and prohibited use of computer services; Glenn Logan, 69, of Lakeland, charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex and unlawful use of a two-way communication device; David Exantus, 32, of Tampa, charged with soliciting prostitution; Kendall Freeman, 18, of Tampa, charged with soliciting prostitution; Charles Derr, 32, of Dade City, charged with soliciting prostitution; Destiny Rodriguez, 28, of Houston, Texas, charged with soliciting prostitution; and Sheila Gomez-Fontanez, 19, of Houston, Texas, charged with soliciting prostitution.

Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer stated that the operation reflects the department’s continued commitment to identifying individuals who exploit vulnerable people, attempt to engage in unlawful sexual activity with minors, or contribute to the demand that commercial sexual exploitation continues.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.