Record Number of Arrests in Florida Human Trafficking Initiative
Florida law enforcement officials arrested 148 individuals and rescued seven victims during a human trafficking operation known as “Operation Summer Shield.”
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister shared in a press conference that the operation aimed to shield children from the risks of human trafficking, particularly during the summer months when they are more active online and out of school.
He articulated a proactive strategy, emphasizing the commitment to prevent children from being lured into exploitative situations. “From April 29, the 102 days during summer until the Friday before school resumed, we amplified our efforts to ensure that no child fell victim to human trafficking operations,” said Chronister.
Astonishingly, the first day of the operation yielded groundbreaking results, shattering prior records. “That day, we recorded the highest number of individuals seeking to purchase sex within a single day,” he noted. However, this record was swiftly eclipsed the very next day, nearly an hour before the operation’s start.
As a result, 148 arrests were made for various crimes, including 11 individuals charged specifically with human trafficking.
Among the seven victims rescued was a pair of 17-year-old girls. Sheriff Chronister took a moment to discuss four particularly egregious offenders in a sobering tone, highlighting the prevailing dangers lurking in familiar places.
One suspect, 33-year-old John Randall Craddock, was apprehended after allegedly sending inappropriate messages to someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl. As it turned out, he had been communicating with an undercover detective instead.
28-year-old Devante Kershaw also fell into the law’s grip, after reportedly attempting to groom an undercover detective for nearly a month. “When it was time to meet, Kershaw felt so sure of himself that he spent over an hour with our detective, leading to his arrest and a RICO charge, among others,” Chronister stated.
Another arrest involved 39-year-old Dontae Burton, accused of forcing a 17-year-old to engage in sexual acts for money. Sheriff Chronister disclosed that Burton posted explicit photographs of the victim on adult escort websites, coordinating encounters and collecting payment. Tragically, the young girl resided with her mother, who remained unaware of the harrowing ordeal unfolding right under her roof.
“This vile scheme persisted for about three months until we received a crucial tip, prompting our human trafficking squad to act swiftly,” shared Chronister, underscoring the urgency of their noble mission.
Lastly, 35-year-old Dennis Jose Aguilar-Maroto was identified as another predator, having reportedly first encountered his victim at the local park when she was just 16 years old. According to authorities, Aguilar-Maroto groomed her for months before paying her to engage in sexual acts once she turned 18.
His actions came to a halt when deputies discovered the pair in the backseat of a parked SUV, caught in the act. “It was during a routine patrol that we came across them, leading to Aguilar-Maroto’s immediate apprehension,” said Chronister.
Through his social media, the sheriff delivered a pointed message: “Our mission is clear — to protect our community and hold traffickers accountable.” He vowed that the efforts would not cease until each victim is safe and every trafficker faces the law. “Let me be clear: Traffickers, your days of exploiting innocent lives in Hillsborough County are over.”
As we reflect on these heart-wrenching realities, it’s a reminder that vigilance is necessary within our communities. Did you know that human trafficking generates an estimated $150 billion annually worldwide? It’s a staggering figure that underscores the importance of awareness and action against such heinous crimes.
