Beginning a few weeks ago, there has been an undercover investigation into human trafficking in the state of Florida. Approximately 160 people have been detained thus far as a result of the operation.
The investigation’s biggest surprise is the revelation of who was part in the operation, code-named “Fall Haul 2,” and who they are. Authorities in Florida have revealed that several of individuals detained thus far for human trafficking in the state are Disney employees and local teachers.
A Florida sheriff claimed that his office “always” seems to nab Disney employees during undercover investigations. Guillermo Perez, a Disney bellhop who tried to have sex with an undercover investigator for $80, was arrested, according to the sheriff’s office.
“Now, where would we be with an undercover operation and no Disney employees?” Sheriff Grady Judd stated. Additionally, he remarked, “Oh yes, there are always Disney employees here.”
A Disney photographer who is 26 years old was also taken into custody by the authorities. According to law enforcement, he brought a bag of skittles for the undercover detective.
“Our goal is to identify victims, offer them help, and arrest those who are fueling the exploitation of human beings and those profiting from the exploitation of human beings. Prostitution is not a victimless crime- it results in exploitation, disease, dysfunction, drug and alcohol addiction, violence, and broken families,” Sheriff Judd said in a statement.
A 26-year-old schoolteacher was also detained after being accused of soliciting the services of a prostitute. He explained to the sheriff that he was unable to go to jail since he had track practice first thing in the morning.
“No, the students have track practice in the morning, and you have jail practice,” Judd told the arrested teacher.
The procedure was explained by the sheriff as follows: if a woman is arrested for prostitution and admits they are a victim of human trafficking, the law in the state allows for authorities to wipe the charge off of their record. This is because the law recognizes the victim status as mitigating circumstances. This is the way they capture a greater number of those over the women.