FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A four-day undercover operation led by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and partner agencies disrupted online sex-market activity, rescued three people from human trafficking, and resulted in 10 arrests and multiple seizures, the sheriff’s office said Tuesday.
Operation Innocence Shield was conducted June 10-14 by the FCSO Cyber Crimes Unit 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 7th Judicial Circuit and the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
The operation had three phases, officials said. In the first phase, undercover detectives responded to internet ads for commercial sex. When sex workers arrived, detectives detained them to identify, interview and evaluate them for signs of trafficking, coercion or exploitation.
Detectives identified three women who they determined were being trafficked and helped them obtain services, support and safe housing. Authorities also arrested six people on prostitution- or drug-related charges and seized narcotics, drug paraphernalia, a firearm and a vehicle.
In the second phase, detectives targeted people seeking to buy sex through online ads and made four arrests of people who offered or solicited prostitution, the sheriff’s office said.
A third phase is ongoing. Based on interviews and forensic examination of digital evidence by the FCSO Digital Forensics Unit, detectives have identified three suspected sex traffickers and said the probe is likely to identify additional victims and lead to further seizures and arrests.
“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,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “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 people rescued were given resources and assistance, and Operation Light Shine, a nonprofit that combats child exploitation and human trafficking, will provide follow-up support, officials said.
“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,” Operation Light Shine Executive Director Bryan Weight said. “Their commitment to identifying victims, disrupting trafficking networks, and bringing hope to those affected by exploitation is making a real impact.”
Those arrested during Operation Innocence Shield include:
- Jennifer Ocasio, 36, of Orange City, on a prostitution charge and Seminole County warrants alleging possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia; being held without bond.
- Travonce Brewer, 37, of Jacksonville, on charges including possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony; being held on $106,000 bond.
- Amanda Smith, 37, of Melbourne, on a prostitution charge and a Seminole County warrant alleging violation of probation in a possession of cocaine case; being held without bond.
- Tyrazes Brown, 38, of Jacksonville, on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a vehicle without a valid license; released on $1,500 bond.
- Katlyn Howard, 31, of Jacksonville, on charges including prostitution, possession of fentanyl, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia; being held on $8,150 bond.
- Dwight Cicero Jr., 38, of Jacksonville, on charges including possession of cocaine and resisting an officer without violence; released on $3,000 bond.
- Donisha Courtney, 32, of Jacksonville, on charges including prostitution and possession of synthetic cathinones; being held on $2,650 bond.
- Andrew Bascom, 42, of Palm Coast, on solicitation of prostitution; released on $150 bond.
- Brandon Tirozzi II, 34, of Palm Coast, on solicitation of prostitution; released on $500 bond.
- Casey Hays, 40, of Melrose, on a prostitution charge; released on $150 bond.
The sheriff’s office urged residents to learn the signs of human trafficking and to report suspected cases by calling 911, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-352-7233. Authorities cautioned the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests or charges may follow.