JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 29 people during a three-day operation targeting individuals who used the internet to solicit sex.
“Operation County Line” resulted in 24 men and five women facing charges connected to online prostitution solicitation, according to JSO.
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JSO’s Vice Unit partnered with the Intercept Task Force and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to carry out the operation, which focused on individuals using online platforms to solicit or offer prostitution.
School guardian among those arrested
Among those arrested was a 44-year-old man, who according to his arrest report, is employed as a school guardian for KIPP, which operates several public charter schools in Jacksonville.
Police say Harvez Pierre contacted an undercover detective through an internet advertisement and arranged to meet at a pre-determined location on Collins Road. After meeting, police say a sexual conversation ensued, and he was taken into custody on June 24.
Pierre was charged with soliciting or procuring for prostitution, a first-degree misdemeanor.
News4JAX reached out to KIPP for comment and the status of Pierre’s employment. This story will be updated when we receive a response.
Operation targets online prostitution
While prostitution is classified as a misdemeanor offense, law enforcement emphasized it remains a serious crime. JSO says prostitution fuels human trafficking and spreads disease throughout the community.