Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced results of a major operation conducted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution that led to 116 arrests and the rescue of five human trafficking victims.
The operation, dubbed Operation Relentless Summer, is expected to yield additional arrests as outstanding warrants are served. Five victims — three adults and two juveniles — were recovered and connected with support services.
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“These human traffickers and child predators prey on the most vulnerable in our communities, exploiting women and children for their own gain,” Uthmeier said.
“Thanks to the outstanding work of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution, 116 of these criminals are behind bars, five victims have been rescued, and one trafficker is facing three life sentences. Florida has zero tolerance for this evil, and we will continue to hunt down every last one of them.”
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the importance of the operation in protecting the community.
“Human trafficking is a crime that thrives in the shadows, and operations like this one shine a light on it,” Chronister said. “This work is not merely a job, it’s a mission, a mission to protect and preserve the very fabric of our community. Every arrest made during Operation Relentless Summer represents a predator who is no longer a threat to the families of Hillsborough County.”
How detectives closed in
Enforcement strategies included residential search warrants, dark web activity warrants, undercover online chat operations, investigations into individuals traveling to meet minors, and sex offender compliance checks. Those tactics allowed detectives to disrupt ongoing exploitation, identify individuals seeking to harm children, and dismantle trafficking networks.
Key suspect arrested at Tampa airport
One long-term investigation led to the arrest of Frank Amiekumo, a green card holder from Liberia. Detectives took Amiekumo into custody at Tampa International Airport with assistance from Tampa International Airport Police on a warrant obtained during the investigation. He is being held on a no-bond status.
Detectives began investigating Amiekumo in early April 2026 after multiple suspicious calls involving sexual activity and juveniles near a Tampa residence. ⚠️ [FACT CHECK: Confirm exact date investigation began and location of residence — city/neighborhood.]
The investigation revealed a pattern spanning approximately four years in which Amiekumo recruited women to dance at strip clubs, with some performing commercial sex acts or engaging in online sexually explicit platforms. He allegedly victimized women in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.
Amiekumo allegedly obtained fake identification cards for women so they could dance at strip clubs if they were minors or under 21, or to use on online commercial sex platforms to avoid detection. Prosecutors say he used physical violence, threats, and other means to control and traffic the women against their will.
The investigation identified five victims — three adult females and two juvenile females — who were rescued and provided support services. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional victims are expected to be identified.