A three-day undercover operation targeting human trafficking led to the arrest of 29 individuals and the rescue of four victims, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Dubbed Operation Forced Labor, the initiative took place from February 6-8, 2025, at an undisclosed location in central Lake County. The operation focused on identifying, recovering, and stabilizing human trafficking victims.
Detectives from the Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg, and Mount Dora Police Departments, along with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security, assisted in the investigation. Undercover detectives used various known prostitution websites to solicit both prostitutes and individuals seeking their services.
Authorities reported that 33 individuals traveled to meet undercover officers with the intent of engaging in criminal activity, resulting in 29 arrests for prostitution and drug-related offenses. Four individuals were identified as human trafficking victims and were not charged.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from Homeland Security, provided resources to safely relocate and stabilize the rescued victims. The Florida Sheriff’s Association Anti-Human Trafficking Committee and the Emergency Assistance & Care Fund supplied financial aid for food, clothing, temporary lodging, and transportation.
One suspect responsible for trafficking one of the victims was arrested during the operation, and additional arrests related to the remaining victims are pending further investigation. Authorities will continue working with digital forensics, victim cooperation, and investigative support from Homeland Security and local law enforcement agencies.
Lead detectives plan to maintain communication with the victims and facilitate connections with non-governmental support organizations, such as the Department of Children and Family Services.
“This was a collaborative effort. Our detectives and other law enforcement partners worked very hard together to identify and rescue these victims of human trafficking and connect them to valuable resources that are available to assist them. We want these victims to know there is a way out,” said Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell.
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