Ten individuals, including several married men, were arrested in a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) sting operation targeting prostitution. The operation, dubbed “Lucky Charm,” took place on March 18th and 19th, and involved undercover officers posing as sex workers.
The sting targeted individuals soliciting or offering prostitution, with many of those arrested willing to pay hundreds of dollars for sexual acts. One man even received a phone call from “Wifey” while in handcuffs.
The JSO emphasized that prostitution is not a victimless crime, highlighting its connection to human trafficking, the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, and the potential health risks to spouses.
“Stings like this lower the demand,” the JSO stated in a release. “We’d like to thank our hotel partners for working with us to stop prostitution and trafficking in our community.”
During the operation, human trafficking experts were present to interview the women involved, looking for signs that they were being forced into the sex trade.
The JSO Vice Unit is committed to protecting the community and encourages residents to report any suspicious activity, whether online or in person.
“If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you see suspicious activity, online or in person, report it. We’re just a call away: 904.630.0500,” the JSO stated.
The public is also reminded of the 24/7 National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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