The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has arrested two individuals, Terrance Whitfield Jr., 22, and Brittany Armstrong, 36, for allegedly trafficking and financially exploiting a 15-year-old girl who had been missing for several months.
The investigation began when the HCSO Human Trafficking Section, proactively monitoring suspicious adult escort advertisements, identified a female in an ad believed to be a missing juvenile from Hillsborough County.
On June 24, 2025, HCSO detectives, in coordination with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Lakeland Police Department, launched a joint undercover operation in Lakeland. They successfully made contact with the juvenile and safely removed her from the location.
At the scene, detectives encountered Terrance Whitfield Jr., who was with the victim and identified as her trafficker. Whitfield also had an active warrant for Failure to Appear – Driving While License Suspended.
Further investigation revealed that Brittany Armstrong, a convicted felon, had been conspiring with Whitfield to exploit the juvenile. She allegedly assisted in posting the girl in online adult escort advertisements for financial gain. Whitfield would then communicate with sex buyers, arrange commercial sexual encounters, act as security during meetings, and collect the proceeds.
Armstrong was arrested on June 27, 2025, and was found with a firearm at the time of her arrest.
“This young girl was exploited and abused by individuals who viewed her as nothing more than a way to make money. Let me be clear, anyone who preys on children will be found, arrested, and held accountable,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “I want to thank the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Lakeland Police Department for their outstanding partnership. Because of their collaboration and the relentless work of our Human Trafficking Section, we were able to rescue a child from an unthinkable situation.”
Both suspects were booked into the Polk County Jail.
Charges:
Brittany Armstrong:
- Human Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Activity (Victim Less Than 18)
Terrance Whitfield Jr.:
- Human Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Activity (Victim Less Than 18)
- Deriving Support from Proceeds of Prostitution
- Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device
This is an active investigation. Anyone who believes they may be a victim or has information about this case is urged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8000.
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