ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) conducted an undercover sting operation over the weekend, dubbed “Operation Spooky Surprise,” resulting in the arrest of four men who traveled to meet individuals they believed were minors for sexual activity.
Detectives entered online chat rooms and websites used for human trafficking, posing as 14- and 15-year-old boys and girls. The four men were arrested when they arrived at the agreed-upon location.
The operation is part of the SPPD’s ongoing effort to combat human trafficking.
Suspects and Charges
- Thomas Ray Hill, 55:
- Human Trafficking
- Traveling to Meet a Minor
- Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device
- Mathias Padilla, 44:
- Traveling to Meet a Minor
- Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device
- Seduction of Child Using Internet or Electronic Device
- Tahquill Battle, 28:
- Traveling to Meet a Minor
- Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device
- Brandon Farrow, 32:
- Traveling to Meet a Minor
- Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor
- Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device
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