TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A 43-year-old Fort Lauderdale man was arrested Monday, October 19, 2026, on multiple human trafficking and child exploitation charges after Tallahassee police located a missing and endangered minor at a motel on North Monroe Street.
Terrence Lee, 43, allegedly transported the child across several state lines and posted online advertisements seeking to sexually exploit the minor for financial gain, according to the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD).
The arrest followed a coordinated effort involving law enforcement agencies in multiple states and an automated license plate reader mounted on a privately operated tow truck.
Officers located the child hiding beneath a bathroom sink inside the motel.
Tow Truck License Plate Camera Helps Locate Missing Child
The investigation began shortly before 1 p.m. Monday when an out-of-state law enforcement agency contacted the Tallahassee Police Department requesting assistance locating a missing and endangered minor.
Authorities believed the child was traveling with an adult male.
The out-of-state agency entered information about the suspected vehicle into an automated license plate reader (ALPR) system.
A privately operated camera mounted on a tow truck subsequently detected the vehicle in Tallahassee.
The camera detection was relayed to the out-of-state agency, which provided the information to TPD.
Using the vehicle’s location, Tallahassee officers tracked it to a motel in the 2800 block of North Monroe Street.
Officers Find Minor Hiding Beneath Bathroom Sink
Within minutes of arriving at the motel, officers located and apprehended Lee without incident.
Officers then conducted a search of the motel to locate the missing child.
During the search, they discovered the minor hiding beneath a bathroom sink.
Police did not disclose the child’s age, gender or hometown, citing the circumstances of the investigation.
The department also did not provide details about the child’s medical condition or subsequent placement.
Detectives Uncover Alleged Trafficking Across Multiple States
Following Lee’s arrest, the Tallahassee Police Department’s Special Victims Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation.
Detectives determined that Lee had traveled from South Florida to another state, where he allegedly picked up the minor.
Investigators say Lee then transported the child across multiple state lines, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
The department did not identify the state where Lee initially encountered the minor or disclose how long the child had been missing.
Detectives also determined that Lee had allegedly posted online advertisements seeking to sexually exploit the child for financial gain.
Police have not released details about the advertisements, including which websites or platforms were used.
Terrence Lee Faces Six Charges
Following the investigation, Lee was arrested on six charges:
- Human trafficking of a person under 18 years of age
- Lewd or lascivious battery
- Possession of child pornography
- Possession with intent to promote child pornography
- Promoting a sexual performance by a child
- Interference with custody
The charges reflect allegations of both human trafficking and sexual exploitation involving a minor.
Authorities have not disclosed whether additional victims have been identified or whether other individuals participated in the alleged trafficking operation.
Information about Lee’s bond and upcoming court appearances was not included in the police department’s announcement.
Lee is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Police Chief Praises Multi-Agency Coordination
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell credited cooperation among law enforcement agencies for helping officers locate the missing child.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, and when that safety is threatened, we have a responsibility to act,” Revell said.
“This case is an example of strong coordination between law enforcement agencies and the dedication of our officers and detectives to help those in danger. We will pursue every lead to hold those responsible accountable.”
The case also highlights how automated license plate reader technology can assist investigators in locating vehicles associated with missing-person investigations.
In this instance, a camera operated by a private company on a tow truck detected the vehicle, providing information that ultimately helped police locate the child.
Investigation Continues; Additional Arrests Possible
The Tallahassee Police Department said the investigation remains active and additional arrests are possible.
Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance, interstate transportation and alleged sexual exploitation.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact authorities.
- Tallahassee Police Department: 850-891-4200
- Big Bend Crime Solvers (anonymous tips): 850-574-TIPS
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Anyone who suspects human trafficking activity is encouraged to report it to local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline.