PALM COAST, FL — Three women trapped in sex trafficking networks have been liberated and 10 individuals arrested following a intensive four-day undercover sweep targeting the online commercial sex trade in Flagler County.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), in collaboration with multiple state and federal regional enforcement agencies, announced the results of Operation Innocence Shield on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The targeted enforcement blitz took place from June 10 to June 14, focusing heavily on disrupting local digital sex markets, driving down illicit demand, and identifying coerced victims.
Strategic Phases Target Trapped Victims and Buyers
The multi-agency operation was executed in distinct operational phases led by the FCSO Cyber Crimes Unit and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force:
- Phase One (Targeting Trafficking & Supply): Undercover detectives arranged meetings through classified websites advertising commercial sex. Upon arrival, the responding workers were detained for interviews and evaluated for indicators of exploitation, force, or coercion. During this phase, detectives identified and rescued three human trafficking victims. Six individuals were also arrested on firearms, prostitution, and felony drug charges.
- Phase One Seizures: Investigators seized quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, assorted drug paraphernalia, an illegal firearm, and a vehicle utilized to transport workers.
- Phase Two (Targeting Demand): Detectives pivoted to focus on the buyers, utilizing decoy online listings to lure individuals attempting to purchase sex services. This phase resulted in four additional arrests for solicitation.
- Phase Three (Ongoing Trafficker Investigation): The final phase remains highly active. Utilizing forensic device extractions and victim interviews, the FCSO Digital Forensics Unit has officially identified three high-level human sex traffickers who are now the subjects of active criminal investigations.
Survivor Care and Nonprofit Reintegration
Following their rescue, the three primary victims were removed from the environment and placed into emergency safe housing.
Operation Light Shine, a specialized non-profit organization dedicated to human trafficking intervention, has assumed long-term case management for the survivors. The organization will provide comprehensive counseling, clinical support resources, and basic needs assistance to ensure the women can successfully break the cycle of exploitation.
“Operation Innocence Shield identified and rescued victims from the nightmarish world of human sex trafficking,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Rescuing even one victim from being trafficked is priceless; this operation liberated three, and we may continue to be able to help more as the investigation continues.”
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier echoed the state’s aggressive stance, labeling the trade as modern-day slavery. “We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our law enforcement partners to get these predators behind bars and keep them there,” Uthmeier said.
Operational Arrest Log
The following individuals were apprehended and booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility during the multi-day operation:
- Jennifer Ocasio, 36, of Orange City: Charged with Prostitution; held without bond on outstanding Seminole County warrants for possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
- Travonce Brewer, 37, of Jacksonville: Charged with Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Held on a $106,000 bond.
- Amanda Smith, 37, of Melbourne: Charged with Prostitution; held without bond on an outstanding Seminole County probation violation warrant linked to cocaine possession.
- Tyrazes Brown, 38, of Jacksonville: Charged with Possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. Released on a $1,500 bond.
- Katlyn Howard, 31, of Jacksonville: Charged with Prostitution, possession of fentanyl, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Held on an $8,150 bond.
- Dwight Cicero Jr., 38, of Jacksonville: Charged with Possession of cocaine and resisting an officer without violence. Released on a $3,000 bond.
- Donisha Courtney, 32, of Jacksonville: Charged with Prostitution and possession of synthetic cathinones. Held on a $2,650 bond.
- Andrew Bascom, 42, of Palm Coast: Charged with Solicitation of prostitution. Released on a $150 bond.
- Brandon Tirozzi II, 34, of Palm Coast: Charged with Solicitation of prostitution. Released on a $500 bond.
- Casey Hays, 40, of Melrose: Charged with Prostitution. Released on a $150 bond.
Community Reporting Notice: If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, report it immediately to emergency services by calling 911, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-352-7233.