An undercover trafficking crackdown in Florida led to 89 arrests and over 1,200 felony charges, with authorities rescuing minors and warning offenders that investigators will track anyone attempting to exploit children.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media
Authorities in the U.S. state of Florida have arrested 89 suspects during a major undercover operation targeting human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of minors, officials said.
The operation, conducted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, resulted in more than 1,200 felony charges, according to investigators.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said the weeks-long operation focused on individuals allegedly attempting to purchase sex or exploit children online. Detectives posed as minors on digital platforms, leading suspects to show up at arranged meeting points where they were arrested.
During the crackdown, authorities also rescued a missing 17-year-old girl who was allegedly being exploited. Officials said Armani Hopkins, 23, was arrested in connection with the case.
Among those detained was Stephen Fabic, a 41-year-old math teacher at Hillsborough High School, who allegedly attempted to arrange a meeting with someone he believed to be a minor.
Authorities also arrested John Altieri, 69, who investigators say arranged transportation for a juvenile to travel to his home.
In another case linked to the investigation, deputies recovered a two-year-old child after receiving a tip about possible exploitation. Police arrested Peter Torres, 42, in connection with the incident.
Sheriff Chronister warned that law enforcement would continue to pursue offenders.
“If you are using a hotel room, a chat app, or a fake profile to pursue a child, we are there,” he said, adding that investigators will “follow the digital trail all the way to your door.”
The arrests come months after a joint operation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Marshals Service helped locate 122 missing children across Florida, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat trafficking and child exploitation in the region.
