SWEETWATER, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said Tuesday that his office has significantly increased efforts to combat human trafficking and child exploitation, pointing to record numbers of arrests, convictions and prison sentences across the state.
Speaking at a news conference in Sweetwater alongside law enforcement officials, business leaders and anti-trafficking advocates, Uthmeier highlighted what he described as major gains in prosecuting traffickers and child predators.
“We prosecute to the absolute fullest,” he said. “We don’t give out plea deals when people go after our kids. They need us to protect them and if you abuse that, you’re going to face the wrath of our prosecutors and law enforcement.”
Uthmeier said Florida has the right people in place to “take down these bad guys” and credited partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, nonprofits and advocacy groups for helping victims and pursuing criminal cases.
According to Uthmeier, human trafficking arrests and convictions have both increased by more than 30% since he took office, setting records for the state.
He said his office has participated in more than 1,600 arrests involving individuals accused of child abuse, child exploitation and the trafficking of women and children.
He also highlighted several recent operations, including Operation Dragon Eye, a joint effort with the U.S. Marshals Service that rescued more than 60 missing children in Florida last year. Uthmeier said a separate operation in November resulted in the recovery of 120 children across the state.
In Polk County, authorities arrested 230 alleged traffickers and predators during a recent operation, he said.
Uthmeier said several major prosecutions contributed to the large enforcement successes, including a recent 120-year sentence against longtime trafficker Marquett James in Hillsborough County, and a life sentence against child trafficker Raul Brown in Palm Beach County.
Statewide, Uthmeier said prosecutions have increased charges by more than 54%, while the number of defendants charged has risen by more than 30%. Total prison time imposed has increased by more than 10%.
Combined, those cases have resulted in sentences totaling more than 3,275 years in prison and more than $53 million in fines and restitution recovered over the past year, according to Uthmeier.
Uthmeier also framed the state’s anti-trafficking efforts as a warning to criminals who may target Florida ahead of this year’s FIFA World Cup matches, which will bring visitors from around the world to Miami-Dade County and other host cities.
“While we welcome visitors to Florida to enjoy events like the FIFA World Cup, that are set on a global stage, we need you to know: if you come to our home and take advantage of Floridians and our visitors, we will hold you accountable, added John Vecchio, assistant commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
“So as we get ready for the World Cup, we’re going to be down here in large numbers. We will be working hard with law-enforcement, we will be working with our corporate partners. We will leave no stone unturned when it comes to rooting out evildoers, people that want to traffic and go after our women and kids. And we will prosecute and we will send them away for a long time.”
Uthmeier also encouraged residents and visitors to remain vigilant for signs of human trafficking and to report any suspicious activity to authorities.
Local 10 viewers can watch the full news conference in the video below.
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