INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — At least 50 people were jailed in an undercover, multi-agency prostitution investigation conducted earlier this month with more arrests expected, sheriff’s officials say. The men and women – mostly Treasure Coast residents – face charges related to prostitution, internet crimes against children, along with drug offenses.
Carlos Reyes-Ayala PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The probe – dubbed Operation Late Checkout – aimed to identify victims of human trafficking, lessen the demand for prostitution and capture individuals who make unlawful, sexual contact with minors.
Law enforcement officials identified several victims of human trafficking during the probe conducted Sept. 10 through Sept. 13 at several locations – including hotels – in Indian River County.
“This was an operation with a targeted goal of stopping human trafficking in the Indian River County area,” Sheriff Eric Flowers said during a Thursday news conference.
As of Thursday, no arrests were made specifically for human trafficking, though the investigation remains active, sheriff’s official say. Deputies expect to make arrests in the human trafficking cases, along with additional cases involving internet crimes against children.
The investigation involved several local, state and federal agencies including the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Altamonte Springs Police Department, Vero Beach Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution and the U.S. Attorneys’ Office.
“We are here as a result of our unwavering commitment to tracking down and arresting those who seek to harm our most vulnerable and innocent,” said Alphonso Williams Jr., special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
“This operation shows that within our communities, there are dangerous individuals committing heinous crimes who think they can get away with it. Our work is far from done.”
One arrest includes 25-year-old Carlos Marcelino Reyes-Ayala, a Texas man who traveled to Indian River County under the guise of meeting a minor for sex. An agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement posed as the 14-year-old girl and communicated with Reyes-Ayala through the online dating site Badoo.
Reyes-Ayala was charged with travel to meet after using a computer to lure child and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. Reyes-Ayala remained held Thursday at the Indian River County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Sheriff’s officials said three of those arrested were also placed on immigration detainers.
“Keeping our families and children safe is a top priority,” Williams said.
Flowers said many crimes involving sexual acts against children unfortunately go unnoticed.
“It hurts our hearts when we see these cases and when we see these kids,” Flowers said. “That’s why we bring our team together and work so hard to protect people and kids that are in a tough spot.”
Those who suspect someone may be a human trafficking victim can contact the FDLE Florida Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-FLA-SAFE.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
