INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Authorities served a search warrant Thursday that resulted in the arrest of a man who now faces charges of human trafficking and drug possession.
Detectives with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Section served a search warrant at a residence in the 2400 block of 2nd Court SE as part of an ongoing investigation into prostitution and human trafficking, according to a press release.
Earlier this week, detectives identified a possible victim of human trafficking who was reportedly being coerced into prostitution, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Further investigation led to Coeneal Peacock, 65, being named as one of the parties responsible for the coercion of the victim.
When detectives served the search warrant at Peacock’s residence, two additional victims of human trafficking were discovered, according to authorities. Investigators said the home and travel trailer located on the property were being used as a brothel.
The victims, all young adults, were provided with services including emergency housing by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office victim advocates, authorities said.
Peacock was arrested faces a charge of one count of human trafficking as well as one count each of possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He is being held in the Indian River County Jail in lieu of $62,000 bond.
“Our detectives will continue to investigate the atrocities such as those committed by Peacock,” said Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar. “Forcing victims into the sex trade through coercion, intimidation, and addiction are typical of human traffickers and will not be tolerated in Indian River County. We work closely with social services organizations to help victims and with other law enforcement agencies to investigate and arrest the human traffickers.”
Those who have more information about human trafficking in Indian River County are asked to contact Detective Ross Partee at 772-978-6103. Those wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward can contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477 or visit them on the Web at tcwatch.org. Suspected human trafficking can also be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
