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FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. - Three human-trafficked adults were identified and rescued in a four-day, multiphase operation in Flagler County. As a result of the efforts of multiple law enforcement officers, 10 people were arrested on multiple related charges.
In the operation, a number of drugs, guns and cars were also seized, Sheriff Rick Staly reported.
What we know:
An undercover investigation from June 10 to June 14, conducted by the sheriff's office's Cyber Crimes Unit, worked to identify indicators of human trafficking, coercion, exploitation or victimization. During these efforts, three women were rescued, and six individuals were arrested.
In the second phase of the operation, detectives focused their efforts on individuals seeking to purchase sex services from online ads. Four more people were arrested.
"Operation Innocence Shield identified and rescued victims from the nightmarish world of human sex trafficking," Staly said in a released statement. "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."
Who was arrested? What are the charges?
What we know:
The sheriff's office released a list of 10 individuals from Seminole, Flagler, Brevard and Duval counties who were arrested based on the efforts of Operation Innocence Shield.
Five of the 10 individuals have been released on bond since their arrest.
- Jennifer Ocasio, 36, of Orange City: Prostitution, Seminole County warrants for possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Currently being held without bond.
- Travonce Brewer, 37, of Jacksonville: Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Currently being held on a $106,000 bond.
- Amanda Smith, 37, of Melbourne: Prostitution, Seminole County warrant for violation of probation in reference to possession of cocaine. Currently being held without bond.
- Tyrazes Brown, 38, of Jacksonville: Possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. Released on a $1,500 bond.
- Katlyn Howard, 31, of Jacksonville: Prostitution, possession of fentanyl, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia. Currently being held on an $8,150 bond.
- Dwight Cicero Jr., 38, of Jacksonville: Possession of cocaine, resisting an officer without violence. Released on a $3,000 bond.
- Donisha Courtney, 32, of Jacksonville: Prostitution, possession of synthetic cathinones. Currently being held on a $2,650 bond.
- Andrew Bascom, 42, of Palm Coast: Solicitation of prostitution. Released on a $150 bond.
- Brandon Tirozzi II, 34, of Palm Coast: Solicitation of prostitution. Released on a $500 bond.
- Casey Hays, 40, of Melrose: Prostitution. Released on a $150 bond.
What you can do:
Victims of human trafficking or people who may know a victim can receive assistance by contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 and the Florida hotline at 855-352-7233.
What's next:
As the investigation is ongoing and heads into phase three, the sheriff's office anticipates more arrests will be made, Staly said.
The Source: Information in this story was gathered from a June 23 press conference with the Flagler County Sheriff's office.