In the two weeks leading up to Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, authorities arrested 169 individuals on charges related to human trafficking. Nine juvenile sex trafficking victims were rescued—the youngest was just 14 years old. Other victims were also identified, and overall efforts to keep fans safe were a success.
But those efforts would not have been so successful without months of planning and strong partnerships among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies working with the private sector. That is why, I have spent the past several months meeting with leaders in the trucking, rideshare and hotel industries to bolster our anti-human trafficking efforts.
We are partnering with Uber so their drivers can be our eyes and ears on the streets looking out for human trafficking victims. We are also teaming up with Truckers Against Trafficking, the Florida Trucking Association and the hotel industry to enlist more soldiers in our campaign to stop this atrocious crime.
You too can help end human trafficking in Florida. Visit YouCanStopHT.com to learn what to look for and who to call if you see something suspicious.
By working together to stop human trafficking and rescue victims, we will build a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
Effort to combat human trafficking ahead of Super Bowl underway in South Florida, WINK News
Ahead of Super Bowl LIV, Ashley Moody praises human trafficking prevention efforts at Miami stop, Florida Politics
Super Bowl first test of Florida’s new defense against human trafficking, The Center Square
Ashley Moody Recognizes Sheriff's Day, WWSB Sarasota
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody Warns Of FedEx Scam Making The Rounds, CBS Miami
New Phishing Scam Targets People Expecting Deliveries With Fake Tracking Code, Space Coast Daily
State Attorneys General to Meet With Justice Officials to Coordinate on Google Probe, Wall Street Journal
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody’s Statement on the Appointment of a Special Prosecutor in the Nicole Montalvo Murder Case
Attorney General Ashley Moody issued the following statement thanking Governor Ron DeSantis for appointing a special prosecutor in the Nicole Montalvo murder case:“Today, Governor DeSantis took bold action to ensure fair and effective justice in the Nicole Montalvo murder case, and I would like to thank the Governor for taking my request and the concerns of the victim’s family seriously.
“As a former judge and prosecutor, I was unsettled by the situation in Osceola County and feared it was escalating in a manner not conducive to the ends of justice. With the appointment of State Attorney Brad King, I am encouraged that the Montalvo family will receive the justice they deserve.”
Attorney General Moody and Sheriff Chronister Announce Multi-Agency Racketeering Bust
On January 28, 2020, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the arrests of six individuals following a three month, multi-agency racketeering bust.Sheriff Chronister was joined by Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Tampa Police Deputy Chief Lee Bercaw.
The investigation, dubbed "Operation Trifecta," started in the Odessa, Keystone and Lutz areas. Detectives from HCSO's District III Office identified a residential burglary trend in those areas from September to November of last year. The defendants would arrive in a white van, dressed as construction or utility workers. They would break in through the backs of victims' homes, either through windows or sliding glass doors.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “These criminals broke into dozens of Florida homes and stole more than a million dollars’ worth of goods—all while disguised as utility servicemen and construction professionals. Thanks to the diligent efforts of my Statewide Prosecutors working with local law enforcement, the members of this burglary ring are out of these disguises and in inmate uniforms where they belong.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody joined President Donald J. Trump and Ivanka Trump for the President's Summit on Human Trafficking in Washington D.C. recognizing the 20th Anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Attorney General Moody welcomed Florida sheriffs to her Capitol Office for Sheriffs Day. This is the second straight year Attorney General Moody has hosted sheriffs on this occasion as a way of saying thank you to these law enforcement leaders.
Attorney General Moody meeting with Big Brothers Big Sisters leaders from across Florida. Attorney General Moody encourages law enforcement officers to mentor at-risk kids through the Bigs in Blue program. For more about the Attorney General's partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, click here.
Attorney General Moody speaking to members of the Florida Division of Emergency Management about price gouging inside Florida’s Historic Capitol on Emergency Managers Day.
Attorney General Moody speaking to representatives of the PACE Center for Girls organization in the Florida Capitol.
Attorney General Moody with PACE Center for Girls founder Vicki Burke and Mallorie, a child from Pasco County in the PACE program who introduced the Attorney General at the event.
Attorney General Moody greeting members of her Senior Protection Team and Seniors v. Crime during Senior Day at the Florida Capitol. For more on the Attorney General’s Senior Protection Team, click here.
Attorney General Moody with Florida Bar President John Stewart in her Capitol Office.
