An undercover sex sting at Jacksonville Beach hotels, dubbed Operation Sand Trap, ended with 25 people in handcuffs over three days and two people identified as believed survivors of human trafficking, according to authorities. The City of Jacksonville Beach Police Department said in a social media reel that officers based themselves in beach-area hotels and went online to interact with people who were trying to pay for sex. Investigators said the two believed survivors were connected with local resources and that multiple agencies teamed up for the operation.
How the Sting Worked
According to the City of Jacksonville Beach Police Department, officers operated out of hotels near the shore and chatted online with people who were attempting to pay for sexual acts. The reel notes that the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit joined the effort and that the 25 arrests were made during a concentrated three-day period.
The video states that officers “identified two survivors of human trafficking” and connected them with services, and it reminds anyone facing an immediate threat to call 911. The post also highlights the confidential National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 for people seeking help or advice.
Who Handles These Cases Locally
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office maintains Integrity and Special Investigations units that have previously handled trafficking and victim-rescue cases in partnership with other local agencies, according to its public materials. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office documentation outlines earlier rescues and interagency coordination to target trafficking activity…