Attorney General Ashley Moody today announced the formation of the Florida Human Trafficking Strike Team, aimed at combating transnational criminal organizations that exploit border policies to traffic victims into the United States. This announcement follows a multiagency operation in Tampa Bay that dismantled a significant trafficking ring and rescued 10 victims.
The Strike Team includes members from Attorney General Moody’s Statewide Prosecutors, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) analysts and agents, Hillsborough and Pasco County deputies, counter-human trafficking investigators, and victim advocates. Their goal is to assist local law enforcement in identifying and pursuing leads in trafficking cases statewide.
“Biden’s border crisis is emboldening transnational criminal organizations, and as a result, we are seeing horrific human trafficking cases right here in Florida,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “The disturbing facts of this case highlight the need for our new statewide Strike Team and demonstrate how this expert team can help coordinate efforts to take down trafficking operations and rescue victims.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass emphasized collaboration: “By working together, we have a better chance at stopping bad actors... I am grateful to Attorney General Ashley Moody for her continuous support and to our agents and agency partners for their diligence.”
In addition to direct intervention, the team provides intelligence, guidance, and support to law enforcement agencies throughout Florida. They also coordinate emergency victim support services through the new statewide human trafficking tip line, 855-FLA-SAFE.
The team is currently assisting with over 20 human trafficking cases involving nearly 40 victims. One significant case involves Lina Payne who recruited women from Colombia and Venezuela under false promises of work opportunities but then forced them into sex work under threat of violence. The investigation has led to the arrests of Payne’s accomplices Sebastian Jurado and Andres Payne.
Each defendant faces multiple felony charges. The Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle these cases.
To report suspicious activity, individuals can call the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline at 855-FLA-SAFE.