A Florida MAGA influencer with a large online following was among hundreds arrested during a sweeping undercover operation in Polk County targeting alleged prostitution, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation, including attempted contact with minors.
Authorities identified the individual as Craig Long, who officials said has built a significant presence on social media platforms and operates a fitness-related business in the Tampa area.
Investigators said Long was arrested on allegations tied to solicitation-related activity during the operation, according to WTSP.
Law enforcement officials said the case highlights the broad range of individuals implicated in the six-day sting.
The operation, led by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from local, state, and federal agencies, resulted in 266 arrests and 439 total charges, marking one of the largest coordinated enforcement efforts of its kind in the region, TNND reported.
Officials said the arrests included both lower-level prostitution-related offenses and more serious allegations involving attempts to meet minors for sexual activity.
Nineteen suspects were arrested on felony-level charges tied to those types of cases, while the majority of arrests stemmed from solicitation and related offenses, according to My Florida News.
Authorities also highlighted that the individuals taken into custody represented a broad cross-section of backgrounds.
Among them was a participant in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, as well as others with prior criminal histories, which collectively totaled more than 1,000 previous charges, according to investigators.
Sheriff Grady Judd referenced the arrest of Long during a press briefing, noting the contrast between public personas and the allegations uncovered during the operation.
The investigation relied on undercover tactics, including online communications and arranged in-person encounters, allowing detectives to identify suspects and document alleged criminal intent before making arrests.
Federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), assisted in the operation alongside local law enforcement partners.
Officials said 34 individuals arrested were identified as being in the United States illegally and were referred for immigration proceedings.
“We encountered 70 foreign-born nationals during this operation, so it speaks to the magnitude of what we’re seeing here,” acting field office director for ICE ERO Miami Kelly Walker said.
“Some of them have significant criminal histories before this encounter, and they’ll be brought into ICE custody after they’ve been fully prosecuted. We’ll take steps to put them in front of an immigration judge and get them out of the country.”
Authorities also said social service organizations worked alongside investigators during the operation to identify potential victims.
Individuals encountered during the sting were screened for signs of coercion or exploitation, with several identified as possible trafficking victims and offered assistance.
Additional arrests included individuals accused of narcotics offenses, theft-related crimes, and other unrelated criminal conduct uncovered during the investigation, reflecting what officials described as the broad scope of enforcement activity, FOX 13 reported.
Sheriff Judd said the operation is part of an ongoing effort in Polk County to target trafficking-related activity and individuals seeking to exploit vulnerable populations.
He added that similar undercover stings are expected to continue as part of that strategy.
All individuals named in the investigation remain subject to prosecution, and none have been convicted of new charges related to the operation at this stage.
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