Human trafficking sting nets arrest | Crime, Crashes and Fires | tampabeacon.com

Trafficking sting nets arrest

A man faces sex trafficking charges after detectives conducted an undercover operation at an undisclosed hotel in Hillsborough County.

A police report said Human Trafficking Squad detectives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, who monitor suspected prostitution sites year-round, had posed as customers. They responded to escort advertisements online in hopes of identifying and rescuing human trafficking victims and arresting those responsible for the crime.

On Oct. 12, undercover detectives met with two women at the hotel. Prior to entering the lobby, they observed a ride-sharing service vehicle drop them off. A male passenger was seated in the front seat. The suspect was identified as Frank Ramos Terry, 29.

Upon meeting with both women, deputies had probable cause to take both into custody, the report stated. They determined one of the women was a victim of human trafficking. They learned the suspect had forced the victim into commercial sexual acts in order to pay a debt she owed him.

Selah Freedom, an anti-human trafficking organization, assisted with getting the victim into a safe house in Hillsborough County for the night and additional services.

Terry faces charges of coercion for commercial sex act by human trafficking, deriving support from proceeds of prostitution and transporting for prostitution. He is being held at the Falkenburg Road Jail.