Human trafficking bust: 15 arrested, 1 rescued in week-long Hillsborough County operation

Fifteen suspected human traffickers were arrested, and one victim was rescued during a week-long human trafficking operation in Hillsborough County

What we know:

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s human trafficking section conducted a multi-day operation from Jan. 23, 2025 – Jan. 29, 2025. 

READ: Tampa men, 1 with deportation order since 2019, busted with skimming devices, fraudulent credit cards: FHP

Deputies said during the operation they saw Trayvon Butler, 28, arriving with a victim at the undercover operation location.

Trayvon Butler mugshot courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Trayvon Butler mugshot courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. 

When detectives spoke with the victim, they determined that she was a victim of human trafficking.

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Butler was taken into custody and charged with coercing for commercial sex act by human trafficking, deriving support from proceeds of prostitution and transporting for prostitution. 

What we don't know:

HCSO did not provide information about the other 14 suspects who were arrested during the operation. 

What they're saying:

"The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office remains committed to fighting the heinous crime of human trafficking and protecting the vulnerable from exploitation," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Thanks to the diligent work of our Human Trafficking Section, we not only arrested individuals preying on others but also rescued a victim from this dangerous cycle."

Assisting the victim:

Selah Freedom, an anti-human trafficking non-profit organization, was contacted and assisted with housing placement for the victim.

The Source: This story was written using information from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. 

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