TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man who they say tricked a woman into a human trafficking operation.
Deputies said on Wednesday, they were called to the Rodeway Inn on North U.S. Highway 301 after an employee said a woman with disabilities needed help.
According to the sheriff’s office, the 29-year-old woman had been reported missing from Missouri and had been tricked into coming to Florida by Andre Scott, 39.
Deputies said the victim first got in contact with Scott and his girlfriend, who brought her to Florida.
The victim told deputies she was coerced into sexual activity, and detectives said messages from Scott showed that he was trying to get her to “hustle” for him.
The sheriff’s office said Scott also asked the victim about selling “explicit content online” and participating in group sex parties.
“Fighting against human trafficking and dismantling these criminal operations remains a forefront commitment to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Our Human Trafficking Section remains relentless in rescuing victims, bringing perpetrators to justice, and raising awareness to help prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.”
According to the sheriff’s office, a mental health expert from Florida Mentor helped care for the victim and helped reunite the victim with her guardian in Missouri.
The sheriff’s office said it is looking for any other victims in the situation. If you have information on the situation, call HCSO at 813-247-8200.
Due to the sensitive nature of the allegations, the woman’s identity will not be released.
