Flagler County Undercover Operation Rescues 3 Trafficking Victims, Leads to 10 Arrests

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announced on June 23, 2026, that a multi-agency undercover operation rescued three human trafficking victims and resulted in 10 arrests between June 10 and 14. Named “Operation Innocence Shield,” the four-day effort was carried out by the FCSO Cyber Crimes Unit alongside several partner agencies, including the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 7th Judicial Circuit, and the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. The operation focused on disrupting online sex-market activity, child exploitation, and human trafficking by targeting those who create demand, identifying victims, and arresting offenders.

The operation unfolded in three phases. In the first phase, undercover detectives responded to online ads for commercial sex services. When individuals arrived, detectives interviewed them and looked for signs of trafficking, coercion, or exploitation. Three women were identified as trafficking victims and were connected with services, support, and safe housing. Six other individuals were arrested on prostitution or drug-related charges during this phase. Detectives also seized narcotics, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, and a vehicle. In the second phase, detectives turned their focus to individuals who were seeking to buy sex services through online ads, resulting in four additional arrests for soliciting or offering prostitution.

The third phase of the operation remains ongoing. Using interviews and digital forensic evidence gathered by the FCSO Digital Forensics Unit, detectives have identified three suspected human sex traffickers who are currently under investigation. Authorities say the continuing investigation could uncover more victims, additional narcotics and firearms, and lead to further arrests and charges.

“Operation Innocence Shield identified and rescued victims from the nightmarish world of human sex trafficking. Rescuing even one victim from being trafficked is priceless; this operation liberated three, and we may continue to be able to help more as the investigation continues,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I also want to warn human traffickers and those seeking sex on the internet: Watch out… you are next!”

The three rescued victims are being supported through resources provided by Operation Light Shine, a nonprofit organization focused on combatting child exploitation and human trafficking. The organization will continue to follow up with the victims — and any others who may be identified as the investigation continues — to help them break free from the cycle of trafficking. “We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and collaboration of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, our Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, and all partnering agencies involved in Operation Innocence Shield,” said Operation Light Shine Executive Director Bryan Weight. “Their commitment to identifying victims, disrupting trafficking networks, and bringing hope to those affected by exploitation is making a real impact.”

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also weighed in on the operation. “Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and there is no place for it here,” said Uthmeier. “We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our law enforcement partners to get these predators behind bars and keep them there. Traffickers will not be given the opportunity to re-offend in Florida.”

The ten individuals arrested during Operation Innocence Shield are: Jennifer Ocasio, 36, of Orange City, charged with prostitution and Seminole County warrants for cocaine possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, currently held without bond; Travonce Brewer, 37, of Jacksonville, charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, held on a $106,000 bond; Amanda Smith, 37, of Melbourne, charged with prostitution and a Seminole County probation violation warrant related to cocaine possession, held without bond; Tyrazes Brown, 38, of Jacksonville, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a valid license, released on a $1,500 bond; Katlyn Howard, 31, of Jacksonville, charged with prostitution, possession of fentanyl, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, held on an $8,150 bond; Dwight Cicero Jr., 38, of Jacksonville, charged with cocaine possession and resisting an officer without violence, released on a $3,000 bond; Donisha Courtney, 32, of Jacksonville, charged with prostitution and possession of synthetic cathinones, held on a $2,650 bond; Andrew Bascom, 42, of Palm Coast, charged with solicitation of prostitution, released on a $150 bond; Brandon Tirozzi II, 34, of Palm Coast, charged with solicitation of prostitution, released on a $500 bond; and Casey Hays, 40, of Melrose, charged with prostitution, released on a $150 bond.

Sheriff Staly is urging residents to learn the signs of human trafficking and report any suspected activity. If you or someone you know may be a victim, contact 911, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-352-7233.