The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau recently conducted a three-day human trafficking operation, dubbed Operation Forced Labor. Operation Forced Labor was conducted at an undisclosed location in the central part of Lake County from February 6-8, 2025. The focus of the undercover operation was the identification, safe recovery, and stabilization of human trafficking victims. Detectives from the Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg, and Mount Dora Police Departments, along with detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security, provided significant assistance throughout the investigation. During the operation, detectives worked in an undercover capacity using various known prostitution websites to solicit prostitutes and individuals looking for services provided by prostitutes.

During the operation, 33 individuals traveled to meet undercover detectives with the intent of engaging in criminal activity, and 29 of those subjects were arrested for various prostitution and drug-related offenses. Four individuals were identified as victims of human trafficking; they were not charged. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of Homeland Security, was able to provide resources to safely relocate and stabilize these human trafficking victims. The Florida Sheriff’s Association Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, along with the Emergency Assistance & Care fund, provided the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with monetary aid to supplement necessary expenses associated with recovery and stabilization to include food, clothing, temporary lodging, and transportation.

Detectives were able to arrest one of the suspects responsible for trafficking one of the victims during their investigation. Additional arrests related to the remaining three human trafficking victims are pending further investigation. These ongoing investigations will necessitate the use of digital forensics, victim cooperation, and investigative support from Homeland Security and various local law enforcement jurisdictions. Lead detectives plan to maintain communication with the victims to support continued stabilization efforts and to attempt to facilitate relationships between victims and non-governmental support organizations, such as the Department of Children and Family Services and other organizations that provide family services and support.

“This was a collaborative effort. Our detectives and other law enforcement partners worked very hard together to identify and rescue these victims of human trafficking and connect them to valuable resources that are available to assist them. We want these victims to know there is a way out.” -Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell.