8 arrested in Florida human trafficking operation

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis announced several arrests following a special operation involving human trafficking.

According to the sheriff’s office, the operation began on July 17, with officials posing as 11 to 15-year-olds to communicate and engage in sexual misconduct within Hernando County, with the eight individuals arrested.

“There’s things that we can’t even talk about that I guarantee you would turn your stomach,” said the sheriff.

The sheriff’s office arrested Juan Romero and Jeremy Burke, who traveled to meet an underage person for sexual activity. Another suspect, Sean Dooley, left his job to meet with an underaged minor.

Erick Digaudio, working as a Doordasher, battered a deputy who was posing as a decoy, by grabbing her inappropriately, Sheriff Neinhuis said.

The sheriff’s office also charged Jerry Berrios, the owner of a Hernando County barber shop, and Troy Hartman, who arrived in his Verizon work truck while en route to a service call.

Another suspect, Jarrod Alamo, left his 2-year-old at home with his sister-in-law in an attempt to meet a minor.

The sheriff announced that another suspect, James Brand, was already registered as a sexual offender in Pasco County.

The suspects are facing charges including human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor, battery, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the 5th Judicial Circuit said, “It happens a lot more often than you end up getting cases on so there are a lot of people that start to bite but they don’t fully commit.”

“They’re monsters,” FDLE Assistant Commissioner Lee Massie said in the press conference.

Sheriff Nienhuis emphasized the importance of parents monitoring their children’s online activity.

“They don’t think about the consequences,” the sheriff said.

“Check up on your children,” said Nienhuis. “Are they really going to Johnny’s house to play video games or are they going to meet a sexual pervert.”

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