Florida Attorney General Announces Arrests in Child Trafficking Scheme

Strategic Insights -

Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrests of Terrance Whitfield Jr. and Brittany Armstrong in Hillsborough County, Florida, for their role in a disturbing child trafficking scheme. The suspects allegedly exploited a child, advertising them on adult escort websites, and were arrested after an investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Human Trafficking Section. The Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged the two individuals with multiple felonies, including human trafficking of a minor under 18, and they will be prosecuted by Special Counsel to the Attorney General Rita Peters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Terrance Whitfield Jr. and Brittany Armstrong were arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including human trafficking of a minor under 18.
  • The investigation revealed that the suspects offered the victim a place to stay for $210 a week and then posted the child victim on adult escort sites for sexual exploitation.
  • Undercover operations confirmed both defendants' involvement, with Armstrong directly admitting to posting the juvenile online during a covert video call.
  • Whitfield Jr. faces charges of Human Trafficking of a Minor under 18 (life felony), Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (third-degree felony), and Deriving Support from Proceeds of Prostitution (second-degree felony).
  • Armstrong faces charges of Human Trafficking of a Minor under 18 (life felony).
  • The Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the case, led by Special Counsel to the Attorney General Rita Peters.

Statistics:

  • Life felony charges for human trafficking of a minor under 18 carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in Florida.
  • There were no specific statistics mentioned in the source regarding the number of victims or the scope of the operation.
  • The investigation was conducted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Human Trafficking Section.
  • Undercover operations were used to gather evidence supporting the charges.

Sources:

  • Office of the Florida Attorney General, "Attorney General Uthmeier Announces Arrests in Child Trafficking Scheme"
  • Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Human Trafficking Section, Investigation Report (date not provided)