JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Eighteen men were arrested over three days as part of Operation Back to School, an undercover sting aimed at people trying to pay for sex.
Vice Unit detectives led the operation, monitoring websites known for solicitation and prostitution activity. When suspects arranged meetings and arrived at a local hotel expecting a sexual encounter, undercover detectives were waiting for them.
“When the men broke the law and arrived to a local hotel for an arranged sexual act, our detectives were waiting for them on the other side of the hotel room door,” JSO said.
Why operations like this matter
Investigators say stings like Operation Back to School are about more than just arrests — they are designed to reduce demand for prostitution, which authorities say is directly linked to human trafficking and exploitation.
“Operations like this lower the demand for prostitution,” JSO said. “Prostitution fuels human trafficking and exploitation. When we reduce the demand, we help reduce human trafficking.”
Anyone who notices suspicious activity is encouraged to contact authorities at 904-630-0500.
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