Uthmeier says man was on the run for prostitution and other charges that were investigated in 2024 in Bay County.
A multi-state investigation has ended in the arrest of a suspected human trafficker who was detained in Virginia and will be extradited back to Floridaf following an investigation that lasted more than a year.
Attorney General James Uthmeier Tuesday said 40-year-old Kevin Tilcock was apprehended following a 16-month investigation involving both the Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Uthmeier said in a news release the U.S. Marshals Service actually arrested Tilcock in Roanoke, Virginia Monday.
Uthmeier said Tilcock is accused of abusing a woman and her child.
“Drugging a woman and using her young child as a way to keep her captive is a disgusting level of abuse,” said Uthmeier. “This arrest was only possible because our Statewide Prosecutors and law enforcement partners were not content with having this trafficker on the streets. They followed the evidence to bring serious charges that will keep him locked up for a long time.”
Uthmeier said Tilcock was originally arrested in August 2024 by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office on charges related to prostitution. Prosecutors later found evidence leading to charges of human trafficking.
The case centers on what investigators say was Tilcock luring a woman he knew and coerced into engaging in sexual activity for pay. Investigators say Tilcock transported the woman across Florida and Mississippi. Uthmeier’s news release said Tilcock kept the woman drugged in order to maintain her compliance. Investigators also say he threatened her that she would not be allowed to see her young son if she did not follow his directions.
Tilcock is facing charges of human trafficking for commercial sexual activity, deriving support from proceeds of prostitution and unlawful use of a two-way device.
Uthmeier said Tilcock is in the process of being returned to Florida to face the charges soon. The case will be handled by Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.