By Tiffany Williams –
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A sweeping summer crackdown targeting human trafficking, child predators and sexual offenders has resulted in 116 arrests and the recovery of five human trafficking victims, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Chad Chronister, joined by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, announced the results of “Operation Relentless Summer” Wednesday morning.
The operation stretched nearly two months, from June 8 through Aug. 5.
Detectives from the sheriff’s Human Trafficking Section, Internet Predator Squad and Sexual Predator Unit joined forces in an operation aimed at identifying and arresting people accused of preying on children, women and vulnerable members of the community.
Investigators used an aggressive mix of enforcement tactics, including residential search warrants, warrants tied to dark web activity, undercover online chats, hotel and motel operations, investigations involving suspects allegedly traveling to meet minors and sex offender compliance checks.
By the time the operation ended, authorities reported 116 arrests.
Five human trafficking victims were recovered.
Among those arrested was 35-year-old Frank Amiekumo, who investigators accuse of trafficking women and girls across Texas, Louisiana and Florida for approximately four years.
Detectives identified five victims connected to that case — three adult women and two juvenile girls.
Authorities believe there could be more.
Investigators said additional victims may not yet have come forward. Amiekumo is being held without bond at the Orient Road Jail.
“Human trafficking is a crime that thrives in the shadows, and operations like this one shine a light on it,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This work is not merely a job, it’s a mission, a mission to protect and preserve the very fabric of our community. Every arrest made during Operation Relentless Summer represents a predator who is no longer a threat to the families of Hillsborough County.”
Uthmeier delivered an equally forceful message following the operation.
“These human traffickers and child predators prey on the most vulnerable in our communities, exploiting women and children for their own gain,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the outstanding work of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution, 116 of these criminals are behind bars, five victims have been rescued, and one trafficker is facing three life sentences. Florida has zero tolerance for this evil, and we will continue to hunt down every last one of them.”
Selah Freedom and One More Child provided services to victims throughout the operation.
The latest arrests add to hundreds already made by the specialized Hillsborough County units.
Since its creation in 2021, the Human Trafficking Section has made 1,343 arrests. The Internet Predator Unit, established in 2024, has made 368 arrests, while the Sexual Predator Unit, also established in 2024, has made 236 arrests.
Authorities are now asking anyone who believes they have information connected to the cases — or believes they may have been victimized — to contact Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives at (813) 247-8200.
Crime Beat Nation 