It all started with what the public would call a routine traffic stop, although anyone who works with law enforcement knows there is no such thing. That stop in January caused deputies at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to launch a crucial investigation that led to the rescue of five sex trafficking victims—women who were repeatedly drugged and sold for sex.

Deputies arrested six men charged with human trafficking. I joined these deputies and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister this week as he announced the arrests and called on the public to assist with the ongoing investigation by providing more information about the criminal organization responsible for these horrendous crimes.

We are grateful to Sheriff Chronister, who serves as the Chair for the Statewide Human Trafficking Criminal Justice Subcommittee, and his highly-trained deputies. Without men and women like them, without people willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the vulnerable, criminals like those at the center of this massive human trafficking investigation would continue to wreak havoc on our communities.

As Florida’s Attorney General and Chair of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, I can tell you that human trafficking is a 24/7 criminal enterprise. Not even a global pandemic that has millions limiting personal contact and staying at home stops it from happening. But you can help us fight back. Learn the signs at YouCanStopHT.com and if you see something suspicious, speak up. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1(888) 373-7888.

By reporting suspicious activity, you can help us end human trafficking and build a Stronger, Safer Florida.