Two Central Florida brothers, ages 16 and 17, were attempting to commit armed robbery of a prostitute, who turned out to be an undercover detective.
The arrests of Omar and Kalem Najjar happened as part of Operation March Sadness, a human trafficking operation conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. 228 suspects were arrested for soliciting prostitutes, offering prostitution, or aiding and abetting prostitutes in Central Florida.
The two juvenile brothers came to the location armed with a BB gun, wearing hoodies and ski masks, and creeping around the undercover location as if they were about to commit an armed robbery of the undercover detective who was posing as a prostitute whom they solicited online.
According to law enforcement, Omar and Kalem Najjar were both charged with attempted armed robbery, a felony, as well as loitering/prowling.
“During these types of undercover investigations, I can truly say that we have ‘seen it all’ and yet we are still surprised by some of the violent acts we encounter,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “These two teenagers were incredibly lucky that they did not brandish a firearm while stalking who they thought was a prostitute, at a location filled with law enforcement officers. This could have ended very badly for them. This should also illustrate just how dangerous it is to agree to have sex with someone in exchange for money – there were 13 other suspects who brought firearms to the location.”
