Multiple victims were rescued and a man was arrested following a human trafficking investigation in Central Florida.
38-year-old Deune Dukes was arrested during an undercover operation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office last month. Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified two female victims who were forced by Dukes to engage in sexual acts in exchange for drugs.
Dukes used both drugs and physical violence to control the victims, and both women showed visible bruising, believed to be caused by Dukes.
Detectives also identified a possible third female human trafficking victim and a fourth female who Dukes was grooming but had not been forced to perform sexual acts at the time of the arrest.
While serving a search warrant at Dukes’ residence, detectives found methamphetamine, powder and crack cocaine, MDMA, and suboxone patches.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Dukes had active warrants for:
- Failure to Appear-Resisting Arrest or Detention in Retail Theft
- Failure to Appear-Petit Theft
- Failure to Appear-Possession of Cocaine
- Failure to Appear-Battery
According to HCSO, he now faces additional charges of:
- Coerce for Commercial Sex Act by Human Trafficking (x2)
- Deriving Support From Proceeds of Prostitution (x2)
- Trafficking in Amphetamine 28 to 200 Grams
- Possession of Cocaine
- Possession of Controlled Substance (x2)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
“Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes we confront,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “These survivors endured unimaginable trauma. Our top priority is protecting the vulnerable and making sure every predator responsible is held fully accountable.”
The non-profit organization Selah Freedom offered the victims support in recovery.
Anyone with information about human trafficking or in need of assistance is encouraged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (813) 247-8200.
This is an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
