What started as an undercover human trafficking investigation in Hillsborough County ended with two young women pulled from alleged exploitation and a Tampa man in handcuffs, according to the sheriff's office.
Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested 25-year-old Shamar Eduardo on Feb. 25 after rescuing two women, ages 19 and 18, who investigators say were being forced to perform commercial sexual acts. Eduardo faces charges that include two counts of coerce for a commercial sex act by human trafficking, and 23-year-old Aniyah Clinton was charged with deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. Investigators say both victims were removed from the situation and taken to safety. Booking details and court dates were not immediately available.
What deputies allege
In a March 20 post from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, investigators say Eduardo forced the two victims to perform sexual acts while he kept the profits, and that Clinton helped facilitate the operation. The arrests followed an investigation handled by HCSO's Human Trafficking Section and Internet Predator Unit, according to the agency.
The sheriff's office did not release where the victims were found or provide a specific timeline for the alleged exploitation, keeping those details under wraps as the case moves forward.
Part of a countywide crackdown
The case is unfolding as the sheriff's office leans heavily into undercover online tactics to catch people looking to exploit both minors and adults. Local reporting has highlighted a months-long sting earlier this month that led to 89 arrests and roughly 1,200 felony counts. Coverage from FOX 13 Tampa Bay detailed how detectives posed as minors or as family members online, arranged meetups, then took suspects into custody when they showed up.
Deputies credited nonprofits including Selah Freedom and One More Child with stepping in to assist people identified as victims during those operations, according to that reporting.
Charges and legal implications
According to HCSO's announcement, Eduardo faces counts that include two counts of coerce for a commercial sex act by human trafficking, while Clinton was charged with deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. Under Florida law, human trafficking involving coercion for commercial sexual activity is classified as a first degree felony, and trafficking of minors can trigger enhanced penalties, per Florida statute §787.06.
Prosecutors will decide on the final list of charges and set court dates as the investigation continues and formal records are filed.
Get help or share tips
If you or someone you know might be experiencing human trafficking, confidential help is available through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or by texting BeFree to 233733.
Anyone with tips related to this case can contact HCSO's non-emergency line at 813-247-8200. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Local victim-service organizations referenced in sheriff's office releases can provide crisis support as well as longer-term assistance for survivors.
