Zephyrhills police say eight people landed in handcuffs after a four-day enforcement operation that targeted human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, solicitation of prostitution and people seeking unlawful sexual contact with minors. Investigators used a mix of undercover online work and in-person stings to flag alleged buyers, traffickers and others accused of exploiting vulnerable people. City officials say the arrests are part of a continuing push to find victims and shut down networks that profit from sexual exploitation.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, July 21, the Zephyrhills Police Department listed each arrest and said the operation was carried out with help from the St. Petersburg Police Department. Department spokesman Derek Brewer said the effort "reflects the department's continued commitment to identifying individuals who exploit vulnerable people," according to the Zephyrhills Police Department.
Who Was Arrested And What They Face
The department named eight people who were taken into custody. Charles Derr, Destiny Rodriguez, David Exantus, Sheila Gomez-Fontanez and Kendall Freeman were each charged with soliciting prostitution. Jorge Silva Montebello was charged with human trafficking and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Glenn Logan was charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Marvin Thornton faces counts that include traveling to meet a minor for sex, attempted human trafficking, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and prohibited use of computer services, according to the department's post.
How This Fits Into A Broader Enforcement Push
Zephyrhills has run similar targeted efforts before. A city press release described a separate four-day anti-trafficking operation in December 2025 that resulted in multiple arrests and victim-welfare outreach. Across the region, multi-agency stings have become routine. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, for example, held a seven-day undercover detail in September 2025 that led to more than 200 arrests and identified possible trafficking victims, highlighting how local departments and state partners team up on these cases. See the city release here and the Polk County release here.
What The Charges Could Mean Under State Law
Under Florida law, online enticement and traveling to meet a minor are treated as serious felonies. The offense of traveling to meet a minor after computer solicitation is covered in Fla. Stat. §847.0135, and solicitation and related prostitution offenses fall under Fla. Stat. §796.07. Convictions on those charges can bring prison time, fines and registration or supervision requirements. Defendants remain presumed innocent unless and until they are found guilty in court. Statute language for traveling to meet a minor is available at Fla. Stat. §847.0135, and prostitution prohibitions can be found at Fla. Stat. §796.07.
Reporting And Next Steps
The department urged anyone who believes they or someone they know may be a victim to contact local law enforcement. Florida also operates a statewide human trafficking hotline at 1-855-FLA-SAFE (1-855-352-7233) for tips and victim support, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Police say investigations linked to the Zephyrhills operation remain active, and detectives plan to keep following leads that could result in additional charges or arrests.
