In a daring nine-day undercover operation dubbed “Fool Around and Find Out,” the Pope County sheriff’s office in Florida arrested over 250 suspects between May 2 and May 10, 2025. This would mark the most significant single-operation arrest in the agency’s history. Sheriff Grady Judd was the man in charge. The operation’s primary focus was on human trafficking, child predators, and illegal immigration. This operation wasn’t messing around. They invited ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and local law enforcement to all work together. During a May 16 press conference, it was stated that the operations had sent a forceful message: if you break the law, you will face severe consequences.

One hundred forty-one suspects were arrested for soliciting prostitutes, 93 for offering to commit prostitution for related prostitution crimes, and 11 for child sex-related offenses. This was nothing short of impressive. Some notable arrests: Adrian Taylor, a retired NFL player, was charged with soliciting prostitution and leaving his six-year-old child in the car During the act. Resulting in child neglect charges. There was even a Red Cross exec and medical professionals. This highlights the fact that criminals can be anyone. Sheriff Judd noted that the youngest they arrested was 17, and the oldest was 70, quite the range.

Thirty-six of the arrests were illegal immigrants. That’s around 15% of the total arrested. Judd, emphasizing ice is cooperation, revealed that 22 individuals were receiving government assistance. This operation also confiscated eight firearms and located for potential human trafficking victims. The trafficking victims were offered support services by supporting agencies. The suspects had a total criminal history of 400 past felonies and 519 past misdemeanors. All this combined highlighted the impact on repeat offenders.

A portion of the sting, labeled “Operation Child Protector VI,” focused on child predators. This reinforced the sheriff’s department’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. Judd held nothing back, stating, “Fool around and find out,” he warned. Our folks stand in the gap between good and evil.” 

Judd’s warning is a blunt reminder that it’s not a matter of “if.” It’s a matter of “when.” If you break the law, expect them to come after you.The operation’s success calls attention to the power of coordinated law enforcement and warns of future stings. As Judd prepares for the subsequent crackdown, Polk County remains a formidable barrier to crime.

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Sources

• News4JAX: “Fool Around and Find Out: Polk sheriff discusses 255 arrests in undercover operation” (May 16, 2025)
  https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/05/16/fool-around-and-find-out-polk-sheriff-discusses-255-arrests-in-undercover-operation/
• ClickOrlando: “255 arrested in multi-agency undercover operation, Polk sheriff says” (May 16, 2025)
  https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/05/16/255-arrested-in-multi-agency-undercover-operation-polk-sheriff-says/
• Polk County Sheriff’s Office: “Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrests 244 suspects during nine-day human trafficking enforcement operation ‘Fool Around and Find Out’” (May 16, 2025)
  https://www.polksheriff.org/news-investigations/polk-county-news/2025/05/16/polk-county-sheriff-s-office-arrests-244-suspects-during-nine-day-human-trafficking-enforcement-operation-fool-around-and-find-out