SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A two-month human trafficking and online predator operation in Hillsborough County ended with 116 arrests and the rescue of five victims, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday.
Sheriff Chad Chronister and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the results of “Operation Relentless Summer” during a press conference Wednesday morning. The operation ran from June 8 to Aug. 5, 2026.
Members of HCSO’s Human Trafficking Section, Internet Predator Squad and Sexual Predator Unit worked together to identify and arrest individuals accused of preying on children, women and vulnerable members of the community. Detectives executed residential search warrants, warrants connected to dark web activity, undercover online chat and hotel and motel operations, traveling-to-meet-a-minor investigations and sex offender checks.
Five victims were recovered — three adult women and two juvenile girls.
Among those arrested was Frank Amiekumo, 35, who is accused of trafficking women and girls across Texas, Louisiana and Florida for approximately four years. Detectives identified five victims in the case and said they believe additional victims may not yet have come forward. Amiekumo is being held at Orient Road Jail on no bond.
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“Human trafficking is a crime that thrives in the shadows, and operations like this one shine a light on it,” Sheriff Chronister said. “This work is not merely a job, it’s a mission, a mission to protect and preserve the very fabric of our community. Every arrest made during Operation Relentless Summer represents a predator who is no longer a threat to the families of Hillsborough County.”
Attorney General Uthmeier said 116 criminals are now behind bars, five victims have been rescued and one trafficker is facing three life sentences.
“Florida has zero tolerance for this evil, and we will continue to hunt down every last one of them,” Uthmeier said.
Selah Freedom and One More Child provided victim services throughout the operation. The co-founder and CEO of Selah Freedom said trafficking victims often face significant barriers to reintegrating into society, including limited employment and housing opportunities tied to prior felony records.
“If they have felonies, there’s a lot of employment opportunities, a lot of housing opportunities that are not available to them any longer, which actually keeps them in the life because they have no place to go,” she said.
Since the Human Trafficking Section’s inception in 2021, it has made 1,343 arrests. The Internet Predator Unit, established in 2024, has made 368 arrests. The Sexual Predator Unit, also established in 2024, has made 236 arrests.
Anyone with information about these cases or who believes they may have been victimized is asked to contact detectives at (813) 247-8200.
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