A University of South Florida football player was one of 213 people arrested during a Polk County undercover operation last week, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
The seven-day operation, spanning several police departments and sheriff’s offices, charged 89 people with soliciting sex and 111 charged with prostitution. USF wide receiver Bailey Purcell was charged with negotiating sex in exchange for money, said Judd. Purcell has posted bond and was released from jail on Thursday.
“You almost want to feel sorry for him, he’s a kid,” said Judd. “He said ‘can you call my pastor? But whatever you do, don’t call my parents.’ Tells me he’s got some really good parents at home. I believe they will correct his mistake, between the parents and the pastor and the court system.”
The university’s athletics department released a statement explaining that they were aware of the situation and that Purcell has been indefinitely suspended until more information is available.
Judd said 14 of the 24 possible victims were in the country illegally. All of them were smuggled through the southern border into the U.S. The victims were forced into prostitution in order to pay off their transportation debt.
“The border is secure. No it’s not. There’s not really a crisis at the border. Yes there is a crisis at the border,” said Judd. “Someone in Washington with more than five brain cells needs to listen to this. Well maybe asking them to have five brain cells is too many. Let’s shoot for three brain cells. “
The operation led to more than just human trafficking and prostitution related charges. Drug and weapon charges were also made after detectives seized fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana from
those arrested during the operation.
“My message is clear: we don’t make it a secret. If we didn’t get you in this operation, we’ll get you in the next operation,” said Judd “If you come in this county and mess with these police departments, or sheriff’s office and you don’t think you’re not going to be arrested, you’re smoking some funny weed.”
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