Polk County Human-Trafficking Sting Operation Catches Bradenton Man: Sheriff

POLK COUNTY, FL — A Bradenton man is one of more than 100 people facing charges following a six-day human-trafficking sting conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office earlier this month.

During this campaign, which launched March 8, detectives identified prostitutes who posted online advertisements, as well as those who sought their services, according to a sheriff’s office news release. The agency’s goal was to identify and free any victims who were being forced into prostitution and those who were trafficking victims.

Undercover detectives communicated online with the suspects and arranged for a meetup at a location where they were arrested after their arrival.

Seth Phillips, 49, showed up at the house deputies were using during their sting with a 34-year-old woman, Christina Garite. Both of them intended to commit prostitution with two undercover detectives, the sheriff’s office said.

Related Story: Over 100 Suspects Arrested In Human-Trafficking Sting: Sheriff

When a detective tried to cancel their meet-up because of a scheduling conflict, Phillips became angry, demanding that the undercover detectives give him money for the appointment and for the drugs he was planning to sell them, PCSO said.

Phillips showed up at the residence, anyway, and when detectives opened the door, he pointed a gun at them, PCSO said.

He was charged with multiple felony charges — attempted robbery with a firearm, extortion/threats, possession of meth with intent to sell and four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, the sheriff's office said. He also faces two misdemeanor charges, possession of drug paraphernalia and offering to commit prostitution.

In total, 108 people were arrested and charged during the sting operation. The oldest person charged during the operation was 67-year-old Derek Collins, who showed up to the residence drinking Ensure, while the youngest was a 17-year-old boy.