‘Operation: April Fool's' catches 2 men trying to pay minors for sex: affidavit
According to an arrest affidavit, the Zephyrhills Police Department began the online investigation targeting adults who were trying to pay children for sexual favors.
Polk County woman runs over estranged husband's new girlfriend, deputies say
As part of 'Operation: April Fool's,' officers would text the suspects, posing as a 15-year-old girl, and ask them to meet in a hotel room.
Michael Mathis, 32, of Land O' Lakes negotiated with the undercover cop to pay the 'teen' $200 for sexual intercourse with 'all holes' for an hour, the affidavit said. Mathis was detained at the hotel and was found carrying $251.
Mathis was arrested on April 12 for attempted human trafficking, seduction of a child and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. He was taken to the Pasco County Jail.
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Angel Palustre, Jr., 36, of Zolfo Springs used the 'ListCrawler' website to talk to the 'teen' and arrange to meet at the Microtel Inn & Suites, according to the affidavit. Palustre walked to the hotel's third floor and entered the room where he was detained by authorities.
Palustre agreed to pay $100 to engage in sexual intercourse, authorities said. He was arrested just before 2 a.m. on April 12 on charges of attempted human trafficking and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. He was taken to the Pasco County Detention Center.
Zephyrhills police worked alongside the Tampa Human Trafficking Task Force for this operation.
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