Former NFL Linebacker Adarius Taylor Arrested in Connection with 255-Person Human Trafficking Sting
The retired linebacker was charged with felony negligent child abuse without bodily harm and misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution
Taylor, 34, was allegedly part of a human trafficking ring in which 255 people were arrested over a nine-day period in Polk County, Fla.Former NFL linebacker Adarius Taylor has been arrested in connection with a human trafficking ring in Florida, authorities said.
Taylor, 34, was charged with felony negligent child abuse without bodily harm and misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution, according to his arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.
On Thursday, May 8, Taylor was arrested on accusations that he solicited prostitution after responding to an online escort advertisement. In a redacted video shared with PEOPLE, Taylor appears to be seen entering a private room where an undercover female detective was stationed.
'The undercover deputy asked if he wanted oral sex or sex first where the defendant asked for a massage,' the affidavit states. 'At this point in time, the defendant left and defendant was then taken into custody.'
Authorities say they then found Taylor's 6-year-old child in a locked Ford F-150 parked outside the location.
'It should be known once the defendant was in custody he did not disclose his child was in the vehicle alone,' the affidavit states.
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The retired athlete was among 255 people arrested in Polk County, Fla. over a nine-day period as part of the sheriff department's operation titled, "Fool Around and Find Out.'
'There were three components, there was a human trafficking component, a child predator component and an illegal immigration component,' Sheriff Grady Judd said at a press conference.
While discussing Taylor's arrest, Judd described him as having an 'outstanding career in the NFL." Over seven seasons, Taylor played for the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
'Listen, the dude made a lot of mistakes,' Judd claimed. "He not only brought his 6-year-old child to the operation, but he left his 6-year-old child in the car when he went to do the operation.'
After describing the child as having 'mental' and medical issues, including epilepsy, Judd said the child is now with his mother.
'This guy here, obviously he must have hit one too many people as a linebacker 'cause his brain cells are scrambled,' Judd said, while tapping a photo of Taylor. 'He shouldn't have shown up in the first place, but to leave that child, my goodness.'
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