15-04-2025
‘Operation: April Fool's' catches 2 men trying to pay minors for sex: affidavit
ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. (WFLA) — An undercover operation targeting human traffickers took down two men in what police called 'Operation: April Fool's.'
According to an arrest affidavit, the Zephyrhills Police Department began the online investigation targeting adults who were trying to pay children for sexual favors.
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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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