TAMPA, Florida — An undercover investigation to dismantle human trafficking in Hillsborough County, Florida, has led to 89 arrests and the rescue of a missing two-year-old and a 17-year-old girl, the Sheriff's Office announced on March 3, 2026. The operation lasted from January 1 to February 6, 2026, resulting in more than 1,200 felony charges related to crimes targeting minors. Investigators launched the probe after receiving information about a two-year-old being sexually exploited. Suspect Peter Torres, 42, was identified and arrested; the child was rescued safely, similar to the case where a 2-year-old girl was found safe after being kidnapped. In another case, authorities discovered a missing 17-year-old girl being forced into prostitution. The victim was rescued, and suspect Armani Hopkins, 22, was arrested as part of intensified anti-prostitution operations in the area. Sheriff Chad Chronister stated that many suspects believed they were communicating with minors or their guardians to arrange sexual encounters. In reality, they were messaging undercover investigators. “If you use hotel rooms, chat apps, or fake profiles to target children, we will follow your digital footprint right to your front door,” said Chronister, warning those who extort teenagers online that there is nowhere to hide. Among those arrested was Stephen Fabic, 41, a former math teacher at Hillsborough High School, accused of offering to pick up a teenager and take them home for sex. Another suspect, John Altieri, 69, was arrested after allegedly hiring a rideshare service to bring a teenager to his home and later sending explicit videos to an undercover investigator. This is one of several recent child-related scandals in the area, following a case where a Florida mother was arrested for abandoning her children with a rideshare driver. Altieri was under house arrest for previous drug charges at the time. The two rescued victims are currently receiving support from Selah Freedom and One More Child. The operation involved coordination with: • Hernando County Sheriff's Office • Florida Department of Children and Families • Florida Department of Corrections Authorities stated the investigation is ongoing.

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