17-Year-Old Girl Rescued From Human Trafficking Ring By Tampa Police

TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Police Department has rescued a 17-year-old girl who was being trafficked for prostitution.

On Sept. 28, the Tampa Police Department was notified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that images of a 17-year-old girl were posted on an online prostitution website.

Detectives with the Tampa Police Department Special Victims Unit immediately began an
investigation and were able to determine that the photographs had been posted from a location in North Tampa.

On Wednesday, detectives successfully took custody of the teen and the Tampa police victims advocate is getting her access to programs for survivors of human trafficking.

"Our detectives are dedicated to protecting our community and ensuring justice is served for victims of human trafficking," said Tampa Police Chief Brian Bercaw. "We are also committed to connecting victims with local organizations such as Miniserio Mujeres Restaurdas por Dios, a recent recipient of Tampa Police Department C.A.R.E.S. funding, to provide assistance to survivors of human trafficking."

No arrests have been made and the case remains active.