FL Human Trafficking Victims Rescued, Suspect Faces Multiple Charges

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — A man was arrested and at least four victims rescued following a human trafficking investigation, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Deune Dukes, 38, was arrested April 1 as part of an undercover operation.

During the investigation, detectives identified two women who were forced by Dukes to engage in sexual acts in exchange for drugs, the sheriff’s office said.

He used both drugs and physical violence to control the victims, the agency said. Both women showed visible bruising, which is believed to be caused by Dukes.

Detectives also identified a possible third female human trafficking victim and a fourth woman who Dukes was grooming but hadn’t been forced to perform sexual acts yet at the time of his arrest.

While serving a search warrant at Dukes' home, detectives found methamphetamine, powder and crack cocaine, MDMA, and Suboxone patches.

• failure to appear - resisting arrest or detention in retail theft
• failure to appear - petit theft
• failure to appear - possession of cocaine
• failure to appear - battery

• two counts of coerce for commercial sex act by human trafficking
• two counts of deriving support from proceeds of prostitution
• trafficking in amphetamine 28 to 200 grams
• possession of cocaine
• two counts of possession of controlled substance
• possession of drug paraphernalia

"Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes we confront," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "These survivors endured unimaginable trauma. Our top priority is protecting the vulnerable and making sure every predator responsible is held fully accountable."

The non-profit organization Selah Freedom offered the victims support in recovery.

Anyone with information about human trafficking or in need of assistance is encouraged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.