A missing 15-year-old girl has been located, and two suspected human traffickers are behind bars following a joint operation between the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Lakeland Police Department.

Hillsborough County

A 15-year-old girl who had been missing for several months was located and rescued by authorities in Hillsborough County, Florida. The operation was a collaborative effort between the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Lakeland Police Department.

Detectives identified the girl after spotting her photo in an adult escort service advertisement. Two individuals, Terrence Whitfield and Brittany Armstrong, were arrested at the scene and are facing several charges related to human trafficking and prostitution. The case highlights the ongoing prevalence of human trafficking in Florida, with recent studies estimating hundreds of thousands of victims in the state.

Teen rescued from suspected human traffickers

that's what we want to see. That's what we want to see. That's what we want to see. That's what we want to see. First up here at 11, a 15 year old girl who was missing for months is now safe from human traffickers. Thanks to Hillsborough County detectives and their keen eyes. FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer is live at the sheriff's office tonight. So, Aaron, how did investigators find this girl? Chris. Investigators say they spotted her photo in an adult escort service advertisement, and they say she's been missing for months. She's been missing for months. A month ago, a 15 year old in Hillsborough County was reported missing in late June. Hillsborough detectives found her in a horrific situation. Being used as an escort. That's something that nobody should ever have to go through, let alone a child. We're told detectives regularly monitor adult escort advertisements for suspicious activity. They spotted the missing 15 year old in one of the ads. Last month, detectives conducted an investigation into the missing 15 year old. She's been reported missing for months. These are. Cases that we deal with every day. We see almost a new case daily. Authorities say the teenager identified 22 year old Terrence Whitfield as her trafficker. He was arrested at the scene. So was Brittany Armstrong, who investigators say helped post the escort ads. Detectives say Whitfield communicated with buyers arranging sexual encounters, acting as security during the incident. She's been charged with assaulting a man. Detectives say a recent case explained how the criminals usually operate. They work on building relationships with people. They work on. Finding out what their vulnerabilities are, what their weaknesses are, and then they exploit those. This case comes days after USF ST Pete released a study showing just how widespread human trafficking is in Florida. According to the report, there are 200,000 Floridians living as sex slaves and another 500,000 are victims of human trafficking. The study also shows that trafficking is not just a need for help, the authorities are told. It also signifies a need for experts who can help the victims were just there to provide services were there to ensure that they have what they need in order to proceed and go on. And both Whitfield and Armstrong are facing several charges related to human trafficking and prostitution. They're both in the Polk County jail tonight. Anyone who believes that they are possibly Good to know that police are working to find out more. airborne live in the state Sheriff's Office, Chris Aaron Messner Live for us tonight. Thank you, Erin I'll throw the question in there, too. because she is a former policeman. Will you never forget that? Yes We will. Her story tonight We'll bring you a picture of her and can you tell me a little bit more about her story, Chris? When you wake up and wake up

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