Pasco County, Florida -- A two day investigation between the Pasco County Sheriff's Office and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children resulted in the arrest of 281 pimps who were involved with child sex trafficking.
16 of those people were arrested in Pasco County.
"We want to ensure all of our citizens feel safe in our community," Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said. "Some say prostitution is a victimless crime, but many times it's a means used to fuel a drug habit. The most unfortunate part of it all is young kids, against their will, have been swept into that lifestyle. We're here to stop it."
Nationwide, 106 cities participated in the operation, which netted the recovery of 168 children, who were victimized through prostitution. The 281 pimps were arrested on state and federal charges.
Pasco Sheriff's Office detectives focused their efforts on the New Port Richey area during the two-day undercover operation.
"We just have such a positive working relationship with the Pasco Sheriff's Office with special operations such as this one." Kim Bogart, New Port Richey Police Chief said.
Those arrested in Pasco County were not underage.
Operations in the FBI's Tampa Bay area region, which includes Pasco County and stretches as far east as Osceola County, as far south as Lee County and as far north as Orange County, netted a total of 85 arrests.
Top 10: Florida's Most Wanted
