Santa Claus Arrested for Human Trafficking

0:00A 68-year-old Winter Haven man who suits up a Santa for big Christmas events in Pope County, Florida, got hit with human trafficking charges. After trying to buy sex from a 13-year-old girl, authorities nailed him on April 21st in a Sheriff's Office Sting operation. Earlier that week on April 20th, he hopped on a call with an undercover detective posing as a human trafficker and settled on 200. Dollars for the encounter. The next day, he rode up to the spot in his Hyundai Santa Fe, ready to go through with it. Locals are reeling since this guy's a holiday staple, bringing joy to kids every season. Turns out, he's been married over 50 years, but confessed during questioning that he frequently scouts prostitution sites on mine. Cops found $382 in his wallet, including the $200 bills matching their deal. No room for excuses once they approached him in the parking lot. Sheriff Grady Judd said to break it all down at a 2.30 p.m. press conference today, shedding more light on their anti-trafficking push. This case

1:02hits hard, reminding us predators hide in plain sight. That rap's Tampa Bay news today brought to you with AI. I'm Corey with The Story.