Overview
- Authorities in Polk County announced Wednesday that a multi-agency undercover effort called Operation Child Protector VIII led to 19 arrests.
- Thomas Allen Hicks, 68, a local seasonal Santa and marketing employee, was booked on human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor, and communications-related charges.
- An arrest affidavit says Hicks replied to an online ad, acknowledged the girl was 13, agreed to pay $200 for an hour, and was found with $382 in cash when taken into custody.
- Across the sweep, 16 suspects were charged with traveling to meet a minor and three with human trafficking, with a total of 85 felonies and eight misdemeanors filed.
- The operation used undercover officers posing as children or guardians and drew support from numerous agencies; Hicks’ employer said he was terminated as prosecutions now move forward.