Yoho Praises Gainesville PD On The Success Of Operation Panther

Gainesville, FL – Congressman Ted S. Yoho (FL-03) - the founder of the North Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force - was quick to praise the Gainesville Police Department’s efforts in apprehending 21 child predators during Operation Panther.

Tuesday, September 1st marked the first major bust of 21 child predators in the Gainesville area according the Gainesville Police Department. Over 5 days, over 400 people each day were contacted resulting in total contact with 2,200 people. Over 100 of those contacted indicated an interest in an in-person meeting with the agents who were posing as children.  Congressman Yoho gave the following statement:

 “The recent capture of 21 child predators in the Gainesville area was the result of a multi-agency effort.  I am confident this type of operation will be the first of many more to come in the future. The news of Operation Panther should keep us all on alert and aware that these predators live and work within our communities. It is up to parents and guardians to always keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for our children. We need all the help we can get in catching these criminals.  

“I am proud of our local police force for their efforts and by extension proud to support efforts to bolster their resources. During this operation, 2,200 people were contacted and out of that number, roughly a 100 were interested in soliciting a child for sex.  

“I encourage everyone to stay up to date with our community’s efforts to combat trafficking and exploitation by visiting our website at www.yoho.house.gov and checking out the resources available through our North Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force.”

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Congressman Ted Yoho serves on the Foreign Affairs and Agriculture Committees. He represents North Florida’s 3rd Congressional District