In a major undercover operation, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announces the arrest of 21 individuals in connection with illegal activities in massage parlors throughout the region. Dubbed Operation “Skin So Soft,” the two-day sting conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit targeted establishments in Davenport, Dundee, Lakeland, and Winter Haven, where massage therapists allegedly offered sexual services in exchange for money.
During the operation, undercover detectives visited multiple licensed massage parlors, posing as clients seeking lawful massage services. According to Sheriff Judd, while the detectives initially requested standard massages, 20 of the therapists offered sexual acts in exchange for cash during the sessions. The arrests signal the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to cracking down on illicit activities and human trafficking often linked to the massage industry.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reports that the individuals arrested in Operation “Skin So Soft” face charges related to solicitation of prostitution, and in some cases, additional charges may be pending. Sheriff Judd states that the operation aims to clean up local communities by identifying and dismantling establishments that engage in illegal conduct. “We’re not going to tolerate these kinds of businesses in our community,” he asserts, highlighting the Sheriff’s Office’s zero-tolerance policy for any unlawful activities that exploit individuals or violate community standards.
This operation marks the latest in a series of undercover stings led by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office targeting human trafficking, prostitution, and illegal activities in massage parlors. Sheriff Judd has been vocal about the need to protect the community and ensure that legitimate businesses operate lawfully. The Sheriff’s Office has called for stronger oversight and compliance to prevent licensed establishments from engaging in criminal activities.
As the investigation continues, Sheriff Judd notes that the Sheriff’s Office will continue monitoring massage parlors in Polk County to deter future illegal conduct. He also urges the public to report any suspicious activities they observe in local businesses, reiterating that community involvement plays a critical role in maintaining safety and legal integrity.
Operation “Skin So Soft” sends a clear message to businesses operating outside the law and underscores Polk County’s dedication to combating activities that undermine public safety and community standards. This crackdown is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s broader mission to protect residents and enforce the law with diligence and transparency.
