Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the results of a significant operation conducted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. The operation resulted in 116 arrests to date, with that number expected to rise as outstanding warrants are served. Five victims of human trafficking—three adults and two juveniles—were recovered and connected with critical support services.
“These human traffickers and child predators prey on the most vulnerable in our communities, exploiting women and children for their own gain,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the outstanding work of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution, 116 of these criminals are behind bars, five victims have been rescued, and one trafficker is facing three life sentences. Florida has zero tolerance for this evil, and we will continue to hunt down every last one of them.”
“Human trafficking is a crime that thrives in the shadows, and operations like this one shine a light on it,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This work is not merely a job, it’s a mission, a mission to protect and preserve the very fabric of our community. Every arrest made during Operation Relentless Summer represents a predator who is no longer a threat to the families of Hillsborough County.”
Enforcement strategies employed during the operation included residential search warrants, warrants connected to dark web activity, undercover online chat operations, traveling to meet a minor investigations, and sex offender compliance checks. These tactics enabled detectives to disrupt ongoing exploitation, identify individuals seeking to harm children, and dismantle trafficking networks.
One significant long-term investigation targeted Frank Amiekumo, a green card holder from Liberia. Detectives took Amiekumo into custody at Tampa International Airport with the assistance of TIA Police on a warrant obtained during the investigation. He is being held on a no-bond status.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged Amiekumo with the following offenses:
- Racketeering (F.S. 895.03(3))–First Degree Felony
- Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (F.S. 895.03(4))–First Degree Felony
- Human Trafficking of a Minor (F.S. 787.06(3)(g))–Life Felony (two counts)
- Lewd or Lascivious Battery (F.S. 800.04(4))–Second Degree Felony (two counts)
- Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution (F.S. 796.05)–Second Degree Felony
- Forcing, Compelling or Coercing Another to Commit Prostitution (F.S. 796.04)–Third Degree Felony
- Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device to Commit a Felony (F.S. 934.215)–Third Degree Felony
- Tampering with a Witness (F.S. 914.22)–Life Felony
- Tampering with Evidence (F.S. 918.13)–Third Degree Felony
Detectives initially began investigating Amiekumo in early April 2026 after multiple suspicious calls related to sexual activity and juveniles around a residence in Tampa. The investigation revealed a pattern spanning approximately four years in which Amiekumo recruited women to dance at strip clubs. Some of these women conducted commercial sex acts or were involved with online sexually explicit platforms. He victimized women in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Amiekumo obtained fake identification cards for the women so they could dance at strip clubs if they were juveniles or under 21, or used them on online commercial sex platforms to avoid detection. He used physical violence, threats, and other means to control the women and traffic them against their wills.
The investigation identified five victims associated with Amiekumo—three adult females and two juvenile females—who were rescued and provided support services. This investigation remains ongoing and additional victims are expected to be identified.
These local results contribute to broader progress against Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking at the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
Since February 2025, Crimes Against Children prosecutions have produced 692.6 prison years—approximately 4.2 times the prior monthly rate—while Human Trafficking cases have imposed 264.2 prison years, reflecting a 51 percent increase in the monthly sentencing rate, as well as multiple life sentences. Both categories continue to demonstrate high conviction rates and significant growth in case volume into 2026.
Amiekumo’s case will be prosecuted in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit by Special Counsel Rita Peters from the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
