News


FDLE arrests Fort Walton Beach pair for human trafficking

 
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. - Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, along with the Okaloosa and Walton County Sheriff’s Offices, arrested Tyler Hale, 45, and Jennifer Pope, 45, both of Fort Walton Beach, Florida after an investigation revealed they ran a human trafficking ring involving multiple victims operating in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. 
 
Hale was charged with human trafficking and deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.  Pope was charged with deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
 
Agents began investigating the pair after discovering online advertisements for escorts. Subsequently, four victims were identified. Investigators believe the women were forced to engage in sex for money by using physical harm, threats of physical harm, or by enticing them with a controlled substance.
 
Both Hale and Pope were booked into Okaloosa County Jail without bond. This case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 1st Judicial Circuit.
 
For further information contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Molly Best or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

 

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FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.