TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Today, Attorney General Ashley Moody presented a Back the Blue Award to Florida Highway Patrol Troop A in recognition of their efforts to rescue a human trafficking victim. Moody also presented a resolution to FHP Troop A at this morning's Florida Cabinet meeting recognizing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
After pursuing a car, State Troopers arrested a known felon and gang member. Officers discovered a minor female in the vehicle. According to the investigation, the defendant was transporting the victim from South Florida to Okaloosa County to coerce the victim into sex work and the creation of child pornography.
“TRUE HEROES”
“I’m proud to present this Back the Blue Award and Cabinet Resolution to the courageous law enforcement officers in FHP Troop A – they are true heroes who rescued a minor from a dangerous human trafficker,” Attorney General Ashley Moody said. “Ending this atrocious crime is one of my top priorities, and I’m grateful for our law enforcement in Florida who work daily to help us achieve this lofty goal.”
The following Troopers were honored for their brave efforts in rescuing the victim: Corporal Jacob Moore, Trooper Ethan Ellerbee, Trooper Matthew Davis and Trooper Ronald Khune.
Attorney General Moody also presented the Troopers with a Florida Cabinet Resolution recognizing January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Florida, commending law enforcement, local governments, and communities for combating these crimes.
STARTED IN 2019
Moody launched the statewide Back the Blue campaign soon after taking office in 2019. The campaign highlights law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to build positive relationships between law enforcement and local communities. Attorney General Moody has issued over 50 Back the Blue Awards since starting the campaign.
You can nominate a law enforcement officer, citizen, or organization for a Back the Blue Award or get more information about Attorney General Moody’s Back the Blue campaign here.
