Polk County Sheriff to Detail Trafficking Probe That Led to OCSO Deputy Arrest

Sheriff Grady Judd of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will hold a news conference at 9:30 a.m. Friday to announce new details in an ongoing investigation into human trafficking and child sex predators. The probe has already resulted in the arrest of an Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

During the briefing, Judd is expected to release arrest affidavits, booking photos, and further information about the case. The investigation spans multiple jurisdictions and focuses on exploitation through online platforms.

One of the primary suspects is Deputy Eric Raymond, who has been with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office since August 2020. He serves in the Uniform Patrol Division and was removed from law enforcement duties on Sunday. He has been reassigned to administrative work while the criminal case proceeds.

According to the arrest report, Raymond responded to a false online advertisement for escort services. He agreed to meet with an undercover detective and accepted the offer to pay for sex before being taken into custody. He currently faces one count of soliciting prostitution.

In a written statement, Judd said Raymond should have known better and that his actions demonstrated moral turpitude. Judd added that the online prostitution industry allows human traffickers to profit from the people they exploit.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina stated that the agency is committed to ensuring deputies follow the laws they enforce. OCSO confirmed it will launch an internal investigation once the criminal case is complete.