TCPalm

Most of them are incarcerated right now, charged with engaging in prostitution or similar crimes. Prosecutors are going to try and get them to be witnesses instead. Two we know are in shelters.

There are special visas for crime victims and specifically for human trafficking victims, so it's unlikely they would be deported if their charges are dropped.

-Mary Helen

Mary Helen here. I think people have this idea that prostitution is a "victimless" crime, but we see over and over again that the people working as prostitutes are really vulnerable for a variety of reasons. Would legalization put an end to all that exploitation? Maybe. But I don't know the answer to that.

From what law enforcement are telling us, yes it seems like these were definitely connected to human traffickers with roots in China.

It doesn't appear right now that prosecutors are pursuing any trafficking charges (although police in Vero Beach said one woman was actually charged with human trafficking), BUT there is still some time. They have 15 days from Feb. 19, the date of arrest, to decide and formally file.

Florida's human trafficking statute only goes back to 2012 and has an extremely high burden of proof. I'd bet they're going to pursue racketeering instead, which can still get you 30 years behind bars, so it's nothing to sneeze at.

-Mary Helen

Local sources are calling BS. An out-of-town ESPN reporter was the one who claimed that. It would be news to us...

Other notable people who were charged include John Childs (billionaire equity firm owner and Republican donor), John Havens (former Citigroup president) and Johnny DelPrete (former pro golfer).

I have not listened to it. I need to check it out!!! -- Will