TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a man for human trafficking a woman who had been reported missing from Missouri. They say a Tampa hotel employee called 911 when they "noticed something off."
Andre Scott, 39, is accused of coercing a 29-year-old woman into engaging in sexual acts. Scott was arrested on Feb. 21 and faces a charge of human trafficking for a commercial sex act.
Deputies responded to a 911 call from a staff member at the Rodeway Inn located at 6510 North U.S. Highway 301. The person on the line told authorities that a woman with disabilities needed help.
When law enforcement arrived, they found the 29-year-old female who had been reported missing from out of state.
The woman, who deputies say has the mental capacity of a 15-year-old, reportedly told an investigator that she connected with Scott and his girlfriend on social media, who then brought her to Florida.
The sheriff's office says she was then coerced into engaging in sexual acts. Detectives discovered messages sent to the victim by the man, urging her to "hustle" for him, implying she engage in sexual activity for money. Deputies say Scott also solicited her to sell explicit content online and asked about her willingness to host parties involving sexual activities.
A mental health professional from Florida Mentor arrived at the scene to provide care for the victim and reunited the woman with her legal guardian from Missouri.
"Fighting against human trafficking and dismantling these criminal operations remains a forefront commitment to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "Our Human Trafficking Section remains relentless in rescuing victims, bringing perpetrators to justice, and raising awareness to help prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals."
“This behavior is truly disgusting. We will not tolerate the inhumane business of human trafficking," Casey Minuto, a spokesperson with Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, said. "This man thought he could take advantage of this vulnerable woman. Now he will take advantage of a spot at our Falkenberg Road Jail."
"Whether it's children, youth, or vulnerable adults with developmental disabilities, or mental health, substance abuse, they are particularly at risk," Clara Reynolds, the president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, said.
Reynolds says recognizing the signs of human trafficking saves lives and she applauds the action from the hotel worker.
"You know, you get that niggling in your belly, that something just isn't quite what it seems. And so those are usually the first gut instincts. We tell folks pay attention to those gut instincts," Reynolds added.
For anyone in need of help, you can reach the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 211 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline number at 1-888-373-7888. More resources can be found here.