LAKELAND, FL — Hillsborough County deputies arrested two suspects in connection with a teen human trafficking operation during an undercover rescue effort that led to the recovery of a 15-year-old girl who had been missing for months.
Court records reveal that the undercover operation took place on June 24, 2025, at an apartment complex in Lakeland. The suspects, identified as Terrence Whitfield, Jr., 22, and Brittany Armstrong, 36, are accused of facilitating and profiting from escort services involving the minor.
The investigation began when a Hillsborough County detective received a tip about an online escort ad that appeared to involve the missing teen. According to court filings, the detective contacted the number listed in the ad and arranged a “date,” a term commonly used in the human trafficking world to describe a sexual transaction.
Detectives say the ad and subsequent communication led them to the Lakeland apartment complex, where the rescue took place and both suspects were taken into custody. Court documents allege that Whitfield and Armstrong coordinated online solicitations, arranged the meetings, and financially benefited from the victim’s exploitation.
Both suspects are now facing serious criminal charges, including human trafficking of a minor, facilitating commercial sexual activity, and child exploitation.
The teen victim has been placed in protective custody and is receiving support services. Authorities have not disclosed further details to protect her identity.
This case underscores the growing use of online platforms in trafficking operations and the crucial role of undercover efforts in rescuing victims.
