POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFRV) – Former NFL linebacker Adarius Taylor has been arrested in connection with a human trafficking ring in Polk County, Florida, authorities said. Taylor, 34, was charged with felony negligent child abuse without bodily harm and misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution.
The arrest took place on May 8, when Taylor allegedly responded to an online escort advertisement and entered a private room where an undercover female detective was stationed. According to the arrest affidavit, Taylor initially requested a massage, before leaving the room when the undercover officer offered sex. Taylor was then taken into custody by authorities.
Authorities later found Taylor’s 6-year-old child locked inside a Ford F-150 parked outside the location. The affidavit states that Taylor did not disclose that his child was alone in the vehicle at the time of his arrest.
Taylor was one of 255 individuals arrested in a nine-day operation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, called “Fool Around and Find Out.” The operation targeted human trafficking, child predators, and illegal immigration.
Sheriff Grady Judd addressed the arrest at a press conference, noting Taylor’s NFL career over seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Judd criticized Taylor for bringing his child to the operation and leaving them in the vehicle alone.
“This guy here, obviously he must have hit one too many people as a linebacker ‘cause his brain cells are scrambled,” Judd said, pointing to a photo of Taylor. “He shouldn’t have shown up in the first place, but to leave that child, my goodness.”
Authorities confirmed that the child, who reportedly has medical issues, including epilepsy, is now in the care of their mother.
