Traffic stop leads to arrest of human trafficking suspect in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — A “routine” traffic stop in Orlando led to the arrest of a man accused of trafficking a runaway teen for sex work.

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Orlando Police pulled over 51-year-old Reginald Jones after receiving a tip from their Crime Center about a stolen car on Orange Blossom Trail.

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Police say they found drugs and receipts for a hotel in his car, but after checking Jones’ information, learned the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation was also looking for him.

Thanks to the joint efforts between the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigations & OPD, a “routine traffic stop” for a stolen tag notification by our Crime Center, led to this career criminal's arrest on 03/19.

Remember, If you #SeeSomethingSaySomething. 📞 9-1-1. pic.twitter.com/Y72Cq8afO2
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) March 21, 2022

MBI investigators say in two previous encounters with Jones, he had been traveling with a young girl who they suspected could be a victim.

Investigators say the girl was reunited with her mother, but left to go back to Jones.

After a second victim told MBI agents the first victim was being physically abused by Jones, the agents and a case advocate were then able to track down where the girl was being kept.

Investigators say they believe Jones likely has more victims. He was MBI’s second human trafficking bust in as many months.

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In February, investigators said Tracy Koger, Shana Bryant and Tyrell Ponds trafficked three teens between February 2021 and July 2021 at multiple locations throughout Orange County.

An investigation led by the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigations in conjunction w/ our officers & @OrangeCoSheriff resulted in the arrest of these 3. Detectives also rescued 3 underage victims, but believe more are out there. Any info? 📞 @CrimelineFL
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— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) February 16, 2022

They said Koger and Bryant recruited the underage girls by targeting runaways, children in foster care and others by luring them with places to stay at hotels or promises of taking care of them.

Investigators said Koger and Bryant would then post the girls online for commercial sex and arrange for them to have sex with men.

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There is no indication the alleged human traffickers in the two cases are connected.

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