For More Information: Cmdr. Utecht (mutecht@bloomingtommn.gov)
For Release Immediately September 19, 2025
Bloomington Police Department Collaborates with Polk County FL Sheriff’s Office in Human Trafficking/Internet Crimes Against Children Operation
Bloomington, MN — Detectives from the Bloomington Police Department recently partnered with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida during a large-scale Human Trafficking and Traveler Operation. The operation, conducted in Polk County FL, resulted in more than 240 arrests.
This collaboration provided Bloomington detectives with a valuable opportunity to learn and share strategies with law enforcement professionals who routinely conduct complex, large-scale human trafficking and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigations.
The connection between Bloomington and Polk County originated in August 2024 following the arrest of Michael Gillis during an ICAC operation in Bloomington. Approximately one month later, Gillis was arrested in Polk County FL for a similar offense. This case highlights that human trafficking/ICAC crimes extend beyond county and state borders and underscores the importance of interagency collaboration to both rescue victims and hold offenders accountable.
The Bloomington Police Department would like to thank the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for the opportunity to work alongside their team. Collaborations like this strengthen our ability to identify traffickers, rescue victims, and bring offenders to justice. This type of crime is not bound by geography, and partnerships across jurisdictions are essential in combating it.
The Bloomington Police Department remains committed to protecting victims, pursuing offenders, and expanding collaborative efforts with partner agencies nationwide to combat human trafficking. Chief Hodges stated, “If you victimize people, you can expect that we are going to lock you up.”
