West Melbourne Police Issues Clarification On Viral Sex Trafficking Facebook Post
By West Melbourne Police Captain Richard Cordeau // March 5, 2016
If you see something, say something
BREVARD COUNTY • WEST MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – You may have seen a recent post on Facebook and other social media sites regarding an incident at Target on Norfolk Parkway in West Melbourne.
The post cites an incident that occurred on March 1, and includes references to “a sex trafficking ring that has been affecting the Orlando area that “targets unsuspecting mothers and daughters where typically three individuals are involved – one scoping out victims inside and one coming up to you.”
The West Melbourne Police Department has been in contact with our law enforcement partners in both Brevard and Orange Counties. We have not uncovered any evidence of a sex trafficking ring operating in this manner.
While we can confirm a report of suspicious activity at the Norfolk Parkway Target store on March 1, the incident is limited to the following facts: a white male was seen browsing in the women’s section of the store.
A woman reported this to be suspicious, because he “circled” the area where she and her child were, but the man left the store without incident.
The same woman and child were approached in the parking lot; this time by a black male who asked for help at his vehicle. When the woman refused, he also left without incident.
Chief Wiley and the dedicated members of this agency take these types of reports seriously. As such, our detectives will continue their investigative efforts to ascertain any criminal motives. We have been in close contact with Target representatives who have assisted us in this investigation.
At this time, no crime was committed and the incident remains under investigation. As always, we encourage everyone to be cognizant of their surroundings. If you see something, say something – just as this woman did!
