The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) recently conducted “Operation Suite 16,” a two-day initiative targeting human trafficking. This operation led to the arrest and charging of two men, Deavion McClendon, 21, and Randall Taylor, 38, for their involvement in severe criminal activities.
Arrest of Deavion McClendon
McClendon had been flagged as a suspected human trafficker. On August 22, detectives tracked him to a hotel in Dania Beach where he was seen dropping off a victim. When approached by detectives, McClendon attempted to flee, ramming his vehicle into several patrol cars with officers inside. He was subsequently taken into custody.
McClendon faces multiple charges, including a felony warrant for auto theft, aggravated battery on law enforcement, and fleeing and eluding.
Arrest of Randall Taylor
Taylor has been under long-term investigation. Detectives revealed that he targeted vulnerable young women and teenagers, often those who were homeless or struggling with substance abuse. Taylor exploited their addictions, coercing them into performing sex acts for money, selling drugs, and committing fraud. The victims lived in deplorable conditions and were forced to hand over the proceeds of their activities to Taylor.
Taylor now faces an array of charges including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, deriving support from proceeds of prostitution, human trafficking of a minor, and aggravated manslaughter. The manslaughter charge is linked to the overdose death of a 16-year-old girl in October 2019. Taylor was already in federal custody and will face these new charges upon completion of his current sentence.
Support for Victims
During the operation, authorities reached out to 14 adult victims, offering them various services such as food, lodging, medical care, drug rehabilitation
Broward Sheriff’s Office Cracks Down on Human Trafficking: Charges Filed Against Two Men
In a significant move to combat human trafficking, the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has charged two men with disturbing crimes. The charges stem from “Operation Suite 16,” a two-day initiative aimed at tackling human trafficking in the area.
Arrests and Charges
Deavion McClendon, 21, and Randall Taylor, 38, are the individuals facing charges as a result of this operation.
McClendon was identified as a potential human trafficker and was located on August 22 at a hotel in Dania Beach. Detectives observed him dropping off a victim and attempted to apprehend him. In a desperate attempt to escape, McClendon drove his vehicle into several patrol cars, which had officers inside. He was subsequently taken into custody. Along with a felony warrant for auto theft, he faces charges of aggravated battery on law enforcement and fleeing and eluding.
Taylor had been under investigation for an extended period. Detectives discovered that he had been targeting vulnerable young women and teenagers, particularly those who were homeless or struggling with substance abuse. According to officials, Taylor exploited their addictions to coerce them into performing sex acts for money, selling drugs, and committing fraud. The victims were forced to live in deplorable conditions and hand over the proceeds of their activities to Taylor.
Taylor’s charges include sex trafficking, labor trafficking, deriving support from prostitution proceeds, human trafficking of a minor, and aggravated manslaughter. The manslaughter charge is linked to the overdose death of a 16-year-old girl in October 2019. Currently in federal custody, Taylor will face these new charges in Broward once his federal sentence is completed.
Operation Outcomes
During the operation, detectives made contact with 14 adult victims and offered them a range of services such as food, lodging, medical care, drug rehabilitation, counseling, childcare, education, and employment assistance.
The operation also generated valuable leads on additional human trafficking suspects, potentially leading to more charges and arrests in the future.
Conclusion
“Operation Suite 16” marks a crucial step in the fight against human trafficking in Broward County. The ongoing efforts of law enforcement aim to bring justice to the victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
