The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said a detention deputy was arrested on Saturday after he tried to pay for sex with someone he thought was a minor.
HCSO said Marvin Vasquez, 24, was arrested by the St. Petersburg Police Department. His charges include human trafficking and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
According to an arrest report, his arrest was part of an undercover online operation by the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force that targeted adults who utilize the internet to purchase commercial sex with children.
The report said Vasquez responded to an online ad, began to text an undercover St. Pete Police detective and requested to have sex with a 14-year-old from the ad.
The report said Vasquez agreed to pay $100 for a "quick visit to have sex with the child." The chat began at 8:12 p.m., the report said, and Vasquez arrived at the agreed-on location at 9:35 p.m.
At the location, the report said Vasquez met with an undercover detective and was provided with the child's age again. The report went on to say the "sexual act" was discussed, and Vasquez paid the undercover detective $100.
Vasquez later admitted to the offense, the report said, but claimed he was "attempting to rescue the child by setting up his own covert operation."
The report said the interactions with the undercover detective were recorded for evidence.
"I am extremely disappointed that an individual who took an oath to serve and protect is now facing charges related to such egregious behavior," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I remain committed to eradicating this vile act from our community. It will not be tolerated by anyone, and certainly not a sworn officer of the law."
HCSO said Vasquez was hired in January 2022 and is suspended without pay following his arrest.
