Executive Summary
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested 89 suspects in a sting operation running from Jan. 1 to Feb. 6, 2026.
- Stephen Fabic, a Hillsborough High School math teacher, faces charges for allegedly attempting to solicit a minor.
- Detectives rescued a 2-year-old child and a missing 17-year-old girl during the investigation.
- A total of 1,217 felony charges were filed against the suspects involved.
TAMPA, Fla. – Eighty-nine individuals have been arrested and collectively face 1,217 felony charges following an extensive undercover human trafficking operation conducted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). The investigation, which spanned from January 1, 2026, to February 6, 2026, specifically targeted individuals attempting to sexually exploit children and purchase commercial sex.
According to HCSO investigators, the suspects engaged in communications believing they were interacting with underage victims or arranging illegal transactions. In reality, they were communicating with undercover detectives. Authorities stated that the suspects arrived at designated locations expecting to meet victims but were instead apprehended by law enforcement. Deputies reported that in several instances, suspects had negotiated prices and logistics with individuals they believed were willing to sell children.
Among those taken into custody was Stephen Fabic, 41, identified by authorities as a math teacher at Hillsborough High School. Investigators allege that Fabic communicated with a persona he believed to be a child and offered to transport the teenager to his residence to engage in sexual activity. Another suspect, John Altieri, 69, was arrested after allegedly arranging a ride-share service to transport a child to his home for sexual acts. HCSO officials noted that Altieri was serving home confinement for drug possession charges in Hernando County at the time of the alleged offense.
The operation also resulted in the rescue of victims from active exploitation. HCSO’s Internet Predator Unit acted on a cyber tip regarding the sexual exploitation of a sleeping 2-year-old, leading to the arrest of Peter Torres, 42, and the safe recovery of the child. Additionally, detectives located a missing 17-year-old girl who was being exploited for commercial sex; she was rescued, and authorities arrested Armani Hopkins, 23, charging him as her trafficker.
It is important to note that all individuals named in this report are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigative Impact
This large-scale operation underscores the evolving strategy of law enforcement to utilize digital forensics and undercover personas to intercept predatory behavior before physical contact occurs. The high volume of felony charges filed suggests a rigorous prosecutorial approach aimed at dismantling trafficking networks and penalizing solicitation attempts with maximum severity. The recovery of minors and the arrest of individuals in positions of trust highlight the critical role of proactive cyber-surveillance in safeguarding vulnerable populations within the community.
