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Hillsborough detention deputy faces human trafficking charges

St. Petersburg Police arrested the deputy Saturday after he tried to pay for sex with someone he thought was a minor.
 
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Check tampabay.com for the latest breaking news and updates. [ Photo illustration by ASHLEY DYE and LUIS SANTANA | Times ]
Published Aug. 14, 2022|Updated Aug. 14, 2022

A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy has been arrested and suspended without pay after he tried to pay for sex with someone he thought was a minor, authorities said.

Marvin Vasquez, 24, was off duty when St. Petersburg Police arrested him Saturday. He faces charges of human trafficking – commercial sexual activity, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

“I am extremely disappointed that an individual who took an oath to serve and protect is now facing charges related to such egregious behavior,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a news release. “It will not be tolerated by anyone, and certainly not a sworn officer of the law,” he added.

Vasquez joined the Sheriff’s Office in January.

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