Polk County, Florida — Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to 704 Byni Ridge Drive off of Thornhill Road in Winter Haven in response to a well-being check.
According to reports, a tip came in about a 21-year-old female that was being held captive and sold for sex. A victim was found and rescued from the residence.
Authorities say Marisol Rodriguez, 21, and Devin “Smooth” Dixon, 29, were holding the victim against her will as well as forcing her to have sex with Mexican men for money. Rodriguez and Dixon would negotiate prices with Mexican men and collect U.S. currency up-front. Dixon would then give the victim instructions on what to say and what to do while engaging in sexual intercourse with the men. Dixon told the victim if she didn’t cooperate there would be “severe punishing consequences” to her if his instructions were not carefully followed.
The victim told investigators that at one point she told Rodriguez she (Victim) did not want to be sold for sex anymore and attempted to leave the residence. Rodriguez began beating the victim, hitting her in her body, and slamming her to the floor. Rodriguez then yelled for Dixon, he then began beating the victim and told her (Victim), “You are my property, you now belong to ‘Smooth’.”
According to reports, during questioning Rodriguez admitted to human trafficking and her involvement in the physical beatings that were inflicted upon the victim when she (Victim) tried to leave the residence.
Rodriguez told investigators that her boyfriend “Smooth” was also involved in holding the victim captive, beating her (Victim), and selling her for sex.
“In this most recent arrest, the human trafficking victim was saved from further harm when a friend reported the abuse to the Sheriff’s Office. We encourage anyone who has information about someone being victimized to please report it to law enforcement. Working together, we can make a positive difference,” Said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Human Trafficking is one of those crimes you hear about and hope to never find in your backyard. Unfortunately, it has happened here in Polk County. We will work with this victim to get her the physical and psychological help she needs to recover from this heinous crime, and we will work with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure these two suspects are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Rodriguez has been arrested five other times by Polk County Deputies. She has charges ranging from Driving While License Suspended to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. She was last released from jail on September 28, 2013.
Rodriguez was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail. She is charged with one count Human Trafficking and one count Principal to Human Trafficking.
Devin “Smooth” Dixon is on the run, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. He may have ties to the Tampa area as well as other areas in Central Florida.
He is described as a black male, 6’3” tall, 250 pounds. He may be driving a 2005 Cadillac STS with Florida tag CBZ M17.
If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Devin “Smooth” Dixon, they are urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. Anyone who wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward can call 1800-226-TIPS.
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