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Human trafficking in small-town Florida

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Ocala, FL — A man has been proclaimed guilty by a jury of his peers and sentenced to 30 years for human trafficking. Ocala, a town of approximately 57,000 people, lies in the central Florida in Marion county. Marion County Detective Zackary Hughes said that, “This was the fourth case of human trafficking case in Marion county’s history, and the first one to ever go in front of a jury.”

Ryan Poole (pictured above) began a romantic relationship with the victim during a vulnerable time in her life. They met online, and everything seemed to be going well — she said he was refreshing and “I felt very comfortable.” She said that he, “always wanted to talk about me and my life.”

After a short period of gaining her trust, there came a day when a switch was flipped. He put a sawed-off shotgun in her face and threatened her life, the life of her son and other loved ones. At that point, he made her new purpose in life clear: to make him money.

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  • mark m

    My hometown continues to impress

  • Recon 6

    Joni.. Rec’d +1… long ago when on the streets we came in close contact with some of these victims… fear was prevalent and often they refused any help but we continued to try… certain ppl knew who they should avoid when we were around… Hopefully more ppl, especially women will become more Aware in such places as the store(s)… it can happen in an instant…best…6

  • Hans F

    I live 1 hour from Ocala. Scary how close it can be to your own home.

  • edb73

    Yea, I don’t think that pouting dreadlock look will serve him well in general population. Good.

  • Guest