The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez, held its 3rd Annual Human Trafficking & Drug Abuse Awareness Conference on Wednesday at the Holiday Inn Resort in Kissimmee, bringing together members of the hospitality industry to tackle two of the region’s most urgent issues.
The event focused on educating hotel and motel staff about the warning signs of human trafficking and drug-related activity—crimes that often take place within the walls of hospitality establishments. The conference featured firsthand accounts, law enforcement insights, and actionable training to help frontline workers identify and report suspicious behavior.
“Hotels and motels are often targeted by traffickers and individuals involved in drug-related crimes,” said Sheriff Lopez. “This conference is about empowering our hospitality partners to recognize the signs and become part of the solution.”
The day began with a Meet & Greet at 9 a.m., followed by presentations from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Speakers included:
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Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office
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Kim Figueroa, a human trafficking survivor who shared her powerful personal story
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Detective Justin Akins and Agent Al Rodriguez, both of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, who offered detailed insight into how traffickers operate and how narcotics are used to manipulate and control victims.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of partnerships with the hospitality industry as a frontline defense in preventing these crimes. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of the indicators of trafficking and substance abuse, and a clear path to reporting potential incidents.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage anyone who suspects human trafficking or drug-related activity to report it immediately by calling (407) 348-2222.
Positively Osceola commends the Sheriff’s Office, Kissimmee Police Department, and St. Cloud Police Department for their ongoing dedication to education, prevention, and community safety.
