Polk County, FL — A Tampa-based fitness entrepreneur with more than half a million social media followers now faces a criminal charge after investigators say he tried to pay for sex during a large-scale undercover operation targeting human trafficking. Craig Long II, 41, was arrested May 1 as part of a Polk County Sheriff’s Office sting that led to 266 arrests, marking one of the agency’s largest crackdowns in recent years.
Detectives say Long arranged to meet an undercover officer posing as a sex worker and offered $100 for what he described as “something quick,” according to the arrest report. He has been charged with soliciting another for prostitution and has entered a not guilty plea through his attorney.
“Influence that,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.
During the press conference, Sheriff Judd showed a picture of Long posing recently with President Donald J. Trump.
Massive operation nets hundreds of arrests
The investigation, dubbed “Polk Around & Find Out,” was led by Sheriff Grady Judd and focused on both alleged buyers and individuals tied to human trafficking networks. Authorities said the operation aimed to identify demand that fuels exploitation.
Long was among hundreds taken into custody during the multi-day effort, which involved coordinated undercover work and online communication with suspects.
Sheriff Judd highlighted Long’s case during a press briefing, noting the contrast between his public persona and the allegations.
Public image draws added attention
Long built a sizable online following—more than 560,000 on TikTok and over 125,000 on Instagram—where he posted fitness content alongside outspoken political views, frequently describing himself as “MAGA to the core” and voicing support for law enforcement.
Judd pointed to that messaging when discussing the arrest, noting that Long had previously faced legal trouble but had presented himself publicly as someone who had turned his life around.
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Key Points
• Craig Long, 41, arrested in Polk County prostitution sting involving 266 suspects
• Accused of offering $100 to undercover officer posing as sex worker
• Influencer had over 500K followers and publicly supported law enforcement
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Recent high-profile appearance
Weeks before his arrest, Long shared photos of himself attending a UFC event in Miami on April 11, where he was pictured with former President Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr. The images circulated widely across his social media platforms, further raising his public profile ahead of the charges.
That visibility has amplified attention on his case, particularly as authorities emphasized the broad scope of the sting and the range of individuals arrested.
Prior record and current case
According to Sheriff Judd, Long had a prior felony record but had since rebranded himself as a business owner and fitness figure. Investigators did not release additional details about his earlier conviction.
The current charge—soliciting prostitution—is a criminal offense in Florida, though it is not among the more severe charges sometimes associated with trafficking investigations. Authorities have not accused Long of involvement in trafficking itself.
What happens next
Long’s case will proceed through the Polk County court system following his not guilty plea. Prosecutors are expected to rely on undercover communications and arrest documentation as the case moves forward.
The broader operation remains under review as authorities continue analyzing evidence tied to the 266 arrests made during the sting.
Craig Long remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court, and no trial date has been publicly announced.
