Florida Pimp's Bail Scheme Collapses in Polk County

A man from Tamarac, currently in custody for human trafficking, is now facing a new set of felony charges after allegedly attempting to organize a drug-selling operation while inside the Polk County Jail. This scheme was reportedly aimed at raising funds for his legal defense.

David Sills, 43, who goes by the street name “Harlem,” was initially arrested on April 26 during an undercover operation called "Polk Around and Find Out." During this operation, Sills arrived at the undercover location with two women he was prostituting and a third female. While Sills waited in his vehicle, law enforcement discovered a stash of methamphetamine, oxycodone, and marijuana.

The investigation did not end with the initial arrest. On May 1, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office added several serious charges against Sills, including human trafficking by coercion, conspiracy to traffic cocaine and MDMA, and conspiracy to sell methamphetamine.

These new drug-related charges are based on Sills’ alleged attempt to secure his release from jail. According to detectives, after his arrest, Sills contacted an associate in Broward County, instructing them to go to his hotel room, retrieve a safe, and sell the narcotics inside to raise money for his bail and legal fees.

Affidavits from the victims provide a detailed account of the traumatic experiences they endured under Sills' control. One woman described how Sills held her against her will, managed her online advertisements, and forced her to hand over all the money she earned. She spoke of a cycle of abuse where she was locked in bathrooms and kept awake all night to prevent her from escaping.

“The victim stated Sills slapped her so hard once for asking a question that her tooth came out of her mouth,” the report noted. She also claimed that Sills intentionally kept her under the influence of narcotics to make her easier to control.

Sheriff Grady Judd highlighted the importance of these undercover operations in targeting individuals who use violence to exploit others.

“This is a clear-cut example of why we conduct these undercover operations—to identify suspects like Sills who exert control over victims through fear, intimidation, and violence,” Sheriff Judd said. “Our purpose is to hold them accountable and put them in jail where they belong. These victims are being trafficked against their will in the sex trade and often have no way out.”

Sills has a history of legal issues; he was recently released on bond in Broward County in March for fentanyl trafficking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This time, however, Sills is not going anywhere. He is currently being held in the Polk County Jail without bond as investigators continue to determine if there are more victims involved in his operation.

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Florida Pimp’s Bail Money Scheme Backfires In Polk County