Suspect also directed accomplice in Broward to sell drugs to obtain bail money, leading to new drug trafficking charges

On May 1, 2026, Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover detectives filed added-on charges of Human Trafficking/Using Coercion for Commercial Sexual Activity (FSS 787.06(3)(b)). Using coercion for commercial sexual activity of an adult commits a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084 (F1), conspiracy to traffic in cocaine (F1), conspiracy to traffic in MDMA (F1), conspiracy to sell methamphetamine (F3), and two counts unlawful use of two-way communication device (F3) on Polk County Jail inmate David Sills, 43, of Tamarac, FL, after follow-up investigation revealed he has been trafficking at least one victim (and possibly more).

The added-on conspiracy to traffic illegal narcotics charges are due to Sills contacting an associate in Broward County after he was arrested in Polk County to retrieve a safe from Sills’ hotel room and sell the contents (drugs) to get bail money and hire an attorney for Sills.  

Sills was originally arrested on April 26, 2026, with other accomplices, after arriving with two prostitutes and another female to the undercover location in Polk County where the PCSO and partnering agencies were conducting an undercover human trafficking operation (click here to read the release).

Sills was previously arrested in January 2026 in Broward County for trafficking in fentanyl and heroin; possession of alprazolam, illegal synthetic drugs, and illegal cannabinoids; and possess of a firearm by a convicted felon. He bonded out of jail in Broward on March 4, 2026.

Upon his April 26^th arrest in Polk County, Sills was charged with:

•           living off of proceeds of prostitution (F2)
•           trafficking in methamphetamine (F1)
•           transporting a prostitute (M2)
•           possession of oxycodone (F3)
•           possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia (M1)

and was booked into the Polk County Jail where he is being held on $172,000 bond. The drugs and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle near the undercover location where Sills was waiting on the two victims (who were being prostituted by Sills) to return. Through further interviews with one of the victims, detectives determined that Sills had complete control over her and was abusing her. The following is an excerpt from the affidavit:

The victim advised she was told by David Christopher Sills (Harlem) to come to the undercover location this evening to provide adult services to someone in exchange for money. The victim confirmed adult services means sex or companionship. She stated she has known Sills for approximately four (4) months, and he has been forcing her to prostitute off and on for longer than a month. The victim advised Sills keeps her against her will and makes her work for him. She advised she is not allowed to leave. The victim stated she tried to leave approximately 24 hours ago (Saturday, April 25th, 2026). She stated Sills found messages on her phone where she was talking with a friend about leaving him and he took her phone, broke it, and locked her in a bathroom for an entire night where she was made to stay awake. The victim advised Sills creates her ads, updates them, uploads her pictures to the ads, and keeps them current. She advised the phone number on the advertisement belongs to Sills. She stated Sills does all the communicating with clients. The victim stated she is instructed to immediately turn over any money she earns from prostituting directly to Sills. When asked if she has ever tried to get away from Sills, she referenced the above incident of being locked in the bathroom 24 hours ago. She advised she does not have an option to not see clients or not work and is fearful of Sills. The victim advised she believes Sills wants her to stay under the influence of narcotics so he can control her easier. She goes on to say if she doesn't do what she is told to do by Sills, she is abused, threatened, or receives some kind of punishment from him. The victim stated Sills took the sim card out of her phone and put it in his, giving him access to all of her information. She advised he controlled when and how she could talk to friends and family. She said there was no privacy or autonomy around him. She stated when she would get away in the past, he always found her somehow. The victim stated Sills slapped her so hard once for asking a question that her tooth came out of her mouth.

The investigation is ongoing into whether or not Sills has victimized others, and further charges are pending. He is being held on no bond.

“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. 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. With our partnering social services we are able to identify victims and offer them services and an avenue to get the help they need.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff