Former officer among 10 arrested in Lee County brothel operation

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — One of the 10 people arrested in a major prostitution and brothel bust in Lee County is a former police officer with a criminal past.

• RELATED: 10 arrested for prostitution, operating brothels within several Lee County businesses

Body camera video from the Lee County Sheriff's Office shows one of several arrests connected to Operation Red Light. The operation targeted illegal brothels operating in the area.

"These brothels were hidden in plain sight in areas among other businesses, but with no signage, these illegal businesses were committing multiple crimes near ordinary businesses," said Amira Fox, state attorney.

One of those arrested is 53-year-old James Joseph O'Brien. Sarasota police arrested him on Thursday.

Court records show O'Brien previously pled guilty in a federal mortgage fraud case in 2010. Transcripts show he was a police officer at the time of his arrest. He received probation and was ordered to pay back nearly $500,000.

The new charges out of Lee County include conspiracy to commit racketeering related to prostitution and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. His arrest record lists a Cape Coral address.

WINK News went to the address, which led to a boating business. The business was closed when WINK News called.

Investigators said this case is part of a larger operation. Eight search warrants were carried out across Cape Coral and Fort Myers, targeting four businesses and four residential homes.

"There are people raising their children in houses right next door where this type of activity is happening," said John Yancy, U.S. Dept. Homeland Security.

O'Brien remains in jail, held without bond. WINK News attempted to reach him for comment but was unable to.