Okaloosa Investigators Uncover Juvenile Trafficking Linked to Social Media Staff Reports December 31, 2025 10:07 am Crime, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Two arrested in Okaloosa County for sex trafficking involving juvenile victims. Investigators uncovered evidence through interviews, witnesses, and electronic devices. The victims are now safe and receiving support services as the investigation continues. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of one male and one female suspect following a lengthy investigation into the sex trafficking of two juvenile females. According to investigators, the case stems from the arrest of Lennys Cotto and Joe Trejo in May 2025. During that earlier investigation, deputies and detectives observed multiple indicators consistent with human trafficking, prompting a broader and more in-depth inquiry by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Homeland Security Unit and Major Crimes Unit. As the investigation progressed, detectives identified two juvenile female victims believed to have been trafficked by the suspects. Investigators conducted interviews with the victims and a witness and carried out extensive forensic examinations of electronic devices. Evidence recovered from those devices included communications and digital content that investigators say documented trafficking activity. Through the evidence gathered, investigators were able to establish that the suspects trafficked the juvenile victims at local bars and utilized various social media applications to facilitate and promote the trafficking. Law enforcement officials say the evidence clearly linked both suspects to the exploitation of the minors. On December 23, Lennys Cotto, a male suspect, and Joe Trejo, a female suspect, were... Read More

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Three people are behind bars after a warrant arrest turned into a major drug bust in Washington County. Deputies say they spotted Ashley Simmons outside a home on Olie Road and knew she had active felony warrants out of Holmes County tied to a child abuse case. Investigators say Simmons […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, FL (WMBB) – The City of Lynn Haven is moving forward with new leadership at its police department. City leaders held a special meeting Tuesday to discuss their top choice for police chief, narrowing the field down to one finalist after months of searching. Officials say experience, integrity and leadership were key factors […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Panama City Fire Department marked a milestone today with a swearing-in ceremony recognizing two of its own. Firefighter Devin Molenda was officially sworn-in as an engineer after three years with the department. The ceremony also honored Captain Eric Vossen, who was formally sworn in as captain in the Fire […] Read More

FLORIDA, (WMBB) – 52 bears were harvested in the 2025 Florida black bear hunt. The three-week hunting season that spurred criticism from animal advocacy groups came to a close on Sunday. Many of those advocates were frustrated over the lack of updates from the FWC throughout the hunt. On Tuesday, the FWC released the final […] Read More

PANAMA CITY, FL (WMBB)- As we prepare to ring in the new year, many people are hoping to leave nicotine in 2025. While smoking is not an easy habit to break, there are some steps you can take. The first is committing to yourself and your decision. “Step by step solutions would be to use […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)- Panama City officials are hoping to bring two new crosswalks to help increase the community’s walkability. It’s a push for pedestrian safety and a real-time example of the city’s town halls turning into citizen-driven change. During the town hall meetings, citizens vocalized ongoing issues with pedestrian safety and awareness around Panama […] Read More

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Chipley family’s Christmas afternoon turned terrifying when flames engulfed their home. “When I heard the fire in the house, which was less than a minute at this point, um, I, I had I knew I had to leave,” Melissa Martin said. Jason and Melissa Martin escaped their home safely, […] Read More

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating a deadly hunting incident that claimed the life of a teenager. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning behind a home on County Road 73. According to FWC, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old were hunting when the 17-year-old was fatally struck after a […] Read More

I’m not making a New Year’s Resolution – This is What I’m Doing Instead Steven Saul December 30, 2025 10:23 am Religion Many of us are likely familiar with the southern tradition of preparing black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day.  This practice is believed to bring good luck for the year ahead.  A more familiar tradition for most is the creation of resolutions to signify a commitment to change something in our daily routine or, in other instances, to add a practice that will lead to better health or an improved way of life.  Exercise.com notes that the busiest month of the year for new gym memberships and exercise is January.  They believe the spike is due to all the New Year’s resolutions made the week before.   I am not a big fan of making resolutions because of my lack of commitment or determination in past efforts.  In a recent sermon, I fessed up and told the congregation that I would not be making any resolutions this week.  Bottom line, it’s my track record (from past years’ failures) that’s a bigger deterrent than anything else.   ut if you are so inclined, that’s awesome! January 1 gives each of us a new start.   But this day also has a way of marking time.  Many of us know where we’ve spent our past New Year’s eves and the highlights of those celebrations.  We remember those significant others, many times family and friends, that ring in the New Year with us.   As important... Read More