Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the conviction and arrests of several sexual and child predators while speaking at a news conference in Tampa this week.
According to the attorney general, Marquett James was convicted of two counts of human trafficking, one count of racketeering, and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering following a jury trial in November 2025.
In addition, Lucas Jose Herraiz and Michael Younce were arrested in separate cases for possession of child sexual abuse material.
"Florida is not a sanctuary state for criminals, and if you come after our kids, we will leave no stone unturned to hold you accountable," Uthmeier wrote in a social media post. "Thanks to the relentless work for HSI Tampa, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and our Office of Statewide Prosecution, these criminals are off the streets and facing serious consequences for their depraved behavior."
According to the attorney general, James targeted women over a period of eight years (2012 to 2020) by beginning romantic relationships with the victims before coercing them into commercial sex acts, including prostitution. James would also seize the profits and subject the women to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
In one instance, James threatened to release pornographic material of a victim to maintain control. Investigators believe James profited in the hundreds of thousands from each victim, with one victim becoming homeless as a result of the abuse.
The Department of Homeland Security led the investigation. James faces a possible 120 years in prison.
Herraiz, a French national, was arrested in January 2025 after authorities found 18 "extremely graphic" videos depicting young children engaging in sexual acts, linked to a Dropbox account allegedly associated with Herraiz’s home and businesses.
Herraiz is charged with 18 counts of child pornography. He will be deported upon conviction and any subsequent prison sentence.
Younce was arrested in January 2025 by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) following an investigation targeting individuals for child pornography. According to authorities, Younce allegedly had nine child pornography videos on his mobile device.
Younce has been charged with nine counts of child pornography. Investigators are also searching two other computers, and further charges could be forthcoming.
"These crimes are unacceptable, and protecting Florida's youth remains one of our highest priorities," FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said. "We appreciate Attorney General Uthmeier and our partner agencies for prioritizing this work and ensuring these dangerous individuals are kept away from our communities. Together, we will continue working every day to stop predators, support victims, and keep Florida's children safe."
In addition, Uthmeier provided an additional charge of lewd and lascivious molestation against a Hernando County man accused of capital sexual battery on a child under twelve. Nathan Holmberg faces over 70 felony counts on various charges, including capital sexual battery.
Holmberg now faces 14 life sentences, 7 death sentences, and up to 2,355 years in prison if convicted.
