Department of Defense Education Activity administrator Stephen Hovanic was arrested for allegedly soliciting a prostitute during a human trafficking sting in Georgia.
That’s according to Stars and Stripes, which reported that Hovanic was among 26 people arrested in a two-day operation by the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office. He was released from custody on Nov. 16 on a $2,675 bond, according to the police report.
Surveillance camera footage from inside the hotel room captured Hovanic giving an undercover female officer money before other officers stormed the room:
BREAKING: Video footage of senior Pentagon official Stephen Hovanic getting arrested in connection to an alleged human trafficking ring has been released.
Sick man.
In the undercover video footage, Hovanic is seen soliciting s*x from an undercover agent but claims he was simply… pic.twitter.com/I0mLbbRRSv
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 28, 2023
Charged with pandering, Hovanic was arrested on the sting’s first day at a SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Newman, according to the incident report — the location is approximately 12 miles west of the DODEA-Americas headquarters.
Accused of soliciting sex from the undercover officer, Hovanic told the arresting officers that he thought he was paying for a massage, not sex, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
Haralson County Sheriff’s Office provided Coweta County support for the operation and shared some of the details from the operation: “A total of 26 arrests were made, 12 for prostitution, 10 for pandering, and four for pimping. Three of the individuals are currently under investigation for human trafficking and drug charges.”
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A total of 26 arrests were made, 12 for prostitution, 10 for pandering, and four for pimping. Three of the individuals are currently under investigation for human trafficking and drug charges.
#Teamwork#SpecialOperationDivision#HCSO— Haralson Co Sheriff GA (@HaralsonSheriff) November 20, 2023
Spokesman Will Griffin said in a statement that Hovanic, who is chief of staff for Defense Department schools in the United States, was on leave from the agency — Griffin did not specify the type of leave or whether it is paid or unpaid, according to Stars and Stripes.
“We are aware of an alleged incident involving a DoDEA employee in the Americas Region,” Griffin said. “As there are ongoing legal processes, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
Hovanic is an honorably discharged veteran who attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He has worked for Department of Defense Education Activity for nearly three decades.
Here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story from X:
Sick indeed.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 28, 2023
Another stark reminder of the rot within the corridors of power. How many more are lurking behind their prestigious titles, exploiting the vulnerable?
— Hank (@GCapital_LLC) November 28, 2023
This is why the media attacked the Sound of Freedom movie. Because they knew it was real.
— James Lasher (@TheJamesLasher) November 28, 2023
Yet again the Federal Employees are being revealed to be nasty people.
Birds of a feather flock together, when you give them power they always use it.
Hopefully he rots in prison.
— Joshua Walker (@RedsRepair95) November 28, 2023
Glad to hear they are still going after human trafficking predators not just j6 supporters!
— Kathleen Winchell ❤️ (@KathleenWinche3) November 28, 2023
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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