Pentagon official arrested in connection with human trafficking operation in Georgia

A top administrator for the Pentagon’s school system was arrested in a human trafficking sting in Georgia earlier this week, according to reports. 

Stephen Francis Hovanic, 64, was arrested Nov. 15 in state's Coweta County on suspicion of pandering charges, officials told The Daily Caller. 

Hovanic is a senior official in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) Americas division. This department oversees elementary education of military families.

In total, 26 people were arrested in this sting, according to local media. Sgt. Toby Nix with the county sheriff's office said the law enforcement investigation found six women who were victims of human trafficking. 

The victims have been taken to a safe house "where they will receive the help they need to move forward from the heinous crime of human trafficking ," Nix said, according to the Newman-Times Herald.

Twelve people have been arrested for prostitution, 10 for pandering and four for "pimping," according to wsbtv.com.

In addition, three suspects under investigation for human trafficking and drug charges.

Nix told local media that those arrested on pimping charges are expected to be indicted for human trafficking.