Craig Long built a large following online by branding himself as “MAGA to the core” – but now the Florida influencer has run into legal trouble after being caught up in a major undercover operation targeting prostitution and human trafficking.
Long, who owns Craig Long Fitness in Tampa, was one of 266 people arrested during a Polk County Sheriff’s Office sting operation called “Polk Around & Find Out.” The investigation focused on individuals allegedly attempting to exploit minors, as well as those accused of soliciting sex workers.
According to authorities, two of the suspects arrested during the operation allegedly brought children with them to illegal meetups.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd directly addressed Long during a press conference after the arrests, where he showed photos of the influencer posing with President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and other prominent Republicans.
“He’s an influencer. He also owns Craig Long Fitness in Tampa. He was seeking the services of a prostitute,” Sheriff Judd said, according to UNILAD.
Craig Long arrested
Officials said Long had previously posted multiple videos online praising both Judd and law enforcement before his arrest on Friday, May 1.
Despite being caught in the sting, authorities said Long remained supportive of officers during the arrest.
“Now, we’d like to see people who make mistakes early in life – and he had a long history – straightened up,” Judd said. “We like the fact that he likes the cops. Heck, he liked them so much, he got caught up in a sting and got to be rubbing up and real close with the cops.”
The sheriff’s office said the operation extended far beyond Polk County. Officials reported arrests involving suspects from 18 different countries and 11 states. The youngest person arrested was 18, while the oldest was 68.
Long is also known for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021, which resulted in multiple deaths, widespread violence, and hundreds of arrests.
Another January 6 participant, Ryan Yates, 40, was also arrested in connection with the same operation. Yates previously served a six-month prison sentence related to the Capitol attack before being released in January 2025 after President Trump issued blanket pardons on his first day back in office.
Authorities said both Long and Yates now face charges of soliciting another for prostitution. During the investigation, officials also identified seven possible victims of human trafficking.
