In a shocking turn of events, a former senior Pentagon official has been arrested in connection with a human trafficking sting in Coweta County, Georgia.
Stephen Hovanic, 64, who formerly held the position as chief of staff for the Americas division of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), was one of 26 people arrested in a two-day operation that took place on Nov. 15 and 16. The operation, led by the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), resulted in the rescue of six human trafficking victims.
According to authorities, Hovanic was charged with pandering – a misdemeanor in Georgia – after allegedly soliciting sex in a motel room with an undercover agent. The CCSO stated that this type of operation is essential in combating human trafficking, as without sex buyers, there would be no market for victims to be exploited.
A spokesperson for the operation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, also emphasized the need to remove women from this harmful lifestyle. “The victimization of these females is a significant issue, and the goal is to get them out of this lifestyle,” the spokesperson said.
BREAKING: Biden’s Senior Pentagon Official Overseeing Elementary Schools Division Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting.
Stephen Francis Hovanic, a top administrator for the Pentagon’s school system in the Americas region, was arrested in a human trafficking sting in Coweta… pic.twitter.com/Mlp9qMZYaS
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) November 22, 2023
Hovanic, who had been in his position at DoDEA since 2010, oversaw federally operated school systems in the Americas. The DoDEA, which operates 160 schools in 11 countries and seven states, serves approximately 70,000 children of military and Department of Defense families. Hovanic’s former position is currently listed as vacant on the DoDEA website.
The arrest of the former senior Pentagon official has sparked concern and shock within the DoDEA community. In a statement to Channel 2 Action News, the DoDEA said it was “aware of an alleged incident involving a DoDEA employee in the Americas Region” and that they could not comment further as there is an ongoing legal process.
The operation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, targeted individuals involved in the sex trade industry. The Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, which assisted with the investigation, shared that a total of 26 arrests were made, including 12 for prostitution, 10 for pandering, and four for pimping. Three individuals are also under investigation for human trafficking and drug charges.
NEW: Pentagon official Stephen Francis Hovanic reportedly arrested in a human trafficking sting in Georgia where over 2 dozen people were arrested for pandering, drug possession, prostitution & pimping.
It gets worse. Hovanic worked for the Department of Defense, specifically… pic.twitter.com/EJvxep2BCj
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 22, 2023
The Haralson County Sheriff’s Office also revealed that all six of the rescued trafficking victims have been placed in a safe environment. The operation serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of the sex trade and the need for continued efforts to combat it.
The DoDEA, responsible for providing a world-class education to children of military and DoD families, has stated its commitment to ensuring children are prepared for success in their post-secondary education or future careers. As the legal process unfolds, the incident highlights the need for constant vigilance and accountability within the organization.
