Professional golfer Tommy Gainey was arrested Sunday in Polk County, Florida, for alleged involvement in a major prostitution and human-trafficking sting.
Known as Tommy “Two Gloves,” the 44-year-old was one of 124 arrested as part of the investigation titled “Operation Santa’s Naughty List” which closed over the weekend.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated in a press conference Wednesday that Gainey faces a first-degree misdemeanor solicitation charge after being arrested for soliciting a prostitute.
Gainey, who lives in Hartsfield, South Carolina, with his wife and two children aged 11 and 5, was released Monday after posting bail, TMZ Sports reported.
“He’s married,” Judd said. “He told us he was here for a charity golf event and it was supposed to be like the next morning tee off. He didn’t make it. He was a scratch.”
Gainey turned pro in 1997 and joined the PGA Tour in 2008. He gained popularity among fans for wearing gloves on both hands. He also was a notable character on Golf Channel’s “Big Break” in 2005.
Gainey has played four PGA Tour events this season, missing three cuts and finishing T-36 at the Sanderson Farms Championship. Gainey competed in five PGA events last season, missing three cuts with his best finish a T-39 at the Barbasol Championship. He also played eight events on last season’s Korn Ferry Tour, making three cuts with no top-10s.
He has one career PGA Tour win at the McGladrey Classic in October 2012.
Judd said the investigation began Dec. 3 and wrapped Sunday, using internet advertisements to arrange meetings with suspects and undercover detectives. Judd said the goal of the investigation was to identify and rescue victims of human trafficking as well as “find deviants that prey on children.” Five of the 124 arrested came to homes allegedly attempting to sexually assault children.
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