A white van that sparked human trafficking fears in Nocatee was actually being used for routine package deliveries, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO).

Social Media Panic

Over the weekend, Nocatee residents flooded Facebook with concerns about two people—a man and a younger boy—traveling in a white van and using puppies to engage with children. Some feared they were involved in human trafficking, leading to calls for neighborhood patrols and increased law enforcement.

Pictures of the van, including license plate close-ups and images of the man holding a puppy, spread rapidly. Some residents even posted the driver’s name along with a list of past offenses. Others reported seeing a mattress in the back of the van.

Investigation Finds No Criminal Activity

After looking into the situation, the SJSO confirmed on Tuesday that the driver was simply making deliveries in Ponte Vedra and Palm Valley and had brought his son along for the weekend. The two also had puppies with them, which drew attention from children at several parks.

“Detectives determined numerous children approached asking to pet the puppies and found no evidence of coercion or attempts to lure them into the van,” said SJSO spokesperson Taylor Levesque.

Authorities verified the driver’s employment records and found packages in the van, but no mattress or bedding—just a dolly and cardboard boxes.