A white van that sparked human trafficking fears in Nocatee was simply 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 a man and a younger boy in a white van, claiming they were using puppies to lure children. Some feared a human trafficking operation, prompting 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 claimed they saw a mattress in the back of the van.

Investigation Finds No Criminal Activity

After investigating, the SJSO confirmed on Tuesday that the driver was making deliveries in Ponte Vedra and Palm Valley and had brought his son along for the weekend. They also had puppies with them, which attracted 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—just a dolly and cardboard boxes.