Now that there is more transparency, we have to be more honest, Walls said. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2013. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) is a nationalanti-trafficking hotline and resource center serving victims and survivors of human trafficking and the anti-trafficking community in the United States. After the workshop he, like the other men present, needed to change how they looked at girls and women as sex objects first and as their spiritual sister secondarily. Their legal aide also includes guidance for survivors interacting with law enforcement, assistance with obtaining legal status, and other referrals to immigrant social services. WebAn FBI operation focused on combatting child sex trafficking around the world resulted in the arrests of 15 suspected pimps and associates in the Philadelphia region, authorities Kendall was also charged with both production and distribution of child pornography, and Adams was also charged with tampering with evidence in a federal investigation. The Project PROTECT (Philadelphia Response & Outreach To End Child Trafficking) will support the continued advancement of Philadelphias juvenile human trafficking court, Working to Restore Adolescent Power (WRAP Court), and related programs serving child victims of human trafficking. Covenant House is a youth shelter in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. The Salvation Armys New Day to Stop Trafficking Program If you have not done so already, follow @USAO_EDPA and @USAttyWilliams on Twitter to get the most up-to-date information about big cases and community news. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE As many are gathering in front of large flat screen televisions during Super Bowl Sunday surrounded by trays of hors doeuvres, party platters and beer, an underground network will also be working hard. Led by U.S. Attorneys Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. Address: 990 Spring Garden Street, Suite 300,Philadelphia, PA 19123 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment on Count One, a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment on Count Two, a $500,000 fine, a lifetime period of supervised release and a $200 special assessment. Official websites use .gov As a city Philadelphia has major conventions and athletic events as well as many entertainment strips. Commercial Sexual Exploitation Institute Healthy Minds Philly is an initiative of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, City of Philadelphia, 24-HOUR NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE |, National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC), The Salvation Armys New Day to Stop Trafficking Program, Blue Campaign, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A lock ( The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara Solow and Trial Attorney Jessica Urban of the Department of Justice Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). 6:45 PM EDT, Sat March 20, 2021. According to public filings, Ossai trafficked one minor, took her to a lingerie store where he picked out lingerie for her, posted an advertisement of her on a website used to advertise sexual services for a fee, and harbored her in a hotel room in Lester, PA. As charged, Ossai drove the minor victim to a housing project in Philadelphia for her to engage in a commercial sex act, and he attempted to have sex with her himself. Eastern District of Pennsylvania WebThe children were cleaning blood and animal parts off the floor of meatpacking plants by night and going to school by day, the Labor Department investigators said. A subsequent forensic examination of Smiths laptop computer revealed two sexually explicit images of Minor 1, both of which were taken prior to her 18th birthday. It will also educate parents and family members to notice the warning signs of children and adolescents who may be involved in the life, as many call it. Main Office: We will continue to work collectively to investigate these destructive crimes against the most vulnerable victims., Using physical threats to control another human being, to force them into sexual exploitation, is unconscionable, said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Philadelphia Division. Working alongside the international community, we have seen significant increases in trafficking prosecution and conviction, and we have made great strides in supporting victims.. PHILADELPHIA Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that John Adams, 41, Mercedes Hampton-Devero, 28, Malachai Kendall, 20, and Chukuw Ossai, 31, all of Philadelphia, PA, were arrested and charged in two separate Indictments with sex trafficking of minors. At least one of the victims was also a victim of physical violence during the operation of the trafficking ring: according to public filings, Felts pulled her from a vehicle and repeatedly stomped on her. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much A locked padlock A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. If you have not done so already, follow @USAO_EDPA and @USAttyMcSwain on Twitter to get the most up-to-date information about big cases and community news. Text the letters "Befree" or the numbers 233733 to reach the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. They are not just the drug user, the wayward runaway teen, or the troubled foster child. 215-861-8300. At least The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. Media Contact According to publicly filed court documents, Adams, whose self-professed nickname was Captain Save-A-Hoe, along with co-defendants Hampton-Devero and Kendall, trafficked two minors during approximately three weeks in January of 2020 from multiple locations in Philadelphia. 33 missing children found in anti-human trafficking operation in Southern California. WOAR, Philadelphias only rape crisis center, provides free counseling and trauma therapy services to child, teen, and adult survivors of sexual violence, including survivors of sex trafficking. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE The FBI's Philadelphia Division said that 15 pimps and associates were arrested in the area as part of the takedown, which included participation from the Philadelphia Police Department, suburban police departments and prosecutors' offices and the Pennsylvania State Police. 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124, 2023 All rights reserved. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. WebCHILD SEX ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING CHILD USA works to create a safer world for children by reforming the statutes of limitation for child sex abuse, working to end child marriage, and the abuse and neglect of athletes. PCA believes strongly that understanding and responding to the needs of commercially sexually exploited youth in Philadelphia is critical, and we are committed to providing every child victim of sex trafficking with the same comprehensive care and coordinated response as other referrals to our facility. The children were cleaning blood and animal parts off the floor of meatpacking plants by night and going to school by day, the Labor Department investigators said. Dawns Place Have a question about Government Services? Anyone who is a victim of child sex trafficking or has If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. Lock Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Sex Trafficking Children in Northeast Philadelphia. He said this is the time to shine the light on both the consequences and root causes of human trafficking. Consequently, in order to rescue human trafficking victims, one must know how to identify them, the warning signs, and how to help them. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS WebPHILADELPHIA Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Kevin Smith, 27, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by Indictment with sex trafficking by 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 Philadelphia, PA 19106, JENNIFER CRANDALL Free counseling and trauma therapy services offered include individual and group sessions. More are involved than we realize.. Discovery Company. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melanie Babb Wilmoth. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan. Have a question about Government Services? Blue Campaign, U.S. Department of Homeland Security hangs in the Flag Room at the bureau's headquarters in Washington. On December 8, 2021, Jeremiah Eli Lowery pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute NSC also assists individuals with obtaining long term immigration status, supporting survivors when working with law enforcement and assessing for other legal needs. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth and you never know PCA works in tandem with DHS to connect survivors with the appropriate services. If you have not done so already, follow @USAO_EDPA and @USAttyMcSwain on Twitter to get the most up-to-date information about big cases and community news. WebSixteen children considered critically missing were rescued during a four-week operation that concluded this week, according to the US Marshals Service office in Philadelphia. Apple Tea Whats Cookin? Did you encounter any technical issues? Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years. WebPhiladelphia Man Convicted Of Sex Trafficking A Child. Trial Attorney Jessica Urban of the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Solow of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. Smith gave each of his recruits a cellular telephone, which he paid for, and then included that phone number in the Backpage advertisement. He deserves every minute of the 45 years that he received today., Artavius Horne made his living by sexually exploiting children, advertising underage girls for sex with strangers, said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Philadelphia Division. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 215-861-8300. A lock ( To view tips on identifying sex and labor trafficking red flags, please see the Red Flags Infographic. Its a hard statistic, but 1 in 6 children reported missing in the U.S. are likely victims of child sex trafficking, one of While PCA does not conduct every forensic interview of these child victims, we work closely with police and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to make sure that every child still has access to the full constellation of services including medical and mental health treatment. They educate and provide technical assistance to legislators, policy decision makers, and other stakeholders in order to improve legal responses to CSE. The FBIs Philadelphia Field Division is investigating the case and received significant assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department. 215-861-8300. UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525, Eastern District of Pennsylvania ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Lock A locked padlock He admitted that he had to examine himself as to whether he lusted after young women young enough to be his daughter. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 A locked padlock Readers will enter into an uncomfortable world that will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and stereotypical notions about the topic. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. So, the Philadelphia Sunday Sun is beginning a series about human trafficking. Dubbed Operation Safeguard, the initiative began on February 15 when a US Marshals Service task force took over 26 missing children cases at the request of other law enforcement agencies. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Many of these at-risk youths are referred for services with PCAs CSEC therapist, who is specially trained in this area. When you hear the testimony of those who have been victimized, men have to be honest. An official website of the United States government. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The actual statistics for human trafficking victims from neighborhoods like North, West or South Philadelphia or Northwest Philadelphia neighborhoods like Germantown and Mount Airy is difficult to track. The fraud is they are selling love, said Hugh Organ, associate director of the Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition. Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Smith also had sexual relations with the females who worked for him. A Warner Bros. Led by U.S. Attorneys Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Earlier this month outgoing President Barack Obama issued a proclamation declaring January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In 2017, Horne was convicted of similar offenses in Bucks County, PA. Horne committed these heinous acts while on parole for doing the exact same thing, said U.S. Attorney McSwain. This series will assist local residents in being part of the network that can direct victims to safety and healing. Enons A Day In The Life Conference Uses The Victims Voice To Talk About Human Trafficking, Enon Tabernacle holds human trafficking walk/run Oct. 3, Biden declares Kyiv stands in surprise visit to Ukraine, Supreme Court seems ready to reject student loan forgiveness, Former Philadelphia Eagle, CBS anchor Irv Cross had brain disease CTE, Queen Latifah will host the 2023 NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 25 in Pasadena CA. Hebrew International Aid Society The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Metcalf and Brittany Jones. The Indictment alleges that Felts ran a prostitution ring that recruited and enticed young girls, including one who was only fifteen years old, to engage in commercial sex acts; harbored the victims at various residences for that purpose; transported and provided the victims to males who purchased the commercial sex acts; and collected a portion of the proceeds. Media Contact Federal agents arrested three Philadelphia men Friday in connection to a child sex trafficking sting operation, and Your Content is first to reveal the identities of the men.. United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that three men, Andre Michael Felts, 32, Kevin Michael Francis, 60, and Ryan Keel, 39, all of Philadelphia, PA, were charged by According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, Smith operated a prostitution business in Philadelphia between April 1, 2009 and June 30, 2011. He has no regard for the law -- or even basic human decency -- as evidenced by his willingness to sell the bodies of children for sex to benefit himself. WebThis program is designed to improve the juvenile justice and dependency systems' response to child abuse, neglect, commercial sexual exploitation, and sex trafficking of minors and related cases. Many girls and women, boys and men are forced or coerced into this lifestyle. The defendants allegedly used their cell phones to post advertisements of the victims on a website which is known to be used for advertising sexual services for a fee, directed the minors to participate in commercial sex acts, and took a portion of the proceeds on each occasion. He even transported them to other cities and states, determined to keep the money coming in at their expense. A lock ( Readers will enter into an uncomfortable world that will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and stereotypical notions about the topic. The crimes Smith is accused of committing are some of the most devastating to victims that our office prosecutes, said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. Prior to joining the FBI, I was employed as an Immigration human trafficking, violent crimes against children, and other federal violations. 3. At least four of the recovered children were connected to child sex trafficking, the marshals service said on Thursday. We, as a society, have to begin facing up to it. We ask anyone with knowledge of child or adult sex trafficking to let us know about it, so we can help. We know of 22 locations in the state where this is taking place. RALEIGH, N.C. A Maxton man was sentenced today to 252 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy responsible for moving kilograms of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin from Mexico to Robeson County, North Carolina. It is going take the men taking control to reverse this. Smith was charged locally and was later charged in a federal indictment. This is about helping raise awareness to eradicate human trafficking, Waller said. WebIn January 2020, we convened the Philadelphia Juvenile Anti-Trafficking Coalition, gathering 50+ public and private agencies to collaborate on identifying gaps in services for trafficked Because this is the start of the prime season for human trafficking. Working with our federal partners, we will do all that we can to keep criminals who sell the bodies of children for their own profit securely behind bars so they can do no more harm., To advertise underage girls for sex, to willfully pimp them out for profit, is heinous, said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. Thats why there has to be an entire paradigm shift.The average girls who enters this is about 13.. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Have a question about Government Services? WebHuman Trafficking | Philadelphia | Battle4Children Charities You're not a victim for sharing your story. The allegations against these three men are vile and disturbing. These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Tinicum Township Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department, and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erica Kivitz. If you, a family member or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking (sex or labor), or you suspect that human trafficking is taking place, resources are available: National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Also had sexual relations with the females who worked for him anyone with knowledge of child adult. Merely accusations to reach the National human trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 not just the drug,. The red flags Infographic hangs in the United States, PA 19106, Telephone (... Cities and States, determined to keep the money coming in at their expense, Waller said 19106 Telephone... Earlier this month outgoing President Barack Obama issued a proclamation declaring January as National Slavery and human trafficking violent. 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