WRITEON FOR JANUARY 19, 2022
sister alies.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING MONTH
I hope you found some way to celebrate the MLK weekend and to weather the advisories, stay warm and dry. This month calls our attention to human trafficking a heinous and dangerous trade.
I hate to report that MS is #2 in the nation for human trafficking. #1 is Nevada and #10 is Texas. There were 148 cases in MS last year (that is almost 5 people in each 100K).
MSDH (Mississippi Department of Health) defines trafficking as:
“The exploitation of a person for labor, commercial sex, or other service against their will. It victimizes youth and adults, Mississippians who are physically, socially or psychologically vulnerable.” Fortunately, however, over the past six years when we were a “D” in law enforcement…we are now an “A”! So, if you are of a mind to traffic know that you will receive at least 20 years in prison with between $50,000 and $500,000 fine! If you benefit financially, you can receive LIFE and $100,000 fine! AND you will face asset forfeitures, mandatory restitution, and civil judgements.
We had 148 cases in Mississippi in 2021 and unfortunately our cases rose during the pandemic. What are these folks trafficked for? The two largest are commercial sex (White 26%, Black 40%) or labor (Hispanic 63%, Asian 17%). Human trafficking is the modern-day phrase for slavery where a person is held captive and forced to work. In 2019 there were over 11,500 cases in USA, and we rank very high on the trafficking list in the world. Of that 8,248 were for commercial sex and were discovered mostly at illicit massage/spa places and places with pornography. Lee County found seven victims with eight suspects. We now have the MBI/Special Victims Unit.
In May 2021 twenty victims were rescued in Jackson in three undercover stings over two weeks. There were six arrests…followed by a further sting in Hattiesburg rescuing five victims with one arrest.
How on earth would you possible be alerted that someone (child or adult) was being trafficked? Here are a few things to notice:
Malnourished; injured or having signs of physical abuse; they avoid eye contact, social interaction, and law enforcement; their responses seem rehearsed; and they lack personal ID or possessions. If you see something, say something. You might save someone’s very life!
In July 20221 the MS House passed bipartisan HB571, 116-0 and brought great joy! If a person under 18 is arrested in a sting they can no longer be charged…only receive counseling! Puts fault where it lies.
Here are two numbers in case you need them (and I hope you do not!):
NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE
1 888 373 7888
CHILD SEX HOTLINE
1 800 222 8000
BLESSINGS.
