JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Human trafficking can happen anywhere and to anyone — that was the message Tuesday morning from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit and the FBI during a news conference in recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Sheriff T.K. Waters, State Attorney Melissa Nelson and FBI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan stressed the importance of calling law enforcement if you believe you see a person who is a victim of human trafficking. The abuse can range from sex trafficking to labor trafficking and can target people of any age.
“These are hidden crimes, so well veiled you may have seen indicators and not known,” Waters said. “This month is so important because it focuses on educating the public about human trafficking.”
Waters said signs of potential trafficking include the victim’s mannerisms in presence of others, if the victim has a sudden change in behavior and if the victim defers to another to answer for them.
UNCUT: Press the play button below to watch the news conference held at JSO in recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.