Thirty-four. That’s the number of human trafficking-related arrests Jacksonville police made last year, Sheriff Mike Williams said Tuesday in recognizing January as National Slavery and Human Sex trafficking Awareness Month.
Three federal indictments also were issued and 19 victims rescued, with four being juveniles, officials said.
Williams joined Mayor Lenny Curry, City Councilwoman LeAnna Cumber, FBI Agent Sean Ryan, State Attorney Melissa Nelson and law enforcement during a news conference to speak about these crimes in Jacksonville.
The sheriff emphasized the help the community can give to deter criminals who prey on vulnerable women and youth.
“It takes more than the government to solve this problem,” Williams said. “Remember the saying, ‘if you see something, say something.’”
“We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your calls,” Williams said. “If you or you think someone is a victim of human trafficking, please reach out to us.”
Human trafficking has become a major problem throughout the city and state. Williams said Florida ranked third in the United States for the highest rate in human trafficking and Jacksonville was third for large cities in Florida.
“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and it is happening right here,” Ryan said.
He said contrary to popular opinion, an overwhelming majority of human-trafficking victims are U.S. citizens and many of them are male.
It is not just men the community needs to watch out for. More and more women are being recruited to the human-trafficking circle.
“We are starting to see more and more female traffickers,” Nelson said. “Five female traffickers have been charged.”
“We will remain committed to this work and we will continue to fight every day,” she said.
Warning signs to look out for include physical abuse, bruising, malnourishment, social distancing, appearing anxious and lack of personal possessions, according to the Human Trafficking hotline, (888) 373-7888.
“It is important to know that the average entering age of sex trafficking is 17,” Cumber said. “That is also the age of a junior in high school.”
The Sheriff’s Office and Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Coalition invite the public to an annual gathering for community members interested in learning more about human trafficking and how they can help. This takes place at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Southpoint Community Church, 7556 Salisbury Road in Jacksonville.
Anyone with tips can contact the Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500 or First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-8477 (845-TIPS) to remain anonymous and be eligible for rewards. Or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org or rewards@fccrimestoppers.com.
Gabrielle Parzygnat: (904) 359-4697
