Learn to identify, report human trafficking – a crime that is invasive in Kentucky
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 30, 2018) – As the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby commences, Attorney General Andy Beshear, Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell, Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Wine, LMPD and advocates are asking Derby-goers to be on alert and report any signs of human trafficking.
At no fault of the Derby, human traffickers descend on large sporting events to attempt to profit from the illegal sale of adults and children in sex trafficking.
According to a report released by Beshear’s office last week, more than 100 potential victims of trafficking were reported in the state last year. Jefferson County, followed by Fayette, Kenton and Campbell counties were the top counties for reported suspicions.
“Human trafficking occurs in our communities every day of the year, and after Derby festivities end in Kentucky the crime does not,” Beshear said. “My office and our partners are encouraging Derby-goers, concerned citizens and businesses – including racetracks, bars and hotels – to help us identify human trafficking victims and report the crime.”
Signs of a Victim of Human Trafficking
There is no one single indicator of human trafficking, but a combination of these signs are common in victims:
- Travel together and have identical tattoos, branding.
- Unable to identify what town or state they are in or where they are staying.
- Lack official identification documents and personal possessions.
- Appears malnourished and has physical injuries.
- Avoids eye contact and seems to adhere to limited, scripted or rehearsed responses in social interaction.
- Loss of sense of time.
- Has possession of multiple pre-paid credit cards.
Beshear said his office is committed to assisting victims and working with O’Connell and Wine and other local law enforcement officials in combating human trafficking year round and at Derby.
“Human trafficking may be hidden in the shadows for some but it is real and Louisville, Kentucky is not immune,” said Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell. “These crimes are not confined just to Derby season but we know exploitation increases markedly when major events come to town. That is why prosecutors in my office are especially vigilant during these times, both in advocating for high bonds for out-of-town traffickers who are flight risks and in identifying possible victims and connecting them to treatment.”
Jefferson Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Wine, said it appears that national sporting events and large conventions attract criminals who are in the business of selling vulnerable persons for sex. Prosecutors have a duty to lead, and their important role in educating allied professionals and the public about human trafficking crimes cannot be overstated.
“Year round our office works closely with state and local law enforcement to target these predators,” said Wine. “Just this month our office obtained a felony conviction against a defendant arrested in a human trafficking investigation conducted during the 2016 Derby week. The public, and those who chose to exploit vulnerable persons, can be sure that during this Derby week local law enforcement will be active throughout our city seeking to identify and prosecute these criminals.”
Reporting Human Trafficking
Beshear said it is the law to report any suspected case of child trafficking, and that everyone has a role to play in preventing human trafficking.
- If a human trafficking victim is in immediate danger dial 911.
- To report suspected human trafficking of a child, call 877-KYSAFE1.
- Victims of human trafficking may also call or text the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Interpreters are available for callers.
Other Louisville-based survivor-led organizations who provide outreach services to human trafficking victims, Free2Hope, Kristy Love Foundation and Women of the Well joined Beshear today to help raise awareness.
Amy Leenerts, founder and executive director of Free2Hope, said, “As survivor leaders, we appreciate the work of the law enforcement and legal community in helping to raise awareness of the increase in trafficking during Derby. Our coordinated efforts are leading to more recognition and reporting of suspicious behaviors. Anyone caught up in trafficking and needing assistance can contact the Free2Hope Drop-In Center at 502-475-0555.”
Angela Renfro, Kristy Love Foundation’s founder and director said, “Once you touch the door knob of the Kirsty Love Foundation, you are no longer a victim. You are a survivor. This foundation provides a listening ear to a silent heart, and survivors want people to know that we will not allow trafficking to happen in our city. We provide survivor-led services to all communities including the homeless population, LGBTQI+, people of color and youth. We provide these services year round, and we will continue to do so before, during and after Derby.”
Summer Dickerson, founder and director, Women of the Well said, “As traffickers look to take advantage of the increased amount of visitors to Louisville during Derby, we in the survivor community are also increasing our outreach efforts. Women of the Well is available to assist any victim who needs our help during this Derby season and beyond. If you need help, call 502-498-6018.”
Catholic Charities of Louisville is a co-chair with Beshear’s office on the Kentucky Human Trafficking Task Force.
Marissa Castellanos, human trafficking program manager for Catholic Charities of Louisville, said, “Labor and sex trafficking crimes are occurring every day in Kentucky communities. Catholic Charities remains committed to advocating on behalf of the rights of victims, and ensuring survivors have meaningful access to the support they need and deserve. We are grateful for the leadership of the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General in raising awareness and their recognition that victim-centered investigations should be a priority in Kentucky communities.”
Since taking office, Beshear has turned the Office of the Attorney General into the leading state agency fighting human trafficking.
Last week, Beshear’s office and Catholic Charities of Louisville released the 2017 Human Trafficking Task Force Report. The report is the first overall look at the state’s coordinated efforts to fight human trafficking since Beshear’s office and Catholic Charities of Louisville received a federal grant in 2016.
The grant has supported statewide efforts to combat trafficking, including the ability for Beshear’s office to hire the state’s first full-time human trafficking investigator.
Last year, Beshear’s office and Catholic Charities conducted 80 statewide trainings, reaching nearly 3,500 individuals and created the state’s first coordinated effort to train hotel staff to recognize and report human trafficking.
In the first four months of 2018, Beshear’s office arrested two Louisville men and a Louisville woman on human trafficking charges involving two 16-year-old girls, and a Kansas man who attempted to purchase a Kentucky child for $250 and in exchange for drugs in a separate case. The office also secured the guilty plea of a Lawrenceburg man in March on human trafficking charges.
In February, Beshear’s office secured the guilty plea of former Campbell County District Judge Timothy Nolan on numerous felony charges, including human trafficking of adults, promoting human trafficking of minors and unlawful transaction with minors. Nolan is expected to be sentenced to serve 20 years in prison.
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