DENVER β Twenty-seven victims of sex trafficking were recovered in Colorado as a result of a recent operation to combat human trafficking nationwide. In addition, 14 other children were found, five traffickers were arrested and eight other traffickers were identified as subjects for more investigation. Of those rescued, FBI Denver said one was a year-old girl who was being trafficked by her father in exchange for drugs. Another juvenile was reported missing by her foster family and was found with a known trafficker.
In total, the operation identified and located victims of sex trafficking nationwide β 59 were minors. In total, suspects were identified or arrested on child sexual exploitation and human trafficking offenses and 68 suspects of trafficking were identified or arrested, the FBI reported.
The FBI's commitment to combating this threat will never waver, and we will continue to send our message that these atrocities will not be tolerated," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. The juveniles found in this operation were reunited with their parents and guardians, or they are placed with a trusted person elsewhere.
All victims in this operation are linked to resources to help them at the community, state and federal level. FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said once a victim is recovered, they meet with a victim specialist who makes an assessment and provides individualized support and services. That can include food, clothing, substance abuse treatment, transportation to receive medical or mental health services, and locating shelter or housing. FBI Denver said it uses a "trauma-informed, victim-centered approach" in operations like this one.
The focus of the annual "Operation Cross Country" is to identify and locate victims in sex trafficking, investigate suspects and criminal enterprises, and make arrests when applicable. More than 40 agencies and organizations from Colorado participated in this two-day push, FBI Denver said.
