Eight Croatian nationals charged with attempting to traffic children, outside the magistrates court in Ndola, Zambia, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. The Philadelphia Juvenile Anti-Trafficking Coalition is the first of its kind focusing on and addressing the needs of child victims of human trafficking and vulnerable subpopulations that are overrepresented and underserved. Eastern District of Pennsylvania A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. We will continue to work collectively with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these destructive crimes against vulnerable children.. Three Philadelphia men were charged, by a federal grand jury, in an indictment unsealed today in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for their roles in a sex trafficking operation that exploited numerous minors from 2016 through 2017. This ongoing series will address this and more. WebAddress: 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124 Phone: 215-387-9500 Legal and Immigration Services, Trainings and Advocacy Justice At Work Justice At Work Phone: 215-733-0878 Felts was detained pending trial this afternoon, joining his co-defendants, who are also in federal custody. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Philadelphia Children's Alliance. They may be lured thinking that someone is helping them find a job. Folks in need of WOAR services do not require insurance. EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Because this is the start of the prime season for human trafficking. Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney for Community Engagement, Philadelphia Man Convicted Of Sex Trafficking A Child, Eastern District of Pennsylvanias U.S. Attorneys Office Hosts Presentation on Autism-Based Discrimination in Schools, Camps, and Childcare Facilities, One Leader of a Violent Sex Trafficking Gang Sentenced to Life and a Consecutive Ten Years Imprisonment, and a Gang Associate Sentenced to 37 years Imprisonment, Chester County Doctor Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Operating Pill Mill Out of Main Line Pain Clinic. Have a question about Government Services? The fraud is they are selling love, said Hugh Organ, associate director of the Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Smith also had sexual relations with the females who worked for him. 215-861-8300. The comprehensive programming at Dawns Place supports individuals by addressing their complex needs including trauma services, substance use disorders, legal and educational concerns and more. The church has a ministry that addresses trafficking in the Philadelphia area. WebAn FBI operation focused on combatting child sex trafficking around the world resulted in the arrests of 15 suspected pimps and associates in the Philadelphia region, authorities NSC also assists individuals with obtaining long term immigration status, supporting survivors when working with law enforcement and assessing for other legal needs. EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA We ask anyone with knowledge of child or adult sex trafficking to let us know about it, so we can help. Main Office: Phone: 215-893-8400 FOX 29 Philadelphia. Address: 600 Chestnut St., Suite 500B Philadelphia, PA 19106 It also alleges that Smith operated a sex trafficking enterprise at various times over a period of two years from July 2015 to July 2017, during which he used physical threats to force three different young adult victims to have sex for money. PCA also conducts comprehensive assessments for children who are at risk or prevent red flags of being commercially sexually exploited. Working with our federal partners, we will do all that we can to keep criminals who sell the bodies of children for their own profit securely behind bars so they can do no more harm., To advertise underage girls for sex, to willfully pimp them out for profit, is heinous, said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. At least four of the recovered children were connected to child sex trafficking, the marshals service said on Thursday. Apr 1, 2016 Local Email This series will assist local residents in being part of the network that can direct victims to safety and healing. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. If you, a family member or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking (sex or labor), or you suspect that human trafficking is taking place, resources are available: National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) We, as a society, have to begin facing up to it. They are not just the drug user, the wayward runaway teen, or the troubled foster child. Email. Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment on Count One, a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment on Count Two, a $500,000 fine, a lifetime period of supervised release and a $200 special assessment. Smith would photograph each female in his home with his camera and, using his laptop computer, would create an Internet advertisement for each on a website known as Backpage.com. Phone: 215-951-5411 or 888-829-1249 A locked padlock Enons A Day In The Life Conference Uses The Victims Voice To Talk About Human Trafficking, Enon Tabernacle holds human trafficking walk/run Oct. 3, Biden declares Kyiv stands in surprise visit to Ukraine, Supreme Court seems ready to reject student loan forgiveness, Former Philadelphia Eagle, CBS anchor Irv Cross had brain disease CTE, Queen Latifah will host the 2023 NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 25 in Pasadena CA. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 Readers will enter into an uncomfortable world that will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and stereotypical notions about the topic. The FBI will never stop working to find and help trafficked victims, to protect them from further abuse and keep their traffickers from hurting anyone else.. Have a question about Government Services? ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. WebSixteen children considered critically missing were rescued during a four-week operation that concluded this week, according to the US Marshals Service office in Philadelphia. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Thats why there has to be an entire paradigm shift.The average girls who enters this is about 13.. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS I am gratified that the defendants are all now off the streets and in custody pending trial on these charges, said U.S. Attorney McSwain. PHILADELPHIA United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that three men, Andre Michael Felts, 32, Kevin Michael Francis, 60, and Ryan Keel, 39, all of Philadelphia, PA, were charged by Indictment for their roles in a sex trafficking operation that exploited numerous minor children from 2016 through 2017. The Philadelphia Sunday SUN - P.O. Phone: 215-832-0900. We know of 22 locations in the state where this is taking place. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. WebPhiladelphia Division. He admitted that he had to examine himself as to whether he lusted after young women young enough to be his daughter. RALEIGH, N.C. A Maxton man was sentenced today to 252 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy responsible for moving kilograms of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin from Mexico to Robeson County, North Carolina. WebPHILADELPHIA United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that three men, Andre Michael Felts, 32, Kevin Michael Francis, 60, and Ryan Keel, 39, all of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 In a separate Indictment, Ossai is charged with the sex trafficking of a minor in late January 2020. The seal of the F.B.I. WebIf you are victim of human trafficking and need help or suspect that someone else is a victim: Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. WebPhiladelphia Men Charged with Child Sex Trafficking. WebPHILADELPHIA Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that John Adams, 41, Mercedes Hampton-Devero, 28, Malachai Kendall, 20, and Chukuw Ossai, Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. As part of the scheme, the defendant recruited, enticed and maintained three minor children, one of whom was as young as 13 years old, to engage in commercial sexual encounters. 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124, 2023 All rights reserved. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2013. Media Contact Nationalities Service Center Finally, what is the paradigm shift that must occur in society to finally obliterate human trafficking? He even transported them to other cities and states, determined to keep the money coming in at their expense. In addition, they also have other housing programs available to youth who complete their shelter program. A lock ( Address: 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124 Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 PCA believes strongly that understanding and responding to the needs of commercially sexually exploited youth in Philadelphia is critical, and we are committed to providing every child victim of sex trafficking with the same comprehensive care and coordinated response as other referrals to our facility. The children involved are considered some of the most at-risk and challenging cases in the Philadelphia area, the marshals service said, based on high-risk factors including child sex trafficking and exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and medical or mental health conditions. As many are gathering in front of large flat screen televisions during Super Bowl Sunday surrounded by trays of hors doeuvres, party platters and beer, an underground network will also be working hard. The Philadelphia Police Department learned of the prostitution operation by surveying Backpage advertisements and conducted an undercover sting operation at the premises in June 2011. These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Tinicum Township Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department, and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erica Kivitz. Have a question about Government Services? ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Furthermore, travelers who frequent turnpike rest stops, ride public transportation or stay in hotels can quickly recognize when a human trafficking victim may be approaching them for assistance. WebTrafficking PCA believes strongly that understanding and responding to the needs of commercially sexually exploited youth in Philadelphia is critical, and we are committed to ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. When you hear the testimony of those who have been victimized, men have to be honest. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE Have a question about Government Services? Commercial Sexual Exploitation Institute The Salvation Armys New Day to Stop Trafficking Program Smith gave each of his recruits a cellular telephone, which he paid for, and then included that phone number in the Backpage advertisement. The children were cleaning blood and animal parts off the floor of meatpacking plants by night and going to school by day, the Labor Department investigators said. Now that there is more transparency, we have to be more honest, Walls said. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 WOAR (Women Organized Against Rape) Though local statistics are difficult to come by, the one thing that experts agree on is that girls and young women are its primary victims. Sixteen children considered critically missing were rescued during a four-week operation that concluded this week, according to the US Marshals Service office in Philadelphia. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS To view tips on identifying sex and labor trafficking red flags, please see the Red Flags Infographic. So, the Philadelphia Sunday Sun is beginning a series about human trafficking. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE Secure .gov websites use HTTPS As a city Philadelphia has major conventions and athletic events as well as many entertainment strips. Enoch Smith, 36, a/k/a Drees, a/k/a Idris, of Philadelphia, PA, was convicted today of all charges including sex Kevin Smith allegedly did just that to three young women and a child. In 2017, Horne was convicted of similar offenses in Bucks County, PA. Horne committed these heinous acts while on parole for doing the exact same thing, said U.S. Attorney McSwain. He has no regard for the law -- or even basic human decency -- as evidenced by his willingness to sell the bodies of children for sex to benefit himself. Many who engage in the paid sex during Super Bowl season are not the typical prostitute street walker. Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Sex Trafficking Children in Northeast Philadelphia. Free counseling and trauma therapy services offered include individual and group sessions. Earlier this month outgoing President Barack Obama issued a proclamation declaring January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. CHERRY HILL, N.J. - Officials announced Tuesday th arrest of three people for allegedly trafficking a missing child for prostitution. A locked padlock On December 8, 2021, Jeremiah Eli Lowery pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute Prior to joining the FBI, I was employed as an Immigration human trafficking, violent crimes against children, and other federal violations. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth and you never know The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Enslavement of African Americans is rising in the City of Brotherly Love and Sister Affection. Justice At Work They provide direct care to juvenile victims of trafficking experiencing homelessness. Have a question about Government Services? Leah Fletcher, Account Executive. Main Office: Official websites use .gov CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. This means the demand for this is modern-day enslavement continues. Know that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are working every day to put traffickers like Horne behind bars and ensure some justice for their victims. WebYoung women and girls are the most at-risk of trafficking, although boys are also trafficked and are less likely to ask for help. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment. He said this is the time to shine the light on both the consequences and root causes of human trafficking. you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: CHILD USA, 3508 MARKET STREET, Philadelphia, PA, 19104. When DHS or police identify a child that exhibits red flags, they send that child to PCA for a full assessment. Justice At Work specializes in providing free legal representation to victims of labor trafficking as well as other communities of workers. Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Official websites use .gov Apple Tea Whats Cookin? An official website of the United States government. Media Contact Nationalities Service Center provides intensive case management services to support with basic needs, safety planning, acquiring public benefits, and other referrals for physical and mental health providers. When the minors were rescued and Adams learned he was under investigation by the FBI, he allegedly wiped his cell phone clean of all incriminating evidence. A locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Make no mistake, the Philadelphia Child Exploitation Task Force is working each and every day to lock up sex traffickers and other predators preying on innocent children., This investigation is a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. He recruited young women, including a minor (Minor 1), to work as prostitutes. We will continue to work collectively to investigate these destructive crimes against the most vulnerable victims., Using physical threats to control another human being, to force them into sexual exploitation, is unconscionable, said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Philadelphia Division. Its even more difficult to ascertain who are being forced or coerced into the trade. WOARs Sex Trafficking Advocacy and Response Team also assists with crisis support, sex trafficking assessment, prevention/education, and advocacy. We get calls from as far away as Pittsburgh where girls have been taken. WebHuman Trafficking | Philadelphia | Battle4Children Charities You're not a victim for sharing your story. Official websites use .gov Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Covenant House Media Contact A Northeast Philadelphia hotel owner was ordered to pay $24 million to eight sex trafficking victims. Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. A Philadelphia man is accused of trafficking four victims, one of whom was a minor, in Bucks County and surrounding areas, according to federal authorities. A locked padlock According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, Smith operated a prostitution business in Philadelphia between April 1, 2009 and June 30, 2011. Philadelphia, PA 19106, JENNIFER CRANDALL Yet it is clear that this and other types of trafficking are not just limited to certain times of the year. An indictment is an accusation. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years. It may cause some to realize what some in their own circle have been hiding from them, often suffering in silence or shame. PCA conducts forensic interviews and offers therapeutic services specializing in understanding the needs and experiences of trafficking survivors. The crimes Smith is accused of committing are some of the most devastating to victims that our office prosecutes, said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. hangs in the Flag Room at the bureau's headquarters in Washington. An official website of the United States government. Yet many are not aware of it despite the fact more and more are becoming victims of human trafficking. Our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years // means youve safely connected to the.gov.! Paid sex during Super Bowl season are not just the drug user, the marshals service on... 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