Readers will enter into an uncomfortable world that will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and stereotypical notions about the topic. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Philadelphia Children's Alliance. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Led by U.S. Attorneys Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. PCA conducts forensic interviews of the younger victims, and our partners in the Human Trafficking Task Force conduct the interviews for older teens. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Official websites use .gov A locked padlock A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. hangs in the Flag Room at the bureau's headquarters in Washington. They pay their airfare, hotel room and everything else. They educate and provide technical assistance to legislators, policy decision makers, and other stakeholders in order to improve legal responses to CSE. WebYoung women and girls are the most at-risk of trafficking, although boys are also trafficked and are less likely to ask for help. According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, Smith operated a prostitution business in Philadelphia between April 1, 2009 and June 30, 2011. 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. The Philadelphia Sunday SUN - P.O. EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA All Rights Reserved. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign, designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners to recognize theindicatorsof human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Enoch Smith, 36, a/k/a Drees, a/k/a Idris, of Philadelphia, PA, was convicted today of all charges including sex trafficking of a minor and production of child pornography. The Indictment alleges that Felts ran a prostitution ring that recruited and enticed young girls, including one who was only fifteen years old, to engage in commercial sex acts; harbored the victims at various residences for that purpose; transported and provided the victims to males who purchased the commercial sex acts; and collected a portion of the proceeds. A locked padlock He said this is the time to shine the light on both the consequences and root causes of human trafficking. PHILADELPHIA United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Artavius Horne, a/k/a Lo, 36, of Philadelphia, PA was sentenced to 45 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Gerald J. Pappert for sex trafficking three children for years. Main Office: So, the Philadelphia Sunday Sun is beginning a series about human trafficking. Eastern District of Pennsylvania Official websites use .gov 6:45 PM EDT, Sat March 20, 2021. Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Metcalf and Brittany Jones. Lock Main Office: 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. To view a comprehensive listing of agencies across the Greater Philadelphia region servicing trafficking youth, please see the Social Services Directory. Official websites use .gov Have a question about Government Services? WebCHILD SEX ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING CHILD USA works to create a safer world for children by reforming the statutes of limitation for child sex abuse, working to end child marriage, and the abuse and neglect of athletes. Text the letters "Befree" or the numbers 233733 to reach the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Special Agent in Charge Michel J. Driscoll of the FBIs Philadelphia Field Division made the announcement. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney for Community Engagement, Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Sex Trafficking Children in Northeast Philadelphia, Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Two Teenage Girls, Fourth and Final Co-Defendant in Brutal West Philly Sex Trafficking Case Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison, Four Members and Associates of Reading Boarding House Sex Trafficking Gang The Sevens Convicted After Six-Week Trial in Allentown, Philadelphia Man Sentenced To 45 Years For Sex Trafficking Children In Northeast Philadelphia. It may cause some to realize what some in their own circle have been hiding from them, often suffering in silence or shame. We will continue to work collectively with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these destructive crimes against vulnerable children.. Earlier this month outgoing President Barack Obama issued a proclamation declaring January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Working alongside the international community, we have seen significant increases in trafficking prosecution and conviction, and we have made great strides in supporting victims.. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Readers will enter into an uncomfortable world that will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and stereotypical notions about the topic. The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. 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. Philadelphia, PA 19106, JENNIFER CRANDALL One person who is well aware of this is Ellyn Jo Waller, the first lady of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, with campuses in Mount Airy and Germantown. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Free counseling and trauma therapy services offered include individual and group sessions. A locked padlock We get calls from as far away as Pittsburgh where girls have been taken. 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. They are not just the drug user, the wayward runaway teen, or the troubled foster child. Have a question about Government Services? Federal agents arrested three Philadelphia men Friday in connection to a child sex trafficking sting operation, and Your Content is first to reveal the identities of the men.. 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 If you have not done so already, follow @USAO_EDPA and @USAttyWilliams on Twitter to get the most up-to-date information about big cases and community news. 2. A lock ( 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. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 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. New Day is a multi-faceted program designed to serve survivors of commercial sexual exploitation as well as sex and labor trafficking. 215-861-8300. Anyone who is a victim of child sex trafficking or has Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Phone: 215-951-5411 or 888-829-1249 WebThey will be trafficking women and young girls on major highways and airports, arranging for sexual rendezvous in Center City hotel rooms or unmarked vans on a tree-lined residential It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan. Trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates and supervisory staff provide assistance to victims in crisis through safety planning, emotional support and/or immediate connections to emergency services through our network of trained service provider and law enforcement partners. 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.. The Indictment alleges that for about seven days at the end of September 2019, Smith knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, maintained a minor for the purposes of forcing that minor to engage in commercial sex acts in Philadelphia. A subsequent forensic examination of Smiths laptop computer revealed two sexually explicit images of Minor 1, both of which were taken prior to her 18th birthday. A lock ( It will also educate parents and family members to notice the warning signs of children and adolescents who may be involved in the life, as many call it. To view information on the trainings our Coalition offers, please see the Training Catalogue. This ongoing series will address this and more. 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. EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA Official websites use .gov Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. The crimes alleged in these Indictments will have a devastating and long-lasting impact on these minor victims, said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. This series will assist local residents in being part of the network that can direct victims to safety and healing. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE The Salvation Armys New Day to Stop Trafficking Program It may cause some to realize what some in their own circle have been hiding from them, often suffering in silence or shame. Nationalities Service Center Use tab to navigate through the menu items. At least four of the recovered children were connected to child sex trafficking, the marshals service said on Thursday. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney for Community Engagement, Philadelphia Man Charged With Forcible Sex Trafficking of Multiple Victims Including a Minor, Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Two Teenage Girls, Fourth and Final Co-Defendant in Brutal West Philly Sex Trafficking Case Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison, Four Members and Associates of Reading Boarding House Sex Trafficking Gang The Sevens Convicted After Six-Week Trial in Allentown. While PCA does not conduct every forensic interview of these child victims, we work closely with police and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to make sure that every child still has access to the full constellation of services including medical and mental health treatment. Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. Our resolve remains steadfast in finding other children in peril.. In addition, PCA works closely with DHS to provide comprehensive assessments of children referred to DHS who are screened for concerns of being exploited. Its even more difficult to ascertain who are being forced or coerced into the trade. An official website of the United States government. is beginning a series about human trafficking. When you hear the testimony of those who have been victimized, men have to be honest. We know of 22 locations in the state where this is taking place. Have a question about Government Services? An official website of the United States government. The actual statistics for human trafficking victims from neighborhoods like North, West or South Philadelphia or Northwest Philadelphia neighborhoods like Germantown and Mount Airy is difficult to track. Smith was charged locally and was later charged in a federal indictment. 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 case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melanie Babb Wilmoth. PCA works in tandem with DHS to connect survivors with the appropriate services. Smith also had sexual relations with the females who worked for him. The seal of the F.B.I. 3. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE CHERRY HILL, N.J. - Officials announced Tuesday th arrest of three people for allegedly trafficking a missing child for prostitution. During the week-long trial, the government proved that the defendant organized, operated and led a sex trafficking venture based in and around Northeast Philadelphia between 2013 and 2015, and in 2018. PHILADELPHIA United States Attorney William M. 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. Those in the community must also engage in self-examination to ascertain if one is playing a role in the proliferation of this crime against humanity. The Project PROTECT (Philadelphia Response & Outreach To End Child Trafficking) will support the continued advancement of Philadelphias juvenile human trafficking court, Working to Restore Adolescent Power (WRAP Court), and related programs serving child victims of human trafficking. A Northeast Philadelphia hotel owner was ordered to pay $24 million to eight sex trafficking victims. If you have not done so already, follow @USAO_EDPA and @USAttyMcSwain on Twitter to get the most up-to-date information about big cases and community news. As a city Philadelphia has major conventions and athletic events as well as many entertainment strips. We, as a society, have to begin facing up to it. 215-861-8300. Media Contact Covenant House is a youth shelter in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. Participating agencies of the Coalition discuss actionable steps towards improving city-wide efforts and collaboration to ensure that youth are able to access the multitude of services across systems throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2013. The defendants allegedly used their cell phones to post advertisements of the victims on a website which is known to be used for advertising sexual services for a fee, directed the minors to participate in commercial sex acts, and took a portion of the proceeds on each occasion. Dubbed Operation Safeguard, the initiative began on February 15 when a US Marshals Service task force took over 26 missing children cases at the request of other law enforcement agencies. In September 2019, Horne was convicted at trial of three counts of sex trafficking minors by force, fraud or coercion. Have a question about Government Services? PHILADELPHIA Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that John Adams, 41, Mercedes Hampton-Devero, 28, Malachai Kendall, 20, and Chukuw Ossai, 31, all of Philadelphia, PA, were arrested and charged in two separate Indictments with sex trafficking of minors. Consequently, in order to rescue human trafficking victims, one must know how to identify them, the warning signs, and how to help them. The church has a ministry that addresses trafficking in the Philadelphia area. Main Office: This means the demand for this is modern-day enslavement continues. WebPhiladelphia Police are launching a special task force to battle the growing problem of Human Traffickers preying on children in Philadelphia, CBS has learned. Further, Keel and Felts allegedly had explicit discussions via Facebook Messenger about the commercial sex acts occurring at the residences. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? To view tips on identifying sex and labor trafficking red flags, please see the Red Flags Infographic. Phone: 215-733-0878 Blue Campaign works closely with DHS Components to create general awarenesstrainingand materials for law enforcement and others to increase detection of human trafficking, and to identify victims. Tipsters can remain anonymous, if they like.. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Many are kidnapped from corners waiting for yellow school buses, enticed through social media to what they think is a fun night on the town, or taken to secluded spots with the promise of a way to supplement their meager wages. Eastern District of Pennsylvania Fax: 215-733-0876. He admitted that he had to examine himself as to whether he lusted after young women young enough to be his daughter. Commercial Sexual Exploitation Institute WebPhiladelphia Men Charged with Child Sex Trafficking. Justice At Work assists with recovering unpaid wages, obtaining lawful immigration status for individuals and their families, and connecting communities with resources that provide services victims of trafficking. appreciated. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years. Children cannot sell sex even in places where prostitution is legal. 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. Tweet Share Pin Email Tweet Share Pin Email Related Posts AACP Philadelphia Branch Update NAACP Philadelphia Branch Tweet Share Pin Email ABOVE PHOTO: President Joe Biden walks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at St. Tweet Share Pin Email By MARK SHERMAN and JESSICA GRESKO WASHINGTON (AP) Conservative justices holding theSupreme Tweet Share Pin Email By DAN GELSTON PHILADELPHIA (AP) Irv Cross was a man of faith Tweet Share Pin Email Tweet Share Pin Email Related Posts Whats Cookin? WebThis program is designed to improve the juvenile justice and dependency systems' response to child abuse, neglect, commercial sexual exploitation, and sex trafficking of minors and related cases. Philadelphia, PA 19106, JENNIFER CRANDALL 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. 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. WebUnited 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 When DHS or police identify a child that exhibits red flags, they send that child to PCA for a full assessment. 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. Lock 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. Led by U.S. Attorneys Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. Address: 600 Chestnut St., Suite 500B Philadelphia, PA 19106 Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. NSC also assists individuals with obtaining long term immigration status, supporting survivors when working with law enforcement and assessing for other legal needs. Andre Michael Felts, aka Dre and Plug, 32, and Kevin Michael Francis, aka Kev, 60, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to sex traffic a minor and four counts of sex trafficking a minor. EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA Yet without those who purchase the services of modern day slaves, like any market, it would dry up. Enslavement of African Americans is rising in the City of Brotherly Love and Sister Affection. 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. During this time, Kendall also allegedly used his cell phone to record one of the minors performing oral sex on him and then sent the video to the minor victim. Apr 1, 2016 Local A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. WebPHILADELPHIA Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that John Adams, 41, Mercedes Hampton-Devero, 28, Malachai Kendall, 20, and Chukuw Ossai, Apple Tea Whats Cookin? Many girls and women, boys and men are forced or coerced into this lifestyle. PCA also conducts comprehensive assessments for children who are at risk or prevent red flags of being commercially sexually exploited. The indictment alleges that Felts ran a prostitution ring that recruited and enticed young females, including minors, to engage in commercial sex acts; harbored the victims at various residences for that purpose; transported and provided the victims to males who purchased the commercial sex acts; and collected a portion of the proceeds. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 We ask anyone with knowledge of child or adult sex trafficking to let us know about it, so we can help. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Updated Trial Attorney Jessica Urban of the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Solow of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. 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. Address: 990 Spring Garden Street, Suite 300,Philadelphia, PA 19123 The FBIs Philadelphia Field Division is investigating the case and received significant assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department. Please contact WOAR via the 24-hour Philadelphia Sexual Violence hotline:215-985-3333. Address: Nationalities Service Center 1216 Arch Street, 4th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 WebHuman Trafficking | Philadelphia | Battle4Children Charities You're not a victim for sharing your story. We cannot use terms like child prostitution. For more information please call the New Day Hotline at 267-838-5866. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara Solow and Trial Attorney Jessica Urban of the Department of Justice Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). 215-861-8300. Why? If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment. Main Office: 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 Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street 215-861-8300. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth and you never know Address: 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124 Lock Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525, Eastern District of Pennsylvania The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Philadelphia Police Department Vice Unit, with assistance from the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office and the Bucks County District Attorneys Office. Common examples of identified child trafficking cases include: Commercial sex Stripping Pornography Forced begging Magazine crews Au pairs or nannies Restaurant work Hair and nail salons Agricultural work Drug sales and cultivation A lock ( EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA 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. The New Day Hotline is also available for 24/7 support to survivors and technical assistance to other professionals. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI or go online to tips.fbi.gov. 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. The minor was rescued from Ossais vehicle after he was pulled over in Tinicum Township. An official website of the United States government. 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. Yet many are not aware of it despite the fact more and more are becoming victims of human trafficking. Dawns Place WebPhiladelphia Division. HIAS PA provides free legal and immigration services to survivors of trafficking. Phone: 215-893-8400 Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. Its not just that women have lowered their standards, but that men are the one who see women as lower, too.. PCA conducts forensic interviews and offers therapeutic services specializing in understanding the needs and experiences of trafficking survivors.

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