Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County is a county in the state of Florida in the United States. The county has taken action to combat human trafficking by creating a task force to address the issue. The task force includes representatives from law enforcement, community organizations, and government agencies who work together to identify and investigate cases of trafficking, provide support to victims, and raise awareness about the issue. Hillsborough County’s efforts to address human trafficking are an important example of how local communities can take action to combat this crime.

 

HCSO human trafficking bust comes amid juvenile court program disbanding
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HCSO human trafficking bust comes amid juvenile court program disbanding

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Four days, seven arrests, and a slew of serious charges are what the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said came from a recent undercover operation. “So, what our detectives did is they posed as an individual who was basically soliciting their fictitious niece on the internet for anyone who come and…

Understanding the realities of human trafficking in Tampa Bay
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Understanding the realities of human trafficking in Tampa Bay

Tampa (BLOOM) – Human trafficking is a pervasive and heinous crime that plagues our world, exploiting millions of individuals each year. To combat this issue effectively, it is crucial to gain a deep understanding of its realities. By shedding light on the scope, victims, contributing factors, and counter-trafficking efforts, we can work towards eradicating this…

‘We will help you get additional safety’: More help for domestic violence and human trafficking victims
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‘We will help you get additional safety’: More help for domestic violence and human trafficking victims

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has launched a new program in Florida to help human trafficking and domestic violence survivors feel more secure at home. The program is called Project Protect. It provides doorbell cameras, free of charge, to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking and sexual violence. The county clerks of court offices…

Nonprofit teaches kids how to avoid online tactics of human traffickers
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Nonprofit teaches kids how to avoid online tactics of human traffickers

Staying one step ahead of the tactics of human traffickers is part of the job for Selah Freedom Prevention Coordinator Hilda Arreola.

Sarasota group uses virtual reality to put people inside the world of a human trafficking victim
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Sarasota group uses virtual reality to put people inside the world of a human trafficking victim

SARASOTA, Fla. – A Sarasota-based nonprofit that focuses on human trafficking awareness, prevention, and outreach is turning to virtual reality to help teach families how to avoid the pitfalls that can lead children to become victims.

School District Hosts S.O.S.- Student Online Safety Town Hall – Plant City Observer
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School District Hosts S.O.S.- Student Online Safety Town Hall – Plant City Observer

Parents should be knowledgeable about who their students are talking with online. Parents have reason to be concerned. Florida is one of the top three states in the nation in reported cases of human trafficking every year. That’s not a difficult statistic to believe. More than 200 people suspected of sex trafficking, prostitution and solicitation…

Hillsborough schools holds town hall focused on raising awareness of online human trafficking
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Hillsborough schools holds town hall focused on raising awareness of online human trafficking

TAMPA, Fla. – The Hillsborough County school district held a town hall panel discussion Monday focusing on raising awareness about the dangers of online human trafficking. The panel included parents, school board members, a high school principal, along with human trafficking advocates and survivors and was organized by the district’s Human Trafficking Task Force. Panelists…

Youth pastor, foster parent arrested for human trafficking in Florida – WGMD
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Youth pastor, foster parent arrested for human trafficking in Florida – WGMD

  Two Florida men were arrested for human trafficking after allegedly soliciting minors for sexual activity on social media, according to officials. Moises Escoto, a 36-year-old youth pastor, and Joel Lutz, a 38-year-old registered foster parent, were arrested in connection with a human trafficking investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said. The sheriff’s office said…

Youth pastor, foster parent arrested for human trafficking in Florida | Fox News
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Youth pastor, foster parent arrested for human trafficking in Florida | Fox News

Two Florida men were arrested for human trafficking after allegedly soliciting minors for sexual activity on social media, according to officials. Moises Escoto, a 36-year-old youth pastor, and Joel Lutz, a 38-year-old registered foster parent, were arrested in connection with a human trafficking investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said. The sheriff’s office said its human…

State holds roundtable to discuss human trafficking as arrests climb across Florida roadways
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State holds roundtable to discuss human trafficking as arrests climb across Florida roadways

Lt. governor holds human trafficking roundtable Evan Axelbank reports BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – Florida law enforcement officers gathered on Thursday to brainstorm ways to detect and stop human trafficking following a slew of arrests along the state’s highways. On December 22, troopers north of Gainesville pulled over a Kia Sedona and came face-to-face with reality. Ten…