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. The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. A locked padlock EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA Kevin Smith allegedly did just that to three young women and a child. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 President Obama said there is a need to do more to fight against the exploitation of human beings for profit. More are involved than we realize.. 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 As a city Philadelphia has major conventions and athletic events as well as many entertainment strips. The Salvation Armys New Day to Stop Trafficking Program Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Address: 990 Spring Garden Street, Suite 300,Philadelphia, PA 19123 A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 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 WebTuesday, August 11, 2020. The minor was rescued from Ossais vehicle after he was pulled over in Tinicum Township. 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. We ask anyone with knowledge of child or adult sex trafficking to let us know about it, so we can help. 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. The charges against the defendant stem from his operation of a sex trafficking ring in Philadelphia and the surrounding regionincluding Bucks and Delaware counties. 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). Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. WebAdding a category of perpetrator to include: an individual 18 years of age or older who engages a child in severe forms of trafficking in persons or sex trafficking, as those terms are defined under section 103 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. Allegedly, this defendant forced four young people, one a minor child, to sell their bodies for his financial gain. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 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. 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. Media Contact Blue Campaign, U.S. Department of Homeland Security LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness are also at EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA 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. 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. 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. He said this is the time to shine the light on both the consequences and root causes of human trafficking. Phone: 215-893-8400 It has hosted many programs to raise local awareness, like the A Day in the Life hosted by Shes My Sister ministry and provides safe havens for some of those rescued from local enslavement. Main Office: 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. WebThe 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Apple Tea Whats Cookin? Enslavement of African Americans is rising in the City of Brotherly Love and Sister Affection. 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. Smith lived with several of the females who were working for him. So far the Have a question about Government Services? The dates would take place at the home that Smith leased and the females gave 100 percent of their cash earnings to Smith. Philadelphia, PA 19106, JENNIFER CRANDALL He also kept the victims in apartments throughout Philadelphia, known as trap houses, where they were made to engage in commercial sex for the benefit of the defendant. They pay their airfare, hotel room and everything else. Phone: 215-832-0900. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE Have a question about Government Services? Earlier this month outgoing President Barack Obama issued a proclamation declaring January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. We cannot use terms like child prostitution. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment. This investigation was 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. 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. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 HIAS PA provides free legal and immigration services to survivors of trafficking. Hebrew International Aid Society Many who engage in the paid sex during Super Bowl season are not the typical prostitute street walker. Smith also had sexual relations with the females who worked for him. A Warner Bros. 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. Our hope is for a better future for the 16 children we recovered, said Eric Gartner, the US marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Lock Our resolve remains steadfast in finding other children in peril.. In addition, they also have other housing programs available to youth who complete their shelter program. Kendall was also charged with both production and distribution of child pornography, and Adams was also charged with tampering with evidence in a federal investigation. 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. You can also TEXT HELP to BeFree (233733). 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. WebThe 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 Many of these at-risk youths are referred for services with PCAs CSEC therapist, who is specially trained in this area. Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. 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. Main Office: 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. Smith was charged locally and was later charged in a federal indictment. A locked padlock Text the letters "Befree" or the numbers 233733 to reach the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. 215-861-8300. Address: 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124 It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan. Because this is the start of the prime season for human trafficking. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 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 Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. Lock Main Office: A lock ( 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 sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2013. hangs in the Flag Room at the bureau's headquarters in Washington. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Delaware County District Attorneys Office, the Bensalem Police Department, the Media Borough Police Department, the Tinicum Township Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department. WebHuman Trafficking Task Forces are a coalition of victim service providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, community members, courts and other parties working to combat human 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. All three defendants were charged with one count of conspiracy to sex traffic a minor, while Felts and Francis were also each charged with four counts of sex trafficking a minor. The New Day Hotline is also available for 24/7 support to survivors and technical assistance to other professionals. Why? Every action we take at home, form the clothing we wear to the food we eat, is connected to what happens around the world, Obama said. 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. The crimes alleged in these Indictments will have a devastating and long-lasting impact on these minor victims, said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. 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. Phone: 215-733-0878 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. Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street The Philadelphia Sunday SUN - P.O. Further, Keel and Felts allegedly had explicit discussions via Facebook Messenger about the commercial sex acts occurring at the residences. 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. Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. When DHS or police identify a child that exhibits red flags, they send that child to PCA for a full assessment. Official websites use .gov Dawns Place The church has a ministry that addresses trafficking in the Philadelphia area. WebYoung women and girls are the most at-risk of trafficking, although boys are also trafficked and are less likely to ask for help. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 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. Tipsters can remain anonymous, if they like.. is beginning a series about human trafficking. The fraud is they are selling love, said Hugh Organ, associate director of the Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition. New Day consists of community case managers in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, the New Day Drop In Center on Kensington Ave., a Police Assisted Diversion Program, and New Day New Home, our transitional home for female identifying survivors ages 18+ located at a confidential address in Montgomery County. The Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Villanova University partners with organizations united against sex trafficking and CSE. 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. Ryan Keel, 39, was charged with conspiracy to sex traffic a minor. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Yet many are not aware of it despite the fact more and more are becoming victims of human trafficking. Readers will enter into an uncomfortable world that will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and stereotypical notions about the topic. Call the hotline if you are a victim or want to help someone you think is a victim: 1-888-373-7888. 2023 Cable News Network. Yet it is clear that this and other types of trafficking are not just limited to certain times of the year. Official websites use .gov It is going take the men taking control to reverse this. So, the Philadelphia Sunday Sun is beginning a series about human trafficking. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Eastern District of Pennsylvania 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, 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? Three Philadelphia men were charged, by a federal grand jury, in an indictment unsealed today in the Eastern District of 215-861-8300. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. WebThe Project PROTECT (Philadelphia Response & Outreach To End Child Trafficking) will support the continued advancement of Philadelphias juvenile human trafficking court, ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. Those who so victimize vulnerable kids do untold physical and emotional harm. Eastern District of Pennsylvania Leah Fletcher, Account Executive. Email Updated At least Enoch Smith, 36, a/k/a Drees, a/k/a Idris, of Philadelphia, PA, was convicted today of all charges including sex appreciated. 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. Free counseling and trauma therapy services offered include individual and group sessions. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Readers will enter into an uncomfortable world that will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and stereotypical notions about the topic. Yet without those who purchase the services of modern day slaves, like any market, it would dry up. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 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. Address: Nationalities Service Center 1216 Arch Street, 4th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 In a separate Indictment, Ossai is charged with the sex trafficking of a minor in late January 2020. 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. 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. 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. According to public filings, Ossai trafficked one minor, took her to a lingerie store where he picked out lingerie for her, posted an advertisement of her on a website used to advertise sexual services for a fee, and harbored her in a hotel room in Lester, PA. As charged, Ossai drove the minor victim to a housing project in Philadelphia for her to engage in a commercial sex act, and he attempted to have sex with her himself. 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. 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. WebPHILADELPHIA Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Kevin Smith, 27, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by Indictment with sex trafficking by An official website of the United States government. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Metcalf and Brittany Jones. 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. Main Office: 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. Consequently, in order to rescue human trafficking victims, one must know how to identify them, the warning signs, and how to help them. Covenant House Felts was detained pending trial this afternoon, joining his co-defendants, who are also in federal custody. Prior to joining the FBI, I was employed as an Immigration human trafficking, violent crimes against children, and other federal violations. 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. Justice At Work specializes in providing free legal representation to victims of labor trafficking as well as other communities of workers. After a few days they are trafficking them. We know of 22 locations in the state where this is taking place. you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: CHILD USA, 3508 MARKET STREET, Philadelphia, PA, 19104. 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. Philadelphia, PA 19106, JENNIFER CRANDALL 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. Media Contact 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. It may cause some to realize what some in their own circle have been hiding from them, often suffering in silence or shame. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI or go online to tips.fbi.gov. He even transported them to other cities and states, determined to keep the money coming in at their expense. WebVictims of human trafficking can be children or adults, U.S. citizens or foreign nationals, male or female. In addition, PCA works closely with DHS to provide comprehensive assessments of children referred to DHS who are screened for concerns of being exploited. The FBIs Philadelphia Field Division is investigating the case and received significant assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Deputy US marshals assigned to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force led the operation along with personnel from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, Bucks County Children Youth Services, the Philadelphia Police Departments Human Trafficking Unit, and the FBI. Have a question about Government Services? 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 Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Sex Trafficking Children in Northeast Philadelphia. According to publicly filed court documents, Adams, whose self-professed nickname was Captain Save-A-Hoe, along with co-defendants Hampton-Devero and Kendall, trafficked two minors during approximately three weeks in January of 2020 from multiple locations in Philadelphia. An indictment is an accusation. Managing Editor Teresa A. Emerson - [emailprotected] Justice At Work Children cannot sell sex even in places where prostitution is legal. Covenant House is a youth shelter in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. Did you encounter any technical issues? An official website of the United States government. 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. Anyone who is a victim of child sex trafficking or has 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. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth and you never know 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 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. PHILADELPHIA United States Attorney William M. WOAR (Women Organized Against Rape) Fax: 215-733-0876. This means the demand for this is modern-day enslavement continues. Address: 31 E. Armat Street Philadelphia PA 19144. WebHuman Trafficking | Philadelphia | Battle4Children Charities You're not a victim for sharing your story.
Visa Rewards Card Activation,
Mobile Homes For Rent In Barstow, Ca,
Son Of Ultron This Fan This Monster,
Articles C