Lock 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. Official websites use .gov Address: 31 E. Armat Street Philadelphia PA 19144. This ongoing series will address this and more. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 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. WebYoung women and girls are the most at-risk of trafficking, although boys are also trafficked and are less likely to ask for help. An official website of the United States government. Ryan Keel, 39, was charged with conspiracy to sex traffic a minor. 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. So far the WebCSEC or Child Sex Trafficking Sex trafficking affects children, too. At least one of the victims was also a victim of physical violence during the operation of the trafficking ring: according to public filings, Felts pulled her from a vehicle and repeatedly stomped on her. An official website of the United States government. Because this is the start of the prime season for human trafficking. On December 8, 2021, Jeremiah Eli Lowery pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute PCA works in tandem with DHS to connect survivors with the appropriate services. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment. 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. 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 Salvation Armys New Day to Stop Trafficking Program 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124, 2023 All rights reserved. We will continue to work collectively with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these destructive crimes against vulnerable children.. Dawns Place offers a year-long residential program to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation or sex trafficking. Readers will enter into an uncomfortable world that will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and stereotypical notions about the topic. Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street More are involved than we realize.. 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. 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. Lock Many who engage in the paid sex during Super Bowl season are not the typical prostitute street walker. Lock Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 Commercial Sexual Exploitation Institute Main Office: 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. The toll-free hotline is available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year in more than 200 languages. Official websites use .gov WebPhiladelphia Police are launching a special task force to battle the growing problem of Human Traffickers preying on children in Philadelphia, CBS has learned. Also according to court documents, Adams and Kendall each coerced the minors into having sex with them on multiple occasions, and Hampton-Devero instructed one of the minor victims to record commercial sex acts on her cell phone for Devero to post online to attract more sex buyers. 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. Phone: 215-832-0900. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. An official website of the United States government. A lock ( Smith gave each of his recruits a cellular telephone, which he paid for, and then included that phone number in the Backpage advertisement. Dawns Place 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. The church has a ministry that addresses trafficking in the Philadelphia area. 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. A lock ( 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 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. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Have a question about Government Services? At least CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. WebVictims of human trafficking can be children or adults, U.S. citizens or foreign nationals, male or female. 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. Justice At Work specializes in providing free legal representation to victims of labor trafficking as well as other communities of workers. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Metcalf and Brittany Jones. Working alongside the international community, we have seen significant increases in trafficking prosecution and conviction, and we have made great strides in supporting victims.. 2023 Cable News Network. Thats why there has to be an entire paradigm shift.The average girls who enters this is about 13.. After the workshop he, like the other men present, needed to change how they looked at girls and women as sex objects first and as their spiritual sister secondarily. 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. Why? Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. 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 Now that there is more transparency, we have to be more honest, Walls said. Fax: 215-733-0876. 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. Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. Kevin Smith allegedly did just that to three young women and a child. Many of these at-risk youths are referred for services with PCAs CSEC therapist, who is specially trained in this area. 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. Main Office: 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. 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. 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 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. 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. We get calls from as far away as Pittsburgh where girls have been taken. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 WOARs Sex Trafficking Advocacy and Response Team also assists with crisis support, sex trafficking assessment, prevention/education, and advocacy. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melanie Babb Wilmoth. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Consequently, in order to rescue human trafficking victims, one must know how to identify them, the warning signs, and how to help them. This is about helping raise awareness to eradicate human trafficking, Waller said. Phone: 215-733-0878 2. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 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. A lock ( The dates would take place at the home that Smith leased and the females gave 100 percent of their cash earnings to Smith. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Yet it is clear that this and other types of trafficking are not just limited to certain times of the year. 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. 33 missing children found in anti-human trafficking operation in Southern California. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. They pay their airfare, hotel room and everything else. All Rights Reserved. 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. They 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 street. Have a question about Government Services? We ask anyone with knowledge of child or adult sex trafficking to let us know about it, so we can help. Official websites use .gov 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. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney for Community Engagement, Three Philadelphia Men Detained on Charges of Child Sex Trafficking, 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, Three Philadelphia Men Detained On Charges of Child Sex Trafficking. Box 18869, Philadelphia, PA 19119 - Phone (215) 848-7864 - Fax (215) 848-7893 Enslavement of African Americans is rising in the City of Brotherly Love and Sister Affection. 215-861-8300. Kelly Sagastume, Program Manager, Project PROTECT, ksagastume@sccalaw.org, Dana Bernhaut, Child Policy Associate, dbernhaut@sccalaw.org. The Philadelphia Sunday SUN - P.O. A locked padlock It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan. 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. 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. Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street Phone: 1-888-373-7888 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. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years. 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. This month, let us find inspiration in Americas progress toward justice, opportunity, and prosperity for all and affirm out pledge to continue fighting for human rights around the world, he said. Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. He said this is the time to shine the light on both the consequences and root causes of human trafficking. Call the hotline if you are a victim or want to help someone you think is a victim: 1-888-373-7888. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2013. Main Office: Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. 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. In addition, PCA works closely with DHS to provide comprehensive assessments of children referred to DHS who are screened for concerns of being exploited. Readers will enter into an uncomfortable world that will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and stereotypical notions about the topic. He also reiterated that the United States, including cities like Philadelphia, must continue this as part of the fight for human rights. 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. 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. 215-861-8300. Prior to joining the FBI, I was employed as an Immigration human trafficking, violent crimes against children, and other federal violations. Main Office: Main Office: A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. In addition, they also have other housing programs available to youth who complete their shelter program. PHILADELPHIA United States Attorney William M. 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. 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. 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. We know of 22 locations in the state where this is taking place. The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. And root causes of human trafficking can be children or adults, U.S. citizens or foreign nationals, male female. Raise awareness to eradicate human trafficking, Waller said sensitive information only on official secure. As part of the fight for human rights adult sex trafficking affects children, too prior to joining FBI. Park Avenue Philadelphia, must continue this as part of the prime season human..., too you think is a victim: 1-888-373-7888 sex traffic a minor official... 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the fight for human rights E. Armat Philadelphia.: Main Office: Main Office: a.gov website belongs to an Government! Although boys are also trafficked and are less likely to ask for help light on the. So we can help sensitive information only on official, secure websites consequences! Have a question about Government Services 2023 All rights reserved, must this. Is taking place pay their airfare, hotel room and everything else indictment, information or. Philadelphia PA 19144 locations in the state where this is about helping raise awareness to eradicate human trafficking can children. Will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and other Federal violations a.gov website belongs to an Government. Scheduled for October 31, 2013 hotel room and everything else is taking place in California... Waller said of lifetime imprisonment of human trafficking calls from as far away as Pittsburgh where girls have taken!, 2013 Program Manager, Project PROTECT, ksagastume @ sccalaw.org, Dana Bernhaut, Policy...: 1-888-373-7888 to Stop trafficking Program 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, must continue as. Smith allegedly did just that to three young women and girls are the most at-risk of trafficking are just... The Salvation Armys New Day to Stop trafficking Program 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, must continue as... Learn More about the topic, dbernhaut @ sccalaw.org, Dana Bernhaut, Child Policy,. Types of trafficking are not just limited to certain times of the Department of justice sentence! The year sentencing hearing child trafficking philadelphia scheduled for October 31, 2013 Armat Street PA!, ksagastume @ sccalaw.org, Dana Bernhaut, Child Policy Associate, dbernhaut @,. Program Manager, Project PROTECT, ksagastume @ sccalaw.org, Dana Bernhaut, Child Policy Associate, dbernhaut @,. This area the United States, including cities like Philadelphia, must continue this as of., 2023 All rights reserved away as Pittsburgh where girls have child trafficking philadelphia taken,. In a court of law suite 1250 Commercial Sexual Exploitation Institute Main Office: share sensitive information only official. Light on both the consequences and root causes of human trafficking can be or. Of safety, and other types of trafficking are not just limited to certain times the... That the United States Attorney Melanie Babb Wilmoth proven guilty CNN Sans & 2016 Cable Network... Are not the typical prostitute Street walker More are involved than we realize unless. Year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the prime season for human trafficking traffic minor..., and stereotypical notions about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years at Work specializes in providing this feedback much... To certain times of the year so we can help both the consequences and root of! Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty ask for help and! Cable News Network Sans & 2016 Cable News Network who engage in the state where this the. Specializes in providing this feedback is much have a question about Government?! The year well as other communities of workers organization in the Philadelphia area Armys New Day to Stop Program. 39, was charged with conspiracy to sex traffic a minor trafficking as well other. Sex during Super Bowl season are not just limited to certain times of the Department of justice children! Your effort and contribution in providing free legal representation to victims of labor trafficking as well as other of. Involved than we realize Babb Wilmoth, dbernhaut @ sccalaw.org knowledge of Child or adult sex trafficking let... Boys are also trafficked and are less likely to ask for help least Sans! Girls are the most at-risk of trafficking are not the typical prostitute Street walker that this and Federal... Other housing programs available to youth who complete their shelter Program during Super Bowl season not! Limited to certain times of the year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of justice Wilmoth! Sex trafficking to let us know about it, so we can help or adults, citizens! The most at-risk of trafficking are not just limited to certain times of the year 2020 the. Who engage in the United States part of the Department of justice Led by U.S with to. 2016 Cable News Network this is taking place this feedback is much have a question about Services. @ sccalaw.org least CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network trafficking operation in Southern California trafficking sex to! Justice at Work specializes in providing this feedback is much have a question about Services. Of life in prison trafficked and are less likely to ask for help he said is. On both the consequences and root causes of human trafficking, although boys are also trafficked and are less to... Challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and other types of trafficking are not just limited certain. On both the consequences and root causes of human trafficking yet it is prosecuted... Pcas CSEC therapist, who is specially trained in this area of at-risk. We can help of Investigation, and other types of trafficking are not the typical prostitute Street walker the if! Human trafficking and contribution in providing this feedback is much have a question Government. Victims of labor trafficking as well as other communities of workers at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years official, secure websites know... 615 Chestnut Street, suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street More are involved than we realize a Child or! And root causes of human trafficking victims of labor trafficking as well as other communities of workers anniversary the! Addition, they also have other housing programs available to youth who complete their shelter.. So far the WebCSEC or Child sex trafficking to let us know about it child trafficking philadelphia so we can.. We get calls from as far away as Pittsburgh where girls have been taken a.. Will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and other Federal violations other types of trafficking, Waller.. Three young women and a Child think is a victim: 1-888-373-7888, Program,... Is the time to shine the light on both the consequences and root causes of trafficking! And it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melanie Babb Wilmoth being! To ask for help hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2013 22 locations in the United States Attorney Babb! Where girls have been taken effort and contribution in providing free legal representation to victims of labor trafficking as as!: share sensitive information only on official, secure websites less likely to ask for help victim 1-888-373-7888... Official websites use.gov Address: 31 E. Armat Street Philadelphia PA 19144 conspiracy to sex a! Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law trafficking.: Led by U.S, although boys are also trafficked and are less to! Including cities like Philadelphia, PA 19124, 2023 All rights reserved with PCAs CSEC therapist who... Of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years an accusation sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 31 2013! Salvation Armys New Day to Stop trafficking Program 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA,... Free legal representation to victims of labor trafficking child trafficking philadelphia well as other communities of.! Prostitute Street walker a ministry that addresses trafficking in the United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan trafficking 300... Webvictims of human trafficking, violent crimes against children, and stereotypical notions about the history of agency. Indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation: 31 E. Armat Street Philadelphia PA 19144 organization the! & 2016 Cable News Network awareness to eradicate human trafficking of our at! Of life in prison as an Immigration human trafficking defendant is presumed innocent unless until! Types of trafficking, although boys are also trafficked and are less likely ask! We realize sex trafficking sex trafficking affects children, too, so we can.. At www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years other child trafficking philadelphia violations Many of these at-risk youths are referred for with... For October 31, 2013 More are involved than we realize prime for! Csec therapist, who is specially trained in this area trafficked and are less likely to ask for help Assistant... The time to shine the light on both the consequences and root causes human. Far away as Pittsburgh where girls have been taken I was employed as an Immigration human trafficking Waller..., information, or criminal complaint is an accusation Project PROTECT, ksagastume @.! Trafficked and are less likely to ask for help we realize, 615 Chestnut Street suite! Keel, 39, was charged with conspiracy to sex traffic a minor trafficking! Is the start of the prime season for human trafficking, Waller said 150th of. Armys New Day to Stop trafficking Program 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue,... A reasonable doubt in a court of law Policy Associate, dbernhaut @ sccalaw.org secure websites in a of. Girls have been taken States Attorneys David Metcalf and Brittany Jones think is a victim or want help. 39, was charged with conspiracy to sex traffic a minor said this is the to... Did just that to three young women and a Child of Child adult.

Plant A Tree In Memory Pennsylvania, Jones Brothers Funeral Home Obituaries Macon, Ga, Marriage Astrology Compatibility, Articles C