A series of trafficking operations leads to recovery of 49 victims and 13 arrests

A series of trafficking operations over a 10-day period led to the recovery of 49 victims and 13 arrests.

The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office announced that its human trafficking team led several operations across the State of Mississippi which led to 13 arrests and garnered several leads which may lead to more. The operations also led to the recovery of 49 trafficking victims.

Investigators and prosecutors with the AG’s Office teamed up with the following agencies:

• Forrest County Sheriff’s Office
• Harrison County Sheriff’s Office
• Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
• Lamar County Sheriff’s Office
• Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office
• Biloxi Police Department
• Columbia Police Department
• Madison Police Department
• Meridian Police Department
• Pearl Police Department
• Southaven Police Department
• Starkville Police Department
• Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
• Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
• Mississippi Department of Corrections
• Mississippi Gaming Commission
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Drug Enforcement Administration

“This is about helping people. It is about achieving justice. And it is about ensuring Mississippi parents can rest easy at night knowing their children are safe. We will continue to work with our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement to make it clear to traffickers that Mississippi’s daughters and sons are off-limits,” said Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch in a press release.

“I witnessed the outstanding work of these law enforcement officers and victim advocates in action,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “Their professionalism, skill, and true compassion for the victims they encounter is inspiring. They embody the commitment of this Office, and I believe the commitment of the people of Mississippi, to end the scourge of human trafficking in our communities and to help its victims move forward with hope and dignity.”

Those who wish to report suspected human trafficking activity can call 1-888-373-7888 or text INFO to 233733.