Missing teen was victim of sex trafficking, performed as exotic dancer; 12 arrested: Pasco sheriff – WFLA

Missing Teen Found to be Victim of Sex Trafficking and Forced to Perform as Exotic Dancer

Pasco County Sheriff recently arrested 12 people as a part of a major investigation into a sex trafficking ring. The investigation began when a missing teenage girl, Jane Doe, was located by law enforcement in the area.

Teen Found to be Victim of Forced Labor

It was soon found that the teenage girl had been a victim of forced labor. She was under the control of those engaging in the sex-trafficking and forced to work in a local strip club as an exotic dancer.

12 Arrested in Connection to Sex Trafficking Ring

The Pasco County Sheriff announced that a total of 12 individuals have been arrested in connection to the sex-trafficking ring. The 12 individuals were charged with a variety of crimes, mostly related to the exploitation of vulnerable victims including minors.

Facts About Sex Trafficking in the U.S.

Sex trafficking is a growing problem in the United States. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a total of 56,932 cases of sex trafficking have been reported in the U.S. since 2007. Additionally, human trafficking is a $150 billion industry worldwide.

What You Can Do to Help Fight Sex Trafficking

There are a few things that citizens can do to help fight sex trafficking in their communities.

• Pay Attention to Your Surroundings: Be aware of potential signs of trafficking, such as individuals being controlled, signs of physical abuse, and individuals who seem isolated or terrified. If you notice any of these signs, report them immediately.
• Educate Yourself: Increasing awareness is essential to combatting sex trafficking. Educating yourself on the matter can help raise awareness in your community.
• Donate: Supporting organizations that help victims of sex trafficking is another way to help fight the problem. Many of these organizations are in need of resources, such as money and volunteer labor, to help support victims of sex trafficking.

The arrest of 12 individuals in the recent Pasco County Sheriff investigation is an example of how law enforcement is working to combat the issue of sex trafficking in the United States. We must all continue to do our part to help in the fight against sex trafficking.