Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The FBIs Philadelphia Field Division is investigating the case and received significant assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department. Three Philadelphia men were charged, by a federal grand jury, in an indictment unsealed today in the Eastern District of Lock 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? 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. Its even more difficult to ascertain who are being forced or coerced into the trade. 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 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. 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. To view tips on identifying sex and labor trafficking red flags, please see the Red Flags Infographic. 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. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE Main Office: 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. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE 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. Philadelphia Children's Alliance. 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. They educate and provide technical assistance to legislators, policy decision makers, and other stakeholders in order to improve legal responses to CSE. Phone: 215-951-5411 or 888-829-1249 Nationalities Service Center So far the 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. The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. 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 He also reiterated that the United States, including cities like Philadelphia, must continue this as part of the fight for human rights. Main Office: The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Metcalf and Brittany Jones. Eastern District of Pennsylvania Blue Campaign, U.S. Department of Homeland Security 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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 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. Official websites use .gov 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. Kelly Sagastume, Program Manager, Project PROTECT, ksagastume@sccalaw.org, Dana Bernhaut, Child Policy Associate, dbernhaut@sccalaw.org. Lock Lock Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years. EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA Eastern District of Pennsylvania 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. He deserves every minute of the 45 years that he received today., Artavius Horne made his living by sexually exploiting children, advertising underage girls for sex with strangers, said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Philadelphia Division. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 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. Updated Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street 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. The minor was rescued from Ossais vehicle after he was pulled over in Tinicum Township. One person who is well aware of this is Ellyn Jo Waller, the first lady of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, with campuses in Mount Airy and Germantown. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Healthy Minds Philly is an initiative of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, City of Philadelphia, 24-HOUR NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE |, National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC), The Salvation Armys New Day to Stop Trafficking Program, Blue Campaign, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For more information please call the New Day Hotline at 267-838-5866. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Eastern District of Pennsylvania 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 Online Tip Reporting. WOAR (Women Organized Against Rape) 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. 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. Yet many are not aware of it despite the fact more and more are becoming victims of human trafficking. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 Felts was detained pending trial this afternoon, joining his co-defendants, who are also in federal custody. He admitted that he had to examine himself as to whether he lusted after young women young enough to be his daughter. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Yet without those who purchase the services of modern day slaves, like any market, it would dry up. 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. Tipsters can remain anonymous, if they like.. WebIn January 2020, we convened the Philadelphia Juvenile Anti-Trafficking Coalition, gathering 50+ public and private agencies to collaborate on identifying gaps in services for trafficked Main Office: is beginning a series about human trafficking. WebPhiladelphia Division. We cannot use terms like child prostitution. WebThe Project PROTECT (Philadelphia Response & Outreach To End Child Trafficking) will support the continued advancement of Philadelphias juvenile human trafficking court, The crimes Smith is accused of committing are some of the most devastating to victims that our office prosecutes, said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. 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. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan. The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The charges against the defendant stem from his operation of a sex trafficking ring in Philadelphia and the surrounding regionincluding Bucks and Delaware counties. Many of these at-risk youths are referred for services with PCAs CSEC therapist, who is specially trained in this area. Eastern District of Pennsylvania The fraud is they are selling love, said Hugh Organ, associate director of the Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 At least four of the recovered children were connected to child sex trafficking, the marshals service said on Thursday. Readers will enter into an uncomfortable world that will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and stereotypical notions about the topic. Official websites use .gov NSC also assists individuals with obtaining long term immigration status, supporting survivors when working with law enforcement and assessing for other legal needs. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 Philadelphia, PA 19106, JENNIFER CRANDALL Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 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. Their legal aide also includes guidance for survivors interacting with law enforcement, assistance with obtaining legal status, and other referrals to immigrant social services. Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street A lock ( A lock ( 2023 Cable News Network. Did you encounter any technical issues? Philadelphia, PA 19106, JENNIFER CRANDALL They pay their airfare, hotel room and everything else. Main Office: Secure .gov websites use HTTPS WOARs Sex Trafficking Advocacy and Response Team also assists with crisis support, sex trafficking assessment, prevention/education, and advocacy. 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. 33 missing children found in anti-human trafficking operation in Southern California. Official websites use .gov PHILADELPHIA Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Kevin Smith, 27, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by Indictment with sex trafficking by force and sex trafficking a minor. PHILADELPHIA United States Attorney William M. Dawns Place offers a year-long residential program to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation or sex trafficking. Anyone who is a victim of child sex trafficking or has An official website of the United States government. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. While PCA does not conduct every forensic interview of these child victims, we work closely with police and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to make sure that every child still has access to the full constellation of services including medical and mental health treatment. This means the demand for this is modern-day enslavement continues. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Because this is the start of the prime season for human trafficking. 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. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment. 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 Have a question about Government Services? In a separate Indictment, Ossai is charged with the sex trafficking of a minor in late January 2020. 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. 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). The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. We ask anyone with knowledge of child or adult sex trafficking to let us know about it, so we can help. 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. This is about helping raise awareness to eradicate human trafficking, Waller said. 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. Thats why there has to be an entire paradigm shift.The average girls who enters this is about 13.. 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. 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. WebPHILADELPHIA Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Kevin Smith, 27, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by Indictment with sex trafficking by 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 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. 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. Have a question about Government Services? 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. EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA The Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Villanova University partners with organizations united against sex trafficking and CSE. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth and you never know The crimes alleged in these Indictments will have a devastating and long-lasting impact on these minor victims, said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. PCA also conducts comprehensive assessments for children who are at risk or prevent red flags of being commercially sexually exploited. Allegedly, this defendant forced four young people, one a minor child, to sell their bodies for his financial gain. Lock They may be lured thinking that someone is helping them find a job. Apple Tea Whats Cookin? 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. Fax: 215-733-0876. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Address: Nationalities Service Center 1216 Arch Street, 4th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Children cannot sell sex even in places where prostitution is legal. 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. Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Address: 990 Spring Garden Street, Suite 300,Philadelphia, PA 19123 As a city Philadelphia has major conventions and athletic events as well as many entertainment strips. 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. Enoch Smith, 36, a/k/a Drees, a/k/a Idris, of Philadelphia, PA, was convicted today of all charges including sex 215-861-8300. Justice At Work 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 Further, Keel and Felts allegedly had explicit discussions via Facebook Messenger about the commercial sex acts occurring at the residences. Horne created Internet advertisements for each of the victims on the website Backpage.com, and he transported them across state lines to New Jersey, New York, Washington D.C., and Maryland for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Address: 31 E. Armat Street Philadelphia PA 19144. 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 Media Contact 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. They provide direct care to juvenile victims of trafficking experiencing homelessness. At least Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.