Further, Keel and Felts allegedly had explicit discussions via Facebook Messenger about the commercial sex acts occurring at the residences. Many girls and women, boys and men are forced or coerced into this lifestyle. HIAS PA provides free legal and immigration services to survivors of trafficking. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melanie Babb Wilmoth. Official websites use .gov 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. 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 LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness are also at 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 even transported them to other cities and states, determined to keep the money coming in at their expense. 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. 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. Readers will enter into an uncomfortable world that will challenge their sensibilities, sense of safety, and stereotypical notions about the topic. Smith lived with several of the females who were working for him. 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? Discovery Company. The actual statistics for human trafficking victims from neighborhoods like North, West or South Philadelphia or Northwest Philadelphia neighborhoods like Germantown and Mount Airy is difficult to track. The Philadelphia Sunday SUN - P.O. 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. Phone: 215-893-8400 A lock ( Smith was charged locally and was later charged in a federal indictment. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 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. An official website of the United States government. 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. He also reiterated that the United States, including cities like Philadelphia, must continue this as part of the fight for human rights. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The Indictment alleges that Felts ran a prostitution ring that recruited and enticed young girls, including one who was only fifteen years old, 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. FOX 29 Philadelphia. Leah Fletcher, Account Executive. Dubbed Operation Safeguard, the initiative began on February 15 when a US Marshals Service task force took over 26 missing children cases at the request of other law enforcement agencies. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. A lock ( Earlier this month outgoing President Barack Obama issued a proclamation declaring January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Blue Campaign, U.S. Department of Homeland Security 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. 2. Phone: 215-733-0878 The seal of the F.B.I. An indictment is an accusation. WebPhiladelphia Police are launching a special task force to battle the growing problem of Human Traffickers preying on children in Philadelphia, CBS has learned. 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. Smith also had sexual relations with the females who worked for him. 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 Lock This means the demand for this is modern-day enslavement continues. Address: 990 Spring Garden Street, Suite 300,Philadelphia, PA 19123 WebPHILADELPHIA Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Kevin Smith, 27, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by Indictment with sex trafficking by WebTrafficking PCA believes strongly that understanding and responding to the needs of commercially sexually exploited youth in Philadelphia is critical, and we are committed to An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. An official website of the United States government. Text the letters "Befree" or the numbers 233733 to reach the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. Prior to joining the FBI, I was employed as an Immigration human trafficking, violent crimes against children, and other federal violations. Hebrew International Aid Society In addition, PCA works closely with DHS to provide comprehensive assessments of children referred to DHS who are screened for concerns of being exploited. WebHuman Trafficking | Philadelphia | Battle4Children Charities You're not a victim for sharing your story. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. The dates would take place at the home that Smith leased and the females gave 100 percent of their cash earnings to Smith. 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. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 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. In addition, they also have other housing programs available to youth who complete their shelter program. 215-861-8300. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 WebPHILADELPHIA Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that John Adams, 41, Mercedes Hampton-Devero, 28, Malachai Kendall, 20, and Chukuw Ossai, CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 The minor was rescued from Ossais vehicle after he was pulled over in Tinicum Township. PCA works in tandem with DHS to connect survivors with the appropriate services. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Tipsters can remain anonymous, if they like.. Lock 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. Folks in need of WOAR services do not require insurance. Yet many are not aware of it despite the fact more and more are becoming victims of human trafficking. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 Its even more difficult to ascertain who are being forced or coerced into the trade. 215-861-8300. Lock 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. Trial Attorney Jessica Urban of the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Solow of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. Rich Walls of North Philadelphia learned much from an all-male workshop held at Enon last year. To view information on the trainings our Coalition offers, please see the Training Catalogue. Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Sex Trafficking Children in Northeast Philadelphia. 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 The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Metcalf and Brittany Jones. PHILADELPHIA United States Attorney William M. An official website of the United States government. Online Tip Reporting. Enslavement of African Americans is rising in the City of Brotherly Love and Sister Affection. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, The defendants allegedly advertised the minors online and harbored them in area hotels and properties, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney for Community Engagement, Four Philadelphians Charged With Sex Trafficking of Minors, 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? 215-861-8300. Main Office: Yet it is clear that this and other types of trafficking are not just limited to certain times of the year. PCA conducts forensic interviews and offers therapeutic services specializing in understanding the needs and experiences of trafficking survivors. The crimes alleged in these Indictments will have a devastating and long-lasting impact on these minor victims, said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. When DHS or police identify a child that exhibits red flags, they send that child to PCA for a full assessment. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Covenant House is a youth shelter in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. WebPhiladelphia Division. The Salvation Armys New Day to Stop Trafficking Program WebPhiladelphia Men Charged with Child Sex Trafficking. hangs in the Flag Room at the bureau's headquarters in Washington. 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. In a separate Indictment, Ossai is charged with the sex trafficking of a minor in late January 2020. They pay their airfare, hotel room and everything else. Now that there is more transparency, we have to be more honest, Walls said. They are not just the drug user, the wayward runaway teen, or the troubled foster child. Its a hard statistic, but 1 in 6 children reported missing in the U.S. are likely victims of child sex trafficking, one of 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. EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA So far the 6:45 PM EDT, Sat March 20, 2021. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. 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. UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS OFFICE Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Eastern District of Pennsylvania A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. 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. EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA To view a comprehensive listing of agencies across the Greater Philadelphia region servicing trafficking youth, please see the Social Services Directory. 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. Lock He admitted that he had to examine himself as to whether he lusted after young women young enough to be his daughter. 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. 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. 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. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 Commercial Sexual Exploitation Institute Apr 1, 2016 Local NSC also assists individuals with obtaining long term immigration status, supporting survivors when working with law enforcement and assessing for other legal needs. 215-861-8300. 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. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. Free counseling and trauma therapy services offered include individual and group sessions. Main Office: He said this is the time to shine the light on both the consequences and root causes of human trafficking. Official websites use .gov Have a question about Government Services? 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. Email. Felts was detained pending trial this afternoon, joining his co-defendants, who are also in federal custody. Address: 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124 Based on the results of that assessment, PCA will secure services for the child. Justice At Work Address: Nationalities Service Center 1216 Arch Street, 4th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 We get calls from as far away as Pittsburgh where girls have been taken. The fraud is they are selling love, said Hugh Organ, associate director of the Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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