Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch has announced the successful conclusion of ten days of human trafficking operations across the state. In total, investigators encountered 49 potential victims; made 13 arrests for crimes including human trafficking, promoting prostitution, and statutory rape; and uncovered multiple leads that may mean additional arrests and victim recoveries in the future.
“I witnessed the outstanding work of these law enforcement officers and victim advocates in action,” said 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.”
Operations were conducted between Nov. 1-10 in Southaven, Starkville, Jackson, Meridian, Hattiesburg, and Jackson and Harrison Counties. Attorney General’s Office investigators and prosecutors teamed up with law enforcement from:
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,” continued Fitch. “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.”
Citizens who want to report suspected human trafficking can call in their tips to 1-888-373-7888 or text INFO to 233733.
