Denver, Colorado – January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, shedding light on this complex crime that often goes unnoticed. Ashley Morgan, head of the Human Trafficking Unit at the Denver District Attorney’s Office, emphasizes that human trafficking is happening everywhere, including downtown Denver, schools, and online. The Unit, comprising investigators and law enforcement officers, focuses on investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases, which can involve coercion through threats, manipulation, or withholding necessities.
Morgan explains the challenges of prosecuting human trafficking cases, where victims are often afraid to go to law enforcement due to their reliance on the trafficker. The Unit works to gather evidence and build cases without solely relying on victim testimony. The establishment of the Human Trafficking Unit has led to an increase in identified cases, with prosecutors now dedicated to addressing this complex issue.
Survivors like Jade, a victim of sex trafficking, share their stories of coercion and control, highlighting the need for support and resources to break free from the cycle of exploitation. Organizations like From Silenced to Saved provide assistance to survivors navigating the legal system. Recent cases, such as that of William Galbreath, highlight the ongoing fight against human trafficking in Denver, with legal procedures and sentencing evolving to hold perpetrators accountable.
Colorado’s Human Trafficking Hotline provides support and resources for those in need of help. Denver District Attorney John Walsh underscores the importance of addressing this issue and holding traffickers accountable, with recent cases resulting in significant sentences. Denver continues to be a hotspot for trafficking due to its infrastructure, underscoring the ongoing need for awareness, prevention, and support for survivors.
