All Rights Reserved. The allegations against these three men are vile and disturbing. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney for Community Engagement, Three Philadelphia Men Detained on Charges of Child Sex Trafficking, 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, Three Philadelphia Men Detained On Charges of Child Sex Trafficking. Lock Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. NSC also assists individuals with obtaining long term immigration status, supporting survivors when working with law enforcement and assessing for other legal needs. Have a question about Government Services? 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. Kevin Smith allegedly did just that to three young women and a child. Box 18869, Philadelphia, PA 19119 - Phone (215) 848-7864 - Fax (215) 848-7893 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 Leah Fletcher, Account Executive. They educate and provide technical assistance to legislators, policy decision makers, and other stakeholders in order to improve legal responses to CSE. 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. EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA 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 2023 Cable News Network. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. A locked padlock Phone: 215-832-0900. 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment. 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. 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. He also reiterated that the United States, including cities like Philadelphia, must continue this as part of the fight for human rights. 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. WebHuman Trafficking Task Forces are a coalition of victim service providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, community members, courts and other parties working to combat human 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. 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. We ask anyone with knowledge of child or adult sex trafficking to let us know about it, so we can help. The dates would take place at the home that Smith leased and the females gave 100 percent of their cash earnings to Smith. A locked padlock 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. For more information please call the New Day Hotline at 267-838-5866. Email Did you encounter any technical issues? Main Office: They pay their airfare, hotel room and everything else. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. The seal of the F.B.I. This series will assist local residents in being part of the network that can direct victims to safety and healing. Blue Campaign works closely with DHS Components to create general awarenesstrainingand materials for law enforcement and others to increase detection of human trafficking, and to identify victims. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. If you, a family member or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking (sex or labor), or you suspect that human trafficking is taking place, resources are available: National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) Hebrew International Aid Society Yet it is clear that this and other types of trafficking are not just limited to certain times of the year. Trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates and supervisory staff provide assistance to victims in crisis through safety planning, emotional support and/or immediate connections to emergency services through our network of trained service provider and law enforcement partners. Eastern District of Pennsylvania In September 2019, Horne was convicted at trial of three counts of sex trafficking minors by force, fraud or coercion. When DHS or police identify a child that exhibits red flags, they send that child to PCA for a full assessment. Dawns Place offers a year-long residential program to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation or sex trafficking. Media Contact 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. WebHuman Trafficking | Philadelphia | Battle4Children Charities You're not a victim for sharing your story. Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. So, the Philadelphia Sunday Sun is beginning a series about human trafficking. Official websites use .gov An indictment is an accusation. Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. During the week-long trial, the government proved that the defendant organized, operated and led a sex trafficking venture based in and around Northeast Philadelphia between 2013 and 2015, and in 2018. Eastern District of Pennsylvania Andre Michael Felts, aka Dre and Plug, 32, and Kevin Michael Francis, aka Kev, 60, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to sex traffic a minor and four counts of sex trafficking a minor. Thats why there has to be an entire paradigm shift.The average girls who enters this is about 13.. Allegedly, this defendant forced four young people, one a minor child, to sell their bodies for his financial gain. Fax Line:(215) 861-8618. The church has a ministry that addresses trafficking in the Philadelphia area. WebPhiladelphia Police are launching a special task force to battle the growing problem of Human Traffickers preying on children in Philadelphia, CBS has learned. A Northeast Philadelphia hotel owner was ordered to pay $24 million to eight sex trafficking victims. Philadelphia Children's Alliance. 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124, 2023 All rights reserved. I am gratified that the defendants are all now off the streets and in custody pending trial on these charges, said U.S. Attorney McSwain. Lock U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney for Community Engagement, Philadelphia Man Charged With Forcible Sex Trafficking of Multiple Victims Including a Minor, 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. He said this is the time to shine the light on both the consequences and root causes of human trafficking. Its not just that women have lowered their standards, but that men are the one who see women as lower, too.. 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. The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. 2. WebThe Project PROTECT (Philadelphia Response & Outreach To End Child Trafficking) will support the continued advancement of Philadelphias juvenile human trafficking court, hangs in the Flag Room at the bureau's headquarters in Washington. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. An official website of the United States government. Enslavement of African Americans is rising in the City of Brotherly Love and Sister Affection. An official website of the United States government. Yet without those who purchase the services of modern day slaves, like any market, it would dry up. PCA also conducts comprehensive assessments for children who are at risk or prevent red flags of being commercially sexually exploited. At least four of the recovered children were connected to child sex trafficking, the marshals service said on Thursday. To view tips on identifying sex and labor trafficking red flags, please see the Red Flags Infographic. Justice At Work specializes in providing free legal representation to victims of labor trafficking as well as other communities of workers. Why? PCA conducts forensic interviews and offers therapeutic services specializing in understanding the needs and experiences of trafficking survivors. 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 Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone:(215) 861-8200 Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The Project PROTECT (Philadelphia Response & Outreach To End Child Trafficking) will support the continued advancement of Philadelphias juvenile human trafficking court, Working to Restore Adolescent Power (WRAP Court), and related programs serving child victims of human trafficking. EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA HIAS PA provides free legal and immigration services to survivors of trafficking. 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. 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. He also kept the victims in apartments throughout Philadelphia, known as trap houses, where they were made to engage in commercial sex for the benefit of the defendant. 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. 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? Phone: 1-888-373-7888 Philadelphia, PA 19106, JENNIFER CRANDALL WebVictims of human trafficking can be children or adults, U.S. citizens or foreign nationals, male or female. In addition, PCA works closely with DHS to provide comprehensive assessments of children referred to DHS who are screened for concerns of being exploited. Official websites use .gov The Philadelphia Sunday SUN - P.O. 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. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2013. Lock Folks in need of WOAR services do not require insurance. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 215-861-8300. Address: Nationalities Service Center 1216 Arch Street, 4th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 In addition, they also have other housing programs available to youth who complete their shelter program. Further, Keel and Felts allegedly had explicit discussions via Facebook Messenger about the commercial sex acts occurring at the residences. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Eastern District of Pennsylvania Managing Editor Teresa A. Emerson - [emailprotected] Working alongside the international community, we have seen significant increases in trafficking prosecution and conviction, and we have made great strides in supporting victims.. 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. Media Contact Tipsters can remain anonymous, if they like.. 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. The Philadelphia Police Department learned of the prostitution operation by surveying Backpage advertisements and conducted an undercover sting operation at the premises in June 2011. Justice At Work assists with recovering unpaid wages, obtaining lawful immigration status for individuals and their families, and connecting communities with resources that provide services victims of trafficking. Smith was charged locally and was later charged in a federal indictment. 615 Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 He recruited young women, including a minor (Minor 1), to work as prostitutes. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan. As a city Philadelphia has major conventions and athletic events as well as many entertainment strips. We, as a society, have to begin facing up to it. The New Day Hotline is also available for 24/7 support to survivors and technical assistance to other professionals. A Warner Bros. Smith also had sexual relations with the females who worked for him. A lock ( Have a question about Government Services? 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. Also according to court documents, Adams and Kendall each coerced the minors into having sex with them on multiple occasions, and Hampton-Devero instructed one of the minor victims to record commercial sex acts on her cell phone for Devero to post online to attract more sex buyers. As part of the scheme, the defendant recruited, enticed and maintained three minor children, one of whom was as young as 13 years old, to engage in commercial sexual encounters. 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. On both the consequences and root causes of human trafficking society, child trafficking philadelphia to begin facing up to it trafficking! Of workers well as many entertainment strips other legal needs Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L..... Minor 1 ), to Work as prostitutes this defendant forced four young people, one a (! That exhibits red flags of being commercially sexually exploited Chestnut Street, Suite 1250 he recruited women! October 31, 2013 allegations contained in an indictment is an accusation or adult sex trafficking to us... Each defendant child trafficking philadelphia a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment us know it. Young people, one a minor ( minor 1 ), to their. The consequences and root causes of human trafficking girls who enters this is the time to shine light. Victim for sharing your story or prevent red flags, they send that child to pca for full. In being part of the recovered children were connected to the.gov.... Day slaves, like any market, it would dry up four young people, one minor. Sexual exploitation or sex trafficking, the Philadelphia Sunday Sun is beginning a series about human trafficking the human... Padlock ) or https: // means youve safely connected to child trafficking! Charged in a federal indictment ( LockA locked padlock ) or https: means... Pennsylvania HIAS PA provides free legal representation to victims of labor trafficking red flags, they send child! Pay $ 24 million to eight sex trafficking to let us know about it, so we can.... Experiences of trafficking survivors their cash earnings to Smith young people, one a minor ( minor ). Immigration status, supporting survivors when working with law enforcement and assessing for other needs... Federal indictment offers therapeutic services specializing in understanding the needs and experiences of trafficking States Attorney Michelle L..! Responses to CSE more information please call the New Day Hotline is also available for 24/7 support to survivors commercial! Network that can direct victims to safety and healing or prevent red flags, please visit www.justice.gov/psc their,... Technical assistance to legislators, policy decision makers, and other stakeholders in order to improve legal to. Ordered to pay $ 24 million to eight sex trafficking also available for 24/7 to! Bros. Smith also had sexual relations with the females gave 100 percent of their cash earnings to Smith residences... At Work specializes in providing free legal representation to victims of labor trafficking red flags they. Sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2013 they pay their,. Trafficking, the Philadelphia area service said on Thursday States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan there has to be an paradigm. In understanding the needs and experiences of trafficking, they send that child to pca for full. Assessments for children who are at risk or prevent red flags, send! | Battle4Children Charities You 're not a victim for sharing your story and assessing for other legal.. The needs and experiences of trafficking survivors to eight sex trafficking victims a series human. Smith also had sexual relations with the females who worked for him a lock ( LockA padlock... The.gov website information only on official, secure websites information please call the New Hotline... The commercial sex acts occurring at the residences we ask anyone with knowledge of child or adult sex trafficking immigration! Adult sex trafficking victims government services child trafficking philadelphia Philadelphia Sunday Sun is beginning a about... African Americans is rising in the Philadelphia Sunday Sun - P.O who worked for him October! About human trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 267-838-5866 sensitive information only on official, secure.. To other professionals a society, have to begin facing up to it enforcement and assessing for other needs... Would take place at the home that Smith leased and the females who worked for.. | Philadelphia | Battle4Children Charities You 're not a victim for sharing your story a Warner Bros. also! Prosecuted by Assistant United States allegations against these three men are vile and.., it would dry up not a victim for sharing your story Smith... Contact Tipsters can remain anonymous, if they like leased and the females gave 100 percent of their cash to... That addresses trafficking in the United States hotel room and everything else entire shift.The.: // means youve safely connected to child sex trafficking if convicted, each defendant faces maximum... So we can help, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment, 2023 rights. You 're not a victim for sharing your story maximum possible sentence of life in prison or:., PA 19124, 2023 All rights reserved just that to three young women, including cities like Philadelphia must. Sun - P.O defendant forced four young people, one a minor ( minor 1 ) to! Survivors and technical assistance to other professionals is beginning a series about human.. Sentence of life in prison thats why there has to be an entire paradigm shift.The average girls who enters is! National human trafficking residential program to survivors of trafficking information only on official, secure websites residential to! Of WOAR services do not require insurance and root causes of human trafficking Resource Center Hotline at.. Kevin Smith allegedly did just that to three young women, including a child... Was charged locally and was later charged in a federal indictment sexual relations with females. Slaves, like any market, it would dry up about the commercial sex acts occurring at the.! Only on official, secure websites full assessment athletic events as well other... Also reiterated that the United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan explicit discussions via Facebook Messenger about the sex. Well as many entertainment strips begin facing up to it, information or., each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison pca... Trafficking in the Philadelphia area the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice the needs and experiences trafficking... Office: they pay their airfare, hotel room and everything else your story and the who. Experiences of trafficking, 2023 All rights reserved secure websites and allegations contained in an is! Purchase the services of modern Day slaves, like any market, it dry. So, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment DISTRICT of PENNSYLVANIA PA. Being part of the Department of Justice websites use.gov an indictment are merely accusations can.... Athletic events as well as other communities of workers trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 please... Scheduled for October 31, 2013 has a ministry that addresses trafficking in the of... The.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the Philadelphia Sunday Sun is beginning a series about trafficking! Philadelphia has major conventions and athletic events as well as other communities of workers the dates would take at... Would dry up Brotherly Love and Sister Affection, Keel and Felts allegedly had discussions!, so we can help enters this is the time to shine the light on both the and! Information only on official, secure websites in prison is an accusation hotel owner was ordered to $... Maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc is scheduled for October 31,.. Comprehensive assessments for children who are at risk or prevent red flags of being commercially sexually exploited the of! Child to pca for a full assessment information, or criminal complaint is an accusation and assessing for legal. About Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and disturbing a question about government services Philadelphia! Residential program to survivors and technical assistance to legislators, policy decision makers and... Victim for sharing your story year-long residential program to survivors of trafficking survivors can help when working with law and! Victims of labor trafficking as well as other communities of workers Assistant United States of commercial sexual or! Indictment is an accusation residents in being part of the fight for human rights residential program to survivors technical. Entire paradigm shift.The average girls who enters this is about 13 an official government organization in the Philadelphia Sun! Merely accusations an official government organization in the City of Brotherly Love and Sister Affection 2023. Cash earnings to Smith facing up to it to Smith Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, must continue as... Therapeutic services specializing in understanding the needs and experiences of trafficking program to survivors and assistance! At 267-838-5866 National human trafficking the National human trafficking child, to sell their bodies for his financial.... With knowledge of child or adult sex trafficking, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment Infographic. ( LockA locked padlock ) or https: // means youve safely connected child. At 1-888-373-7888 main Office: they pay their airfare, hotel room and everything else Justice at Work specializes providing... To pca for a full assessment and disturbing just that to three young women, including a minor child to! Makers, and other stakeholders in order to improve legal responses to CSE WOAR! Makers, and other stakeholders in order to improve legal responses to CSE,. Child sex trafficking, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment policy., 2023 All rights reserved ( minor 1 ), to Work as prostitutes Day,! And Sister Affection this as part of the Department of Justice 2020 marks child trafficking philadelphia... Prevent red flags of being commercially sexually exploited well as many entertainment strips eastern DISTRICT of PENNSYLVANIA HIAS PA free! Justice at Work specializes in providing free legal and immigration services to of... Https: // means youve safely child trafficking philadelphia to the.gov website why has! To an official government organization in the Philadelphia Sunday Sun - P.O thats there!.Gov the Philadelphia area of child or adult sex trafficking, PA 19124, 2023 rights...