Apr 29

Apr 29 Take a local stand against human trafficking

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The public is invited to attend a community discussion to raise awareness of human trafficking.

Hope for Justice https://hopeforjustice.org and Life in the Word Church with Pastor Eddie Scott will host a Human Trafficking Awareness Event on Saturday, May 18, at Life in the Word Church located at 176 Meadow Drive in Lexington. The event will begin at 1:00 p.m. and last until 2:30 p.m.

The goal of the event is to present the community with information that can both save and change lives.

Information is power when it comes to preventing human trafficking and also when it comes to identifying the signs. Discover how to spot the signs of human trafficking in your community and learn how you can make a difference and help change lives.

U.S. Attorney Michael Easley recently announced efforts to combat human trafficking, including the expansion of a dedicated task force in North Carolina. As part of the annual observation of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Easley also highlighted several successful human trafficking prosecutions led by his office.

In 2023, 12 defendants received sentences averaging 98 months, with one defendant receiving a sentence of more than 32 years in prison. Numerous other individuals are facing charges that have not yet resolved.

“Our unique task force model is dismantling networks in North Carolina. Today we are expanding upon the work already underway, bringing together our law enforcement and community partners to rescue victims and prosecute those who are exploiting vulnerable individuals for labor, services, or commercial sex,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “I commend the work of the FBI and our local partners to lay the groundwork for this expanded partnership.”

For more information on this event or to lend your support to this cause, please contact Constance J. Russell, Director, Hospitality Ministry at Life In The Word Worship Center by email at: citizensforchange.connie.lex@gmail.com.

If you or anyone you know needs help or has information to provide regarding a potential human trafficking situation, please contact law enforcement by calling 911 if the situation appears unsafe, or contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline: