INTERCEPT Task Force needs community to focus on human trafficking

JACKSONVILLE – They stood stoic and steadfast. Their message was paramount, yet abhorrent. They were resolute in the critical facts of their mission. 

For most, it is inconceivable to believe some buy and sell other humans without empathy, as if they were little more than a used lawnmower or a couch listed on Craigslist. 

To the members of the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, the victims aren’t property to be bartered. They are often young, innocent, emotionally or mentally challenged or fighting substance abuse, who are targeted by callous people who are experts in trafficking, online exploitation and manipulation for forced labor, the sex industry or control. 

The 11 law enforcement agencies that comprise the INTERCEPT Task Force as part of the Tim Tebow Foundation and Operation Lightshine met at the organization’s headquarters on Monday, Jan. 5, to kick off Human Trafficking Month. 

They delivered some alarming – and disturbing – information. They also told parents how to spot signs of manipulation, either online or in person. 

“The Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force has remained committed to fighting trafficking and exploitation since it was created nearly three years ago,” Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said. “In that timeframe, we’ve worked 1,617 cases, most specifically charges of human trafficking, the rest related to exploitation and child sexual assault material. That’s just this task force alone. 

“All of these agencies, all of our agencies, also work cases on our own. This is just 1,617 cases out of this office right here. It’s important to know that exploitation cases often lead to trafficking.” 

In addition to CCSO, members of the INTERCEPT Task Force include the St. Johns, Nassau, Flagler and Putnam county sheriff’s offices, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Middle District, Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville, the State Attorney’s Office Fourth District, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Secret Service. 

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said INTERCEPT has expanded its resources to catch predators by creating the No Trafficking Sports and Entertainment District. 

She said human trafficking posters were placed around EverBank Stadium for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Florida-Georgia and TaxSlayer Gator Bowl games and Daily’s Plaza concerts. A fan saw a poster and noticed a child was acting in the manner of someone who was possibly being trafficked. The fan told a JSO deputy, and that led to the arrest of a man who was there to meet someone who was supposed to buy the child. 

Posters are also posted inside adult clubs in Northeast Florida, and law enforcement and INTERCEPT regularly check on the clubs. 

Victims are often groomed by predators who pose as loving friends or relatives, either in person or online. Or they embed messages in video games or chat rooms. 

“It’s been said a few times today; it frequently goes unnoticed, which is why the public needs to understand what it can look like here in our own community,” Cook said. “Human trafficking does not always look the same. In some cases, it can involve forced labor or exploitation control. In some cases, it starts out and appears to be a normal relationship or a romantic connection, but it becomes dangerous when manipulation, coercion and exploitation become a part of that relationship.

“Exploitation targets vulnerability. In many cases, traffickers take advantage of individuals who are struggling with substance abuse, mental health challenges or difficult life circumstances. These offenders are willing to exploit these vulnerabilities for their own gain. Our responsibility as law enforcement is to turn victims into thriving survivors and to hold offenders accountable. We work to stop these crimes, disrupt exploitation, and help victims move towards safety and recovery. 

“Human trafficking has no place in any of our communities, and we will continue working with our partners to confront it.” 

Cook said cellphones and computers have challenged law enforcement, because they’ve become a valuable tool for traffickers. That’s why it’s imperative for parents to play a greater role in their children’s safety. 

“Smartphones are a reality,” she said. “If you’re not aware of who your kids are talking to online, if you are not aware of what gaming platforms they’re using online, it’s no different than taking your little kid to a park and leaving them there alone. There’s so much information available on the internet, and there are so many groups out there that are willing to help you look at what applications your child is using. These are safer than others.”