On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, Sheriff Mike Williams was joined by Mayor Lenny Curry, State Attorney Melissa Nelson, Council Member LeAnna Cumber, Council Member Tommy Hazouri, and members of the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Coalition along with state and local criminal justice officials to reaffirm their commitment to raising awareness about the issue of slavery and human trafficking locally and throughout the country.
Locally, in 2019, 19 victims were identified and/or rescued, four of those were juveniles. This resulted in 34 Human Trafficking and related arrests with three federal indictments.
"While we may only stand up here once a year, know this… throughout the year, we are working together to bring an end to this criminal activity as well as teach everyone how to spot this type of crime and how to report it.
EDUCATION is KEY so that you, your family and friends do not fall victim to human trafficking," said Sheriff Mike Williams.
During the news conference the Sheriff reminded citizens that law enforcement officers are here to help 24-hours a day, seven days a week. If you think someone is a victim of human trafficking, please call JSO at 904.630.0500, email
JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org or to remain anonymous call First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1.866.845.TIPS.