| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 6513 | 2016-09-30 | Statewide | Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Four Arrests for Human Trafficking |
HEADQUARTERS NEWS RELEASE September 30, 2016 Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Four Arrests for Human Trafficking Baton Rouge – In August of 2015, the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations - Special Victims Unit (SVU) investigated a case in which they recovered a victim of human trafficking. That recovery resulted in two suspects being arrested for human trafficking charges. Through further investigation into the case, four additional suspects were identified as traffickers prior to the initial incident. After a nearly yearlong investigation and by working closely with the initial victim, Investigators were able to positively identify the four suspects. According to the victim, the suspects held her against her will and forced her to participate in sexual activity for a period between June and August 2015 in East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes. LSP SVU Investigators worked closely with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole throughout the course of this investigation. As a result, the Louisiana State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit located, arrested and charged the following suspects:
· Ricky L. Hale (W/M, 56 yoa of Pride, LA) – Booked into EBR Parish jail for Human trafficking · John P. Cox Jr. (W/M, 46 yoa of Walker, LA) – Booked into Livingston Parish jail for Human trafficking
“Dismantling human trafficking organizations and the apprehension of those responsible for trafficking victims remains a top priority for State Police,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. “The Special Victims Unit will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to locate each and every offender of the heinous crime of human trafficking, while also ensuring that victims are provided the proper resources to help them recover.” “East Baton Rouge Parish will continue to partner with our law enforcement counterparts to combat human trafficking, and identify and assist victims,” East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said. “By working together in operations such as these we will continue to combat sex crimes in our state.” “Communication between departments is key. We are fortunate to live in an area where the sharing of information is the norm. That’s what made this case, and that’s what will make future cases,” said Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard. “In Livingston Parish, we are proud to partner with other agencies in an effort to uncover crime and help those impacted.” The LSP Special Victims Unit, comprised of Troopers who work in partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, was created to combat child exploitation and investigate child and adult sex trafficking and labor trafficking across Louisiana. The public plays an integral role in identifying suspects accused of these crimes, and is strongly urged to report criminal or suspicious activity. The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through a convenient and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. Citizens can access the form by visiting http://la-safe.org/ and clicking on the “Suspicious Activity” link. Contact Information: Sgt. Jared L. Sandifer Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section Office: (225) 925-6202 jared.sandifer@la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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