LIFE - Sex Trafficking in Lima, Ohio: A Case Study by the FBI/ Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force
Pete Swartz & Alex Hunt | September 19 | 10:15-11:15 AM
Topic: Law Enforcement | Knowledge Level: Beginner, Intermediate | Location: Ingman Room
This presentation will discuss the Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force and their mission to combat crimes against children. This will be followed by a case study in which the attendees will hear about a sex trafficking investigation in Lima, Ohio that was conducted by the task force. Attendees will hear the case from initial recruitment of the minors to the convictions of the traffickers and others. The case concerns 2 minors in the Lima, Ohio area, their traffickers, and others that conspired to traffic the minors. As a result of the investigation, two minors were recovered and 7 individuals were arrested and convicted, with one trafficker sentenced to life in federal prison and another sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
Presentation Objectives:
· Discuss how the task force approaches these types of investigations by looking at the big picture and taking out an entire organizations ability to operate
· Explain how the task force uses a victim centered approach to our investigations
· Describe the complexities of these types of investigations from dealing with multiple jurisdictions to preservation of evidence