In 2019 Attorney General Chris Carr created the first-of-its-kind statewide Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit with the support of Gov. Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp and leaders in the General Assembly. Today, as the state recognizes Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Carr looks back on the state’s efforts in this fight as Georgia takes the lead in the nation against Human Trafficking.
“Georgia is leading the nation in the fight against human trafficking, and we’re forever changing lives as a result,” said Carr. “We’re grateful for the support of Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and members of the General Assembly as we seek to expand our Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit so we can rescue and assist even more victims. With each new arrest, indictment and conviction, we continue to send a strong message that Georgia’s children are not for sale.”
Georgia’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit works with all levels of law enforcement to rescue victims and prosecute offenders throughout the state.
While currently based in Atlanta, this Unit has already secured 54 convictions, led or assisted more than 330 case investigations, and rescued and assisted nearly 200 children since its inception. And, as recently announced in his State of the State address, Gov. Kemp’s latest budget report includes additional resources to expand the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit to Augusta and Macon.
Last year alone, the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit:
● Successfully prosecuted two individuals, one of whom was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, for the trafficking of a 16-year-old female who was recovered from a traffic stop in Greene County.
● Secured its 12th conviction in a case involving the trafficking of a 17-year-old female who was recovered from a hotel in Fulton County.
● Secured its second conviction in a case involving the trafficking of a 16-year-old female who was recovered from a hotel in DeKalb County.
● Indicted three individuals – two buyers and one seller – for the trafficking of a 13-year-old female in Houston County.
● Worked with the Gang Prosecution Unit in the Attorney General’s office to secure the conviction of two gang members in Dougherty County, both of whom were involved in the trafficking of a 16-year-old female who had been missing from the Albany area for approximately one month.
New policy was also implemented that allows individuals who have been convicted of a criminal offense while being trafficked or as a result of being trafficked may petition for vacatur or record restriction.
These remedies are intended to remove barriers to employment, housing and other opportunities, and hopefully help to heal the trauma experienced by victims of sex and labor trafficking.
Just last year, the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit also conducted 45 trainings for local, national and international audiences, including law enforcement personnel and victim advocates.
