Year In Review: DOJ Human Trafficking News 2024

This article lists 188 (de-duplicated) U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) human trafficking (HT) press releases for 2024. The press releases are listed by Date – Title (with hyperlink). The listing provides insights into the nature and scope of the crime, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, etc. Many trafficking operations spanned multiple states. Several cases mentioned the use of force, fraud, or coercion. A significant number of cases involved the trafficking of minors. Traffickers ranged from individuals, couples, to organized criminal groups. The listing showcases DOJ’s efforts in supporting the HT 3P (Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution) framework.

1/4/2024 – Man Charged With Sex Trafficking of a Minor in Chicago Suburb

1/5/2024 – Federal jury convicts Mayville man of sex trafficking a minor

1/5/2024 – Greenville Woman Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Sex Trafficking Conspiracy

1/8/2024 – National City Man Sentenced for Transporting Teens for Prostitution

1/9/2024 – Randolph Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Minor

1/9/2024 – Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force announces series of trainings

1/10/2024 – Media Advisory – U.S. Attorney to Host Human Trafficking Awareness Training in Southeast Raleigh

1/10/2024 – U.S. Attorney’s Office Combats Human Trafficking in Recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month

1/11/2024 – Chaparral Man Sentenced to 90 months in Prison for Hostage Taking

1/11/2024 – Human Trafficking Awareness Month

1/11/2024 – Justice Department Observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

1/11/2024 – On #WearBlueDay, U.S. Attorney Hurwit Releases PSA to Raise Awareness for Human Trafficking Prevention Month

1/11/2024 – U.S. Attorney Hosts Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Southeast Raleigh

1/11/2024 – U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

1/16/2024 – Cheektowaga man pleads guilty to sex trafficking

1/17/2024 – U.S. Attorneys Thompson and Ihlenfeld to Co – Host Joint Human Trafficking Training

1/18/2024 – Repeat Sex Trafficker Indicted for Trafficking Four Women Using Violence and Threats

1/22/2024 – California Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking and Related Offenses for Forcing Victim to Engage in Commercial Sex Across the Country

1/22/2024 – U.S. Attorney Announces Human Trafficking Task Force Partnership in Southeastern North Carolina

1/22/2024 – Virginia Man and Woman Convicted of Forced Labor at Gas Station and Convenience Store for Multiple Years

1/23/2024 – National Human Trafficking Prevention Month: U.S. Attorney and HSI Announce Partnership in Tornado Alley Child Exploitation and Trafficking Task Force

1/23/2024 – Woman and Her Two Daughters Convicted in Child Labor Trafficking Conspiracy in Chicago Suburbs

1/24/2024 – Charlottesville Man Arrested for Operating East Coast Prostitution Ring

1/24/2024 – January Is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

1/24/2024 – Owner of Vashon Island landscaping company convicted of human trafficking, labor trafficking, and money laundering felonies

1/25/2024 – During Human Trafficking Prevention Month Law Enforcement Implores the Public to Protect Your Children from Sex Traffickers and Other Predators

1/25/2024 – Jury finds former deportation officer guilty of federal crimes related to depriving immigrant victims’ civil rights

1/25/2024 – Leader of Human Smuggling Organization Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit

1/25/2024 – Two Sunland Park Men Charged with Hostage Taking

1/26/2024 – Brooklyn Man Charged with Sex Trafficking of Child

1/26/2024 – Craven County Woman Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of Minor

1/26/2024 – During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King Emphasizes The Importance Of Education, Outreach, And Community Partnerships To Disrupt Criminal Activity And Assist Survivors

1/26/2024 – U.S. Attorney’s Office Highlights January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

1/30/2024 – U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

1/31/2024 – Canton Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking 15 – Year – Old

1/31/2024 – Hawaii Man Indicted on Multiple Civil Rights Charges Including Sex Trafficking

2/2/2024 – Chicago Man Sentenced to Nearly 24 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Children

2/2/2024 – Operators of High – End Brothel Network Indicted by Grand Jury

2/3/2024 – INTERPOL Washington Launches New Missing Persons Unit Leveraging Global Resources In Fight To Find Family Members

2/5/2024 – Northern Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Transportation of a Minor Across State Lines for Sexual Activity

2/7/2024 – Chicago Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Children

2/7/2024 – Member of Criminal Organization Pleads Guilty to Deadly Kidnapping in El Paso

2/8/2024 – Human Smuggling Organization Leader Sentenced in San Antonio

2/9/2024 – Phoenix Driver Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Transport Five Border Crossers

2/12/2024 – Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Sex Trafficking a 15 – Year – Old Girl

2/13/2024 – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks at the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons

2/21/2024 – Columbus man pleads guilty to sex trafficking women through force, fraud & coercion

2/22/2024 – Federal judge convicts Wyoming man for role in commercial sex activity in Billings, making false statements to law enforcement

2/27/2024 – Trucker convicted for trafficking several aliens into South Texas

3/1/2024 – New York Man Convicted by Jury of Sex Trafficking a Minor and Forced Labor

3/8/2024 – South Bay Man Charged in Federal Grand Jury Indictment with Sex Trafficking and Allegedly Raping Victim in Angeles National Forest

3/12/2024 – Sex Traffickers Convicted of Cross – Country Exploitation of a Minor

3/13/2024 – Waltham Man Convicted of Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child

3/14/2024 – Bronx Man Sentenced To 11 Years In Prison For Sex Trafficking A Minor

3/14/2024 – Human Smuggling Investigation Results in Seizure of Over $1 Million and 90 Months in Prison for Ringleader

3/15/2024 – 5 Central Ohioans plead guilty in narcotics & human trafficking case that charged 23 total defendants

3/19/2024 – Friend and Business Partner of GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

3/19/2024 – GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Extradited to Face Sex Trafficking Charges

3/27/2024 – Owner of Massage Parlors Offering Commercial Sex Federally Charged

3/28/2024 – Three Jamestown residents charged with drug and sex trafficking conspiracy

4/1/2024 – Lynn Man Charged with Sex Trafficking Three Women

4/5/2024 – Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Life in Prison in First Prosecution of Federal Statute Criminalizing Murder in the Course of Sex Trafficking

4/5/2024 – Co – leader of large – scale narcotics & human trafficking ring pleads guilty

4/8/2024 – Illinois Family Members Sentenced for Kidnapping, Forced Labor and Conspiracy for Coercing Two Minors and a Third Victim in Years – Long Scheme

4/9/2024 – Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking a Minor

4/9/2024 – Registered Sex Offender From Lexington Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Attempting to Purchase Sex With a Minor and Possessing Child Pornography

4/10/2024 – Child Sex Trafficker Sentenced To 26 Years In Prison

4/16/2024 – St. Charles County Residents Accused of Forced Labor, Labor Trafficking and Theft

4/17/2024 – Individual Charged With Sex – Trafficking of Women on Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn Known as the “Penn Track,” and Enticement Of A Minor

4/17/2024 – Wyoming man sentenced, fined $7,500 for role in Billings commercial sex investigation, lying to investigators

4/19/2024 – Suburban Chicago Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of a Child

4/19/2024 – Two Men Charged With Murder in the Course of Sex – Trafficking at Open – Air “Penn Track” in Brooklyn And Related Crimes

4/22/2024 – Sex Traffickers Sentenced in Maine

4/23/2024 – Local pharmacist charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor and child sex tourism

4/24/2024 – Burlington County Couple Convicted of Forced Labor and Other Federal Crimes

4/24/2024 – New Jersey Couple Convicted of Forced Labor and Other Federal Crimes

4/25/2024 – Two Burlington Women Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking Charges

4/30/2024 – Newberry Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking Conspiracy, Firearm Possession and Witness Tampering

4/30/2024 – Owner of Vashon Island, Washington, landscaping company sentenced to 20 years in prison for human trafficking, labor trafficking and money laundering

5/1/2024 – Jury finds Cincinnati man guilty of sex trafficking, exploiting 2 teens

5/1/2024 – Man Convicted Of Sex Trafficking A Child, Other Crimes

5/2/2024 – Former Village of Brewster Police Officer Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for his Role in Commercial Sex Bribery Scheme

5/3/2024 – Justice Department Strengthens Efforts, Builds Partnerships To Address The Crisis Of Missing Or Murdered Indigenous Persons

5/7/2024 – Human Trafficker Working With Mexican “Coyotes” Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Transport Illegal Aliens

5/14/2024 – Montgomery Man Sentenced to 130 Months in Federal Prison for Patronizing a Commercial Act with a Minor

5/22/2024 – Self – proclaimed king of Bissonnet heads to prison for multi – state sex trafficking scheme

5/28/2024 – Honduras – Based Leader of Alien Smuggling Organization Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison

5/29/2024 – Two Brothers Plead Guilty to Human Smuggling, Hostage – Taking Charges

5/30/2024 – Dallas Man Sentenced for Role in Human Smuggling Organization

5/31/2024 – Atchison man charged with sex trafficking

6/6/2024 – Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Sex Trafficking a 16 – Year – Old Girl

6/7/2024 – Owner of Boston Pizzeria Chain Convicted of Forced Labor

6/10/2024 – Boston Man Convicted of Attempting to Purchase Sex With Minor

6/13/2024 – Portsmouth man convicted of sex trafficking and production of child pornography sentenced to prison

6/18/2024 – Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Sex Trafficking

6/18/2024 – Multiple Alabama Individuals Charged for Sex Trafficking and Related Offenses

6/18/2024 – South Carolina Man Sentenced to Over 30 Years for Sex Trafficking

6/25/2024 – Virginia Couple Sentenced for Forcing Victim to Work at Their Gas Station and Convenience Store for Over Three Years

6/25/2024 – Chesterfield couple sentenced for forcing victim to labor for years at their gas station and convenience store

6/26/2024 – Middlesex County Man Sentenced to 311 Months in Prison for Persuading, Inducing and Enticing Victims for Prostitution

6/28/2024 – Woman Sentenced to Nine Years for Sex Trafficking Conspiracy

7/5/2024 – Six Indicted in Sex Trafficking Conspiracy

7/10/2024 – Arizona Man Charged with Transportation for the Purpose of Prostitution

7/11/2024 – Five Sentenced in 17 – Year – Old’s Sex Trafficking Case

7/11/2024 – Pennsylvania Man Charged with Alien Smuggling & Human Trafficking

7/11/2024 – Tampa Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Of A Minor

7/24/2024 – Boston Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Prison for Trafficking a Minor Victim in Three States

7/24/2024 – Leader of a Drug Trafficking Organization Which Operated Out of the Former Victory Inn Was Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison

7/25/2024 – Man Sentenced for Forcing Three Women to Travel to San Diego for Prostitution; Lifeguard Makes Different Kind of Rescue

7/26/2024 – Essex County Man Convicted for Sex Trafficking Minor, Transportation to Engage in Prostitution, and Other Offenses

7/26/2024 – Buffalo man pleads guilty to sex trafficking minors

7/26/2024 – Barbados First In Caribbean To Implement Project Terminus Solutions, Boosting Security In The Region

7/26/2024 – Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Transporting a Woman for Prostitution

7/29/2024 – U.S. Attorney’s Office Partners With Area Nonprofit to Raise Awareness About Human Trafficking

7/31/2024 – Tampa Man Charged With Sex Trafficking A Minor

7/31/2024 – United States Attorney Recognizes World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

8/1/2024 – Corpus Christi Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Transporting, Endangering Undocumented Noncitizens

8/2/2024 – Phoenix Man Charged for Role as Recruiter and Coordinator of Alien Smugglers

8/2/2024 – Human Smuggling Coordinator Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

8/2/2024 – Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy Commemorates the Two – Year Anniversary of the Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Unit

8/5/2024 – Trinidad and Tobago Becomes Second Caribbean Nation to Implement INTERPOL Washington Border Security Enhancements

8/9/2024 – Four Individuals Charged with Operating Illicit Massage Parlors in New Jersey And New York

8/12/2024 – Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

8/14/2024 – New York Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking a Minor and Forced Labor

8/14/2024 – Jury Finds Searcy Landlord Guilty of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion and Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

8/14/2024 – Houston resident heads to prison for decades for trafficking minor

8/19/2024 – Brooklyn Man Charged with Sex Trafficking and Interstate Prostitution of Multiple Victims at the “Penn Track” in East New York

8/20/2024 – Cincinnati man sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for sex trafficking missing teen

8/20/2024 – Fentanyl Importer/Supplier And Sex Trafficker Sentenced To Life In Prison

8/28/2024 – Columbus man sentenced to 25 years in prison for sex trafficking women

9/4/2024 – Federal, County, and City Law Enforcement Officials Announce Initiative to Combat Sexual Exploitation Crimes

9/9/2024 – Federal Judge Sentences Cross Country Sex – Traffickers to 14 and 30 Years in Prison

9/11/2024 – Ottumwa Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking and Enticement of Minors

9/12/2024 – Bonita Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking of a 15 – Year – Old Girl and Providing the Fentanyl that Resulted in Her Death

9/13/2024 – Man Sentenced for Transporting Three Teens to San Diego for Prostitution

9/16/2024 – Violent Sex Trafficker Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Prison

9/17/2024 – Man Charged with Trafficking a Woman for Sex

9/18/2024 – Michigan Woman Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of a Minor in New Orleans

9/19/2024 – Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

9/19/2024 – Houston rapper gets life for sex trafficking teenagers

9/24/2024 – Florida Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking Nearly a Dozen Women and Girls

9/27/2024 – Tigard Mother and Daughter Indicted for Holding Three Victims in Indentured Servitude in Adult Foster Care Home

9/27/2024 – Woman and Her Two Daughters Sentenced to Federal Prison for Labor Trafficking Conspiracy in Chicago Suburbs

9/27/2024 – Bissonnet sex trafficker “Mumbles” sent to prison for forcing teenage girls to engage in sex acts

9/27/2024 – U.S. Marshals Arrest Over 3,400 fugitives in Operation North Star

9/27/2024 – Houston sex trafficker convicted of luring minor through social media

10/1/2024 – Sex Trafficker Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison

10/2/2024 – Jury Convicts Colorado City Men in Child Sexual Abuse Conspiracy

10/4/2024 – Honduran National Sentenced for Transporting Illegal Aliens from Texas to Georgia

10/4/2024 – Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Charge Stemming from Smuggling and Labor Trafficking Scheme

10/8/2024 – Family members sent to prison for sex trafficking women in cantina backroom

10/10/2024 – Boston Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Prison for Attempting to Purchase Sex with Minor

10/15/2024 – Repeat Sex Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic Four Women Using Violence and Threats

10/22/2024 – Former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch and Two Other Individuals Charged with Sex Trafficking and Interstate Prostitution

10/22/2024 – Federal grand jury indicts Jamestown man on sex trafficking and drug charges

10/24/2024 – Mexican National Admits Role in Smuggling and Labor Trafficking Scheme

10/24/2024 – Cincinnati man who was convicted at trial of sex trafficking, exploiting 2 teens sentenced to 40 years in prison

10/24/2024 – California man pleads guilty to sex trafficking and illegal firearms possession

10/28/2024 – Owner of Boston Pizzeria Chain Sentenced to More than Eight Years in Prison for Forced Labor

10/28/2024 – Rockford Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking

10/31/2024 – “Booker” for High – End Brothel Network Pleads Guilty

10/31/2024 – Two Violent Sex Traffickers Sentenced to Combined 39 Years

11/12/2024 – Defendant Convicted of Sex Trafficking and Interstate Prostitution on Long Island and in Other States

11/13/2024 – Tewksbury Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

11/13/2024 – Two Chicago Residents Sentenced for Sex Trafficking a Minor

11/14/2024 – Falconer woman pleads guilty to sex trafficking and drug charges

11/15/2024 – Staten Island Crips Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

11/16/2024 – Three Men Charged in Proactive Law Enforcement Action

11/19/2024 – Manager and Enforcer of Queens – Based Sex Trafficking Ring Convicted of Felony Charges Including Assault In – Aid – Of Racketeering and Hobbs Act Robbery

11/19/2024 – Two men admit to transporting undocumented individuals in stolen pickup trucks

11/22/2024 – Federal Jury Finds Human Smugglers Guilty in Death of Four

11/22/2024 – Jury finds Columbus man guilty of leading narcotics, sex trafficking & financial fraud conspiracies

11/22/2024 – Mexican National Admits Role in Smuggling and Labor Trafficking Scheme, Illegally Reentering U.S.

11/27/2024 – Ames Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking Fourteen Victims

12/4/2024 – Two Admit Promoting Prostitution of Women in St. Louis

12/5/2024 – Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking, Possession of Child Pornography, and Escaping From Custody

12/11/2024 – U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Guilty Plea in Interstate Transportation Case Involving Illegal Sexual Activity

12/16/2024 – Lowell Man Charged with Sex Trafficking and Transporting Victim Through Four States

12/18/2024 – Two South Carolina Women Convicted of Human Trafficking Conspiracy

12/19/2024 – Tennessee Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking in Bowling Green, Kentucky

12/27/2024 – Federal jury convicts Pharaoh’s owner of multiple charges, including bribery, sex trafficking conspiracy and witness tampering