BURLINGTON, VT – Beneath the sweet facade of Vermont’s Church Street, a darker reality festers. Federal prosecutors are sounding the alarm on a surge in human trafficking, with recent cases revealing the grim exploitation happening right here in the Green Mountain State. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is attempting to shine a light on this hidden crime with a public awareness event, but the effort comes after years of cases slipping under the radar.
On June 7, 2019, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., the U.S. Attorney’s Office will host an event in front of Ben & Jerry’s on Church Street, Burlington. The date is no coincidence; it marks the two-year anniversary of the “You Are Loved” mural painted on Cherry Street, a direct response to the escalating number of sex and drug trafficking victims surfacing in federal investigations. While free ice cream and t-shirts are being offered to the first 70 attendees – courtesy of Ben & Jerry’s, The Classic Dezert Company, and Select Designs – the event’s true purpose is to educate the public on recognizing the insidious signs of trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan will address the crowd, emphasizing the critical role individual community members play in identifying and reporting potential trafficking situations. Nolan’s push for public awareness follows a recent victory for her office: the conviction of Brian Folks on drug crimes and, crucially, for trafficking multiple young women within Vermont. Details of Folks’ sentencing and specific charges are currently unavailable, but the case underscores the gravity of the problem and the office’s commitment to prosecution. The U.S. Attorney’s office has remained tight-lipped about specifics, citing ongoing investigations.
The “You Are Loved” mural, a splash of color on Cherry Street, serves as a visual reminder that victims exist and need help. But a mural alone isn’t enough. Law enforcement sources within the U.S. Attorney’s Office acknowledge a significant underreporting of trafficking cases, often due to the secretive nature of the crime and the fear victims have of coming forward. They say that Vermont’s seemingly idyllic landscape and transient tourist population create a breeding ground for traffickers to operate.
While the freebies are a draw, the U.S. Attorney’s Office hopes the event will spark genuine conversation and vigilance. They are urging residents to learn the indicators of human trafficking – subtle cues that someone may be controlled, exploited, or forced to engage in illegal activities. The event is a small step, but one officials say is necessary to combat a crime that thrives in the shadows.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and investigate the extent of human trafficking within Vermont. Anyone with information regarding potential trafficking activity is urged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or report it to local law enforcement. Don’t turn a blind eye. Someone’s life may depend on it.
Related Federal Cases
- AG James Joins Multistate Push Against Harvard Funding Freeze · Washington
- Brian Folks Convicted in Heroin-Fueled Sex Trafficking Ring · Colorado
- Vermont Feds Target Elder Scammers in Grim Crackdown · Vermont
- Vermont U.S. Attorney’s Office Hits the Streets for Elder Fraud Awareness · Vermont
- Violence Against Women Act Tour Halted By DOJ · Vermont
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking|Drug Trafficking|Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
