Iowa Human Trafficking Ring Exposed

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – In a shocking revelation, a human trafficking ring operating in Iowa has been exposed, with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies joining forces to combat the heinous crime.

U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau and representatives from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Marion Police Department, Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Enforcement and Cedar Rapids Gives came together to reinforce their commitment to combating all forms of slavery and assisting victims of this crime.

President Barack Obama proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, stating that all nations have a part to play in keeping our world safe for all people. He further stated, “Let us resolve to build a future in which its perpetrators are brought to justice and no people are denied their inherent human rights of freedom and dignity.”

Last year, the United States Attorney’s Office partnered with Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement to bring awareness to this issue, engaging truck drivers at two Waterloo truck stops to discuss the criminal enterprise of human trafficking as part of the Truckers Against Trafficking (or TAT) initiative.

U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau stated during a press conference held at the Marion Police Department, “Human trafficking threatens lives globally and even happens in our state. It happens every minute of every day. Traffickers are sophisticated and use force, fraud or coercion to lure victims and then force them into labor or commercial sexual exploitation. These vulnerable victims need to be identified and rescued.”

During the press conference, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign was highlighted. “HSI investigates international and domestic cases of human trafficking and provides support to victims,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge William Lowder of HSI St. Paul. “Our special agents accomplish this through the use of our unique authorities and expertise stripping away the traffickers’ assets and profit incentives, and working with U.S. and foreign partners to attack networks worldwide and working in partnership with non-governmental organizations to identify, rescue, and provide assistance to trafficking victims.”

Marion Police Chief Harry R. Daugherty stated, “We recognize that this crime is not confined by geo/political boundaries.” He further noted that, “This is why the Marion Police Department has taken a pro-active approach by crossing jurisdictional lines and working with other agencies, to bring justice to victims and by holding offenders responsible for their crimes.”

Chief David Lorenzen with Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement serves on the Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) national board and has been active in addressing this issue within the state. “It was common sense that thrust Iowa into becoming active in fighting this hideous criminal nightmare. Our officers take this initiative seriously and interact with trucker drivers and concerned citizens daily. We believe this program will have a positive impact.”

As the fight against human trafficking continues, law enforcement agencies urge the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can bring justice to victims and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

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