Grant Funds Sex Trafficking Task Force For Two More Years

(KNSI) – Stearns County has been awarded a grant to continue funding the Central Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force for another two years.

The $575,000 grant was awarded by the Minnesota Office of Justice Programs (OJP). The money will help coordinate investigations with local, state, and federal investigators and prosecute sex traffickers. The task force also provides services and support for adults and children being exploited by sex traffickers.

According to a press release, the task force has received more than 350 tips, investigated over 100 cases, charged 44 felonies, and given aid to 239 victims of sex trafficking since the task force began in 2018.

According to Stearns County, the task force would not be possible without the support of the partner agencies who jointly recognize that sex trafficking is a clear and present danger that significantly affects the public safety of Central Minnesota.

Partner agencies include:

The Stearns County Attorney’s Office, Stearns County Sheriff, St. Cloud and Waite Park Police Departments, the St. Cloud City Attorney’s Office, Terebinth Refuge, the Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, CentraCare, Stearns & Benton County Human Services homeless outreach, child protection and gateway support divisions, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services and the Safe Harbor Regional Navigator, 180 Degrees, the Salvation Army, Tri-Cap, the Central Minnesota Mental Health Center, ISD 742 and representatives from the Stearns County Board of Commissioners and numerous Congressional and state legislative offices.

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