Human Trafficking. Operation Safety Net Concludes: 35 Missing Children Recovered & Permanent Unit Established in Northern Ohio

Justice Department Awards Nearly $101 Million to Combat Human Trafficking
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The Department of Justice today announced it has awarded nearly $101 million, through the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) in funding to combat human trafficking and provide vital services to trafficking victims throughout the United States.
“The scourge of human trafficking is the modern-day equivalent of slavery, brutally depriving victims of basic human rights and essential physical needs as it erodes their sense of dignity and self-worth,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.  “The Department of Justice is relentless in its fight against the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.  Working with state and local law enforcement and community victim service providers, we will continue to bring these criminals to justice and deliver critical aid to survivors.”

Operation Safety Net Concludes 
35 Missing Children Recovered & Permanent Unit Established in Northern Ohio

Cleveland, OH – United States Marshal Pete Elliott, Police Chief Calvin Williams, Sheriff David Schilling, East Cleveland Police Chief Scott Gardner, and Newburgh Heights Police Chief John Majoy announce the recovery of 35 children during of Operation Safety Net.

The U.S. Marshals Service has been working with its state and local partners over the past month to locate and recover missing juveniles from the Cuyahoga County area. 35 missing and endangered children, between the ages of 13 and 18, were recovered during the operation. A little more than 20% were tied to human trafficking cases and those cases were referred to the Human Trafficking Task Force in Cuyahoga County. Of the 40 missing cases referred to the Marshals Task Force only 5 cases remain open. Members of the task force and its local partners will continue to work over the next several weeks to bring these 5 remaining children and other children to safety.

Chief John Majoy of Newburg Heights stated “We are proud to assist in Operation Safety Net and I commend the United States Marshals Service for their hard work and dedication toward locating these children. Many times, they do not know they are a victim and this operation offers hope, freedom and safety they would not otherwise have. This is a fine example of local, state and federal partners all working together for a notable cause. Together we can all make a difference.”

Based on the results of this operation The United States Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio has now created a permanent Missing Child Unit throughout the 40 counites of Northern Ohio to focus on those missing, abused, neglected and trafficked juveniles.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “This was new unchartered territory and the first time we conducted an operation like this. I am very proud of our law enforcement, community and media partners who worked tirelessly to bring our missing and most vulnerable children to safety. The establishment of a permanent unit in Northern Ohio will ensure that our most vulnerable missing children will continue to be found and brought to safety.”

Children were located and recovered in Cleveland, Euclid, Akron, Mansfield, Columbus, Miami, Florida and other cities throughout Ohio. Adam Jacobs, Ph.D President of Bellefaire added, “The mission of Bellefaire JCB is to help those children and youth who are at the greatest risk. Missing youth are among those who are the most vulnerable. Working with the U.S. Marshal’s Office to find and care for missing children, who are so often victims of poverty, abuse and sex trafficking, is just one of the many ways Bellefaire works with our community to fulfill its mission.
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The Missing Child Unit of the U.S. Marshals Service will continue to ask for support from the community in locating these 5 remaining missing kids. Please call the U.S. Marshals at 1-866-492-6833 if you have any information about their location. Tips can also be submitted using USMS Tips.