Human Trafficking in the News
Check out the latest stories on human trafficking here in Colorado, around the nation and the world.
Join our mailing list to receive our monthly newsletter.
February 21, 2026
Know the Signs of Human Trafficking
By Nick Jacobs, The Gazette
Kevin O'Neil and Kristin Hersh
Kristin Hirsh and Kevin O’Neil met with the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club recently to educate and fight against human trafficking. They say it is important to be READY if you suspect someone is in danger.
R – Report anything dangerous
E – End the communication
A – Ask for help
D – Don’t Engage
Y – Your safety first
The focus was on how traffickers often follow a pattern of targeting a victim: building trust, finding a need or vulnerability, isolating the person, exploiting them and then maintaining control.
The program highlighted vulnerabilities that can increase risk. This includes housing insecurity, poverty, neglect, abuse, foster care, mental health challenges and online spaces such as social media and gaming. Presenters also emphasized that supportive communities and stable housing can be important factors in recovery.
Affordable housing in the Tri-Lakes has been a problem for years now as many local families struggle to live in the area that they work.
Hirsh and O’Neil reviewed possible warning signs of sex trafficking, such as unexplained access to money, hotel keys, refillable gift cards or multiple phones. Sudden changes in clothing and evidence of a controlling relationship are also important to look out for. They also shared potential indicators of labor trafficking, including excessively long hours, false recruiting promises, isolation from support systems, unsafe working conditions or being monitored by another person.
The presenters encouraged community members to respond to potential victims with care. Believe their story, avoid asking “why” it happened and don’t make promises you can’t keep.
For more information, residents can visit the Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado at www.ht-colorado.org or email httfsoco@gmail.com. Suspected trafficking can be reported to the Colorado Human Trafficking Task Force at 866-455-5075 or by text at 720-999-9724. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is 888-373-7888.
If you think someone is being abused, call 911 immediately. You can save a life by picking up the phone.
May 13, 2024
By: Abbie Burke (Featuring Bailey Thiry, Guest Speaker)
May 1, 2024
Betty Edwards, who helped found the Task Force in 2008, passed away on May 1, 2024. She was a forerunner in the anti-human trafficking movement. Fierce in her convictions, Betty will be remembered with great respect and fondness. Services were held May 16, 2024. Click these links for Betty's obituary, service recording and to sign the guestbook.
January 11, 2024
Human Trafficking Awareness Day brings light to working together, education on illegal sex and labor trade
By Debbie Kelley (featuring HT Board Chair Jo-Ann O'Neil and other local organizations)
August 21, 2023
Sound of Freedom - A Call to Action (Gazette Guest Column by former State Rep. Terri Carver, Member of HT Task Force Board)
August 17, 2023
8 minors, 19 adults rescued from sex trafficking in Colorado in recent operation (koaa.com)
May 10, 2022
Colorado Springs Passes Massage Business Licensing Ordinance
April 22, 2022
Massage Business Owner Found Guilty of Pimping and Keeping a House of Prostitution
December 25, 2020
Woodland Park human-trafficking survivor appointed to US advisory council | Colorado Springs News | gazette.com
The crime of human trafficking happens in many nations around the world, including our own. Be aware of what is happening and find ways that you can get involved and help stop this severe from of exploitation.