Northern Tier News

Today, Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened a hearing to define human trafficking under state law and highlight actions being taken to identify, stop, and prevent human trafficking in Pennsylvania.

The hearing, titled “Uncovering Human Trafficking,” took place at Three Springs Ministries and featured testimonies from Korrin Moon, founder of Lantern Rescue; Scott Henry, president of Northern Tier Law Enforcement Instructors Group; Joseph C. Peters, district attorney of Wyoming County; Heather Castellino, chief deputy attorney general; and Gabriel Fabian, special agent with the human trafficking section of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, millions are trafficked worldwide each year for labor or sex acts through violence, manipulation, false promises of well-paying jobs, and romantic relationships.

“Training law enforcement and spreading awareness into the community on the realities of human trafficking is essential to dispelling misconceptions around human trafficking,” said Moon. “[This] will allow us to reach more victims and arrest and prosecute more traffickers.”

“One of the fastest-growing crimes in our country, human trafficking is a grave violation of our values and a blight on our communities, including rural communities like ours,” said Owlett. “It is critical that we bolster law enforcement’s tools and resources for combatting this crime and also educate communities on how to identify human trafficking. I commend all testifiers who shared their stories and experiences today. Because of their relentless work, progress is being made both in raising awareness of human trafficking and its prevention.”

“Public safety can always be improved upon, and today’s hearing presents progress in helping law enforcement identify, stop, and prevent human trafficking from occurring in Pennsylvania,” said Kail. “But there is more work that must be done. Pennsylvania will not tolerate this inhumane crime. Together we can restore hope and justice for those affected."

To report suspected human trafficking to federal law enforcement, call 1-866-347-2423.

To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). To watch the complete hearing visit Representative Clint Owlett's website.