HARRISBURG, PA — Coinciding with Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry this week announced the establishment of the state’s first-ever dedicated Human Trafficking Section.
The new unit will be headed by Chief Deputy Attorney General Heather Castellino and will focus on investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases across the Commonwealth.
“Human trafficking takes many forms, often exploiting the vulnerabilities of people in need, leaving them with lasting devastation and trauma,” said Attorney General Henry. “I am proud to announce our office’s new section dedicated solely to human trafficking.”
The timing of this initiative is crucial. Human trafficking is a pervasive problem that affects nearly every community in Pennsylvania. Its victims are frequently moved across jurisdictional lines, making collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies vital in bringing traffickers to justice.
The Human Trafficking Section plans to adopt a multidisciplinary approach. In addition to law enforcement efforts, it will engage in education and outreach, participate in conferences and symposiums, and present case studies. The goal is not just to prosecute offenders but to equip Pennsylvanians with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to signs of trafficking.
One such educational effort is an upcoming podcast produced in partnership with Uber. Moderated by Attorney General Henry, the podcast will provide Uber drivers with guidance on identifying potential victims of human trafficking and how to respond appropriately.
The creation of the Human Trafficking Section builds on the Attorney General’s office’s existing efforts to tackle this issue. Over the past year, the office has successfully prosecuted several high-profile human trafficking cases.
In one case, Joseph “Jay” Pulizzi was arrested for operating a human trafficking ring across multiple Pennsylvania counties, exploiting at least seven victims, many of whom suffered from substance use disorders and homelessness.
In another case, Hector Rivera from Berks County was convicted on 15 charges related to trafficking a young woman in his community. He exploited her addiction and coerced her into sex work, keeping all earnings for himself. Rivera was sentenced to 33 ½ to 69 years in prison.
While these cases highlight the grim reality of human trafficking in Pennsylvania, the new Human Trafficking Section’s establishment sends a clear message that the state is committed to ending this heinous crime. As Attorney General Henry pointed out, it’s about “making monumental strides to bring these heinous crimes out of the shadows.”
As Pennsylvanians, we all have a role to play in preventing and responding to human trafficking. With the launch of this new dedicated unit, we are better equipped to recognize, report, and ultimately put an end to this form of modern-day slavery in our Commonwealth.
If you are a victim of human trafficking and need help or suspect that someone else is a victim, please contact the Pennsylvania State Police Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-292-1919; email tips@pa.gov; or contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline by calling or texting 233733 (befree) to 1-888-373-7888.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
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