“Thank you Special Operations,” John Vanek, Human Trafficking Program Coordinator, San Mateo County
“Thank you Special Operations,” John Vanek, Human Trafficking Program Coordinator, San Mateo County
We want to thank Special Operations for their caring and generosity towards a victim of sex trafficking,” John Vanek, Human Trafficking Program Coordinator, San Mateo County. “The community’s generosity helped the victim through the process, all of which were critically important in getting the case to court and, ultimately the maximum conviction.
The victim was identified in August by Redwood City PD after it initially appeared she was assaulted and robbed of her purse by a male associate. The next day she disclosed she was a trafficking victim. He was arrested within a week.
The victim attended the sentencing and delivered a victim impact statement that detailed his exploitation and how it has harmed her. The victim was too emotional to read it, so her mother read it. The judge sentenced the defendant to the maximum number of years allowed in this case.
It takes a community working with law enforcement to stop sex trafficking of kids right here in the Bay Area. We can not continue doing this work without you.
Predators are targeting children all over America. They do this because it is lucrative and they think they can get away with it. Children are often too trusting, and even the most engaged parent may not realize what is happening until after tragedy strikes. Special Operations’ network of undercover private investigators gathers the evidence to help law enforcement rescue victims and arrest the criminals. After the rescue, we ensure survivors remain safe and begin the journey of restoration. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly towards keeping kids safe. We cannot do this work without your support.
*Name has been changed to protect the victim’s identity.
WE WANT A SOCIETY WHERE ALL CHILDREN ARE SAFE.
WE WANT A SOCIETY WHERE THE COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN IS ERADICTED BECAUSE