Sex Trafficking2009
United States US
The women told police they left Thailand three weeks ago and were told a limo would be waiting outside a New York airport, the release said. The driver had instructions to take them to a nearby motel. The same scenario was then repeated in each city. Vice officers worked with the sheriff's Women's Justice Services to interview the women, the release said.
Sex Trafficking2011
United States US
The trafficker was originally charged on August 8, 2010 following arrest with one count of involuntary servitude, a Class X felony; one felony count of trafficking of persons for labor or services; one count of unlawful restraint; one count of pandering; one count of possession of a controlled substance – heroin; and one count of possession of a controlled substance – cocaine. He was convicted May 3, 2011 following a three day jury trial on felony charges of Involuntary Servitude, Trafficking in Persons for Forced Labor or Services and Pandering and faced up to 30 years in prison. His final sentencing by Cook County Judge William lacy was an 18 year prison term. This is the second time this year the Sheriff’s Vice Unit has charged someone for human trafficking, but he was the first person convicted in Cook County under the updated laws against human trafficking. Sheriff Dart thanked the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit for their assistance in the case. His conviction was the result of efforts by State's Attorney Alvarez's new Human Trafficking Initiative Unit, which worked in cooperation in this case with Cook County Sheriff's Police. "Today's sentence represents a significant achievement in our new efforts to investigate and prosecute the crime of human trafficking, which is occurring in our own backyard," said State's Attorney Anita Alvarez in a release today. “Human trafficking is a problem that is becoming more prevalent in our communities and it is a crime that no woman or child should be subjected to,” said Alvarez. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute offenders who are forcing victims to sell themselves and help victims seek the help they need.”
Sex Trafficking2009
United States US
quote from first online article: "Cook County sheriff's police conducting a sting discovered three women from Thailand who told investigators they had been forced to work as prostitutes in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Texas in the three weeks they have been in the United States." The second article states that the traffickers were not caught, though the first article states "The (Cook County) sheriff's office is working with federal authorities to investigate the ring."