CLICK TO HEAR JACK HALL’S INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS HANSEN, TRU BLU MEDIA
STORY UPDATED WITH COMMENTS FROM CHRIS HANSEN
The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, along with law enforcement partners from across the Upper Peninsula, recently conducted a three-day human trafficking operation targeting individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable adults.
Participating agencies included the Kingsford Public Safety Department, Iron Mountain Police Department, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, Menominee County Sheriff’s Office, Niagara Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Throughout the operation, investigators utilized a range of investigative strategies to identify offenders and potential victims. To maintain the integrity of ongoing cases and future operations, specific investigative methods are not being disclosed at this time.
As a result of the operation, seven individuals were arrested. One of the individuals taken into custody was also found to have outstanding warrants through Shelby Township for similar offenses. Details are being withheld until the suspects are arraigned in the 95B District Court.
The operation was supported by investigative journalist Chris Hansen and his TruBlu film crew, who documented portions of the effort to raise public awareness of human trafficking and online exploitation. Their coverage aims to highlight both the dangers facing potential victims and the proactive work being done by law enforcement across the region.
This operation represents a united front among Upper Peninsula law enforcement agencies to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Collaboration, technology, and public awareness are key to confronting these crimes head-on and holding offenders accountable.
________________________________________
Community Awareness and Parental Guidance
The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that human trafficking and child exploitation are not confined to big cities — this activity happens everywhere, including small towns and rural communities. Traffickers and predators often use everyday online platforms, messaging apps, and social media to reach their victims.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to:
• Stay engaged in their children’s online lives, including social media, gaming, and messaging platforms.
• Discuss online safety and the risks of communicating or sharing information with strangers.
• Be alert for sudden changes in behavior, secrecy, or new unexplained relationships.
• Report suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting “HELP” to 233733.
Community awareness and parental involvement are some of the strongest tools we have to prevent exploitation. If something doesn’t seem right, speak up — you could be the one to stop a tragedy before it happens.
Sheriff Rochon extends his appreciation to all partnering agencies and to Chris Hansen and the TruBlu team for their cooperation and continued support in bringing attention to the fight against human trafficking and exploitation.
Comments