Spotlight on Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation

Collier County Sheriff’s Lt. Wade Williams is a member of the Southwest Florida Inter-agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking Task Force (INTERCEPT Task Force). This partnership brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to rescue victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Williams' appearance is particularly timely, as the Task Force recently announced the results of INTERCEPT's first year of operation. This initiative led to over 1,000 investigations, 158 search warrants, 63 arrests, and the identification of 90 victims. Trafficking and child exploitation remain significant issues in Southwest Florida. While technology has exacerbated trafficking, it has also played a vital role in aiding the Task Force's efforts to combat these crimes.

Host or Publisher Press Club of Southwest Florida