January Is Human Trafficking Awareness Month: Chesco Commissioners

WEST CHESTER, PA – A blue light shines brightly tonight on the historic Chester County Courthouse as a reminder to remain vigilant in protecting victims of human trafficking.

Chester County commissioners on Wednesday proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month.

Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline said in a joint statement:

“Proclaiming January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month and shining a blue light on the Historic Courthouse are reminders to us all to remain vigilant in protecting the most vulnerable in our community.

“Too often, they become victims of this atrocious crime and endure unfathomable injustices to their bodies and minds. It is our duty to raise awareness.”

Local human trafficking case

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said Chester County saw one of the worst cases ever of human trafficking in 2020 involving two young victims who were held against their will and forced to have sex for money.

“Residents were shocked that it took place in their community,” Ryan continued. “But that’s one
of the tragic facts of human trafficking – how it seemingly happens under the radar and victimizes vulnerable individuals.”

Ryan said her office got justice for both victims last year by sending the three defendants – Dimas Omar Hernandez, Franklin Rivera-Mendieta, and Josue Sibrian-Sanchez – to prison for lengthy periods of time.

“The victims’ lives are changed forever, but the sentences allow them to begin to move forward,” Ryan said.

The three men were charged with operating a sex trafficking ring in East Whiteland Township.

Two men were convicted and a third pleaded guilty.

Following a trial, Hernandez, 36, of Malvern, was sentenced to 35 to 70 years in state prison, and Rivera-Mendieta, 27, of Downingtown was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in state prison.

The third defendant, Sibrian-Sanchez, 26, Malvern, testified against the others and pleaded guilty to the charges.

“Chester County will never stand for human trafficking,” Ryan said. “We will vigorously investigate, arrest, and prosecute anyone who traffics another human being and, by doing so, rescue victims.”

Blue Ribbons

Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox and Carol Metzker, community outreach for the sheriff’s office and an ally for human trafficking survivors, presented each commissioner with a blue lapel pin to help spotlight the issue.

“The little blue ribbon speaks out against a big issue – human trafficking,” Metzer said. “When our community rises to fight it, we put a stop to traffickers and the trauma that hurts all of us.”

“Working against human trafficking is everyone’s business in Chester County,” said Maddox. “If you encounter a situation that doesn’t feel right, report it to law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline.”

The proclamation acknowledged the dedicated work of social service agencies, counselors, law enforcement, and modern-day abolitionists for caring for survivors, arresting and prosecuting offenders, and preventing new victims.

Also recognized in the proclamation are the Chester County Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition, Thistle Hills, and JusticeRain, organizations that support survivors transitioning from exploitation and bondage to freedom and self-sufficiency.

Last year, the county partnered with the Chester County Library system to post the National Human Trafficking Hotline numbers in library bathrooms throughout the county.

National awareness

President Biden has proclaimed January 2023 as “National Human Trafficking Prevention Month,” reaffirming his Administration's commitment to protect and empower survivors of all forms of human trafficking, to prosecute traffickers, and to bring an end to human trafficking in the United States and around the world.

The president signed thisproclamation on Dec. 30, 2022:

"Around the world, human trafficking has stripped nearly 25 million people of their safety, dignity, and liberty — disproportionately affecting historically underserved and marginalized communities.

"During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to ending this inhumane and immoral practice in all its forms. And as we bring perpetrators to justice, we renew our pledge to help survivors recover and rebuild their lives."

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24/7. Call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.