human trafficking

$100M to combat human trafficking awarded by Department of Justice

The U.S. Department of Justice announced last week it’s awarded more than $100 million in funding to combat human trafficking. These funds will go toward providing vital services to trafficking victims across the nation including those in Mississippi and here…

Scarlet Pearl to help victims of human trafficking

According to the Mississippi Department of Health, human trafficking affects 12 to 27 million men, women, and children worldwide. The Scarlet Pearl Casino and Resort wants to help those on the Gulf Coast who have been affected. On Thursday, August…

Mississippi House passes human trafficking bill

In a bipartisan move, the Mississippi House of Representatives passed House Bill 571 which strengthens the state’s human trafficking laws. The bill passed by a vote of 115-1. Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal industries with 100,000…

‘Better Together 2019’ Crime Symposium

The Advocates for Freedom organization hosted the ‘Better Together 2019’ Crime Symposium in Gulfport to raise awareness on issues like gang violence and sex trafficking. The symposium brings different organizations on the Coast together to sharpen their skills and learn…

The National Human Trafficking Hotline Award

This morning, officials from Mississippi’s Center for Violence Prevention stopped by Gulfport City Hall to award the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women for their efforts to raise human trafficking awareness in the state. The Mississippi Federation of Republican Women chose…

Man arrested for human trafficking

A Gulfport man has been arrested for human trafficking. According to Sheriff Troy Peterson, 30-year-old Maxwell Phillips is being held on a felony charge of human trafficking after law enforcement conducted a search warrant in the Town Suites room 313…

The fight against human trafficking

Modern day slavery. It’s hard to believe it exists, but it does. Sex trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the world and it happens right here in South Mississippi. News 25’s Toni Miles takes us to a meeting by…

Second Annual Princess Tea Jubilee

News 25's Kristen Durand interviews Sharon Robbins about the Princess Tea Jubilee on April 14th From 2 pm to 4pm at St. Martin Community Center on 15008 Lemoyne Blvd. $10 per child, $35 per adult, $350 for a table. Benefiting…

National Human Trafficking Awareness

You might have noticed more people wearing blue that’s because January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Human trafficking affects 12 to 27 million men, women, and children worldwide according to the Mississippi State Department. Canopy, an organization on…

Safe haven for human trafficking victims

Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world, reeling in billions of dollars a year. One local non-profit is on a mission to provide a much needed safe haven for those victims in our area.…

2017 Conference On Human Trafficking

law enforcement and community members gather at the Biloxi Civic Center for the 2017 conference on human trafficking. This event is targeted towards first responders and law enforcement because very often they are the first people human trafficking victims interacts…

Human Trafficking Symposium

News 25's Katarina Luketich interviews John Jones about Advocates For Freedom, Human Trafficking Symposium happening at the Civic Center on Howard Avenue January 13 from 8 am to 5 pm $25 for students and $30 to the public. You can…

Human Trafficking Survivor Shares a Story

A human trafficking survivor shared her powerful story today at the Mississippi Nurses Association Convention. Lexie Smith, at ten years old, met a teenage boy living in her grandparents’ neighborhood. He began sexually assaulting her and selling her to his…

Advocates for Freedom Annual Fundraiser

A fashion show tomorrow night will showcase stylish clothing from five local boutiques while raising awareness about human trafficking. Advocates for Freedom is a non-profit, faith based organization dedicated to ending the exploitation, sale and enslavement of men, women and…

Minor Rescued from Hotel

Three people are now behind bars, charged with human trafficking, after Biloxi police began investigating reports of a missing minor. News 25’s Kristen Durand has details on the victim’s rescue and more about human trafficking on the Coast. It’s a…

Massage Parlor Remains Shut Down

The investigation into human trafficking that allegedly took place at a Jackson County massage parlor continues. The business, JJ Spa Massages, remains shut down nearly three months after authorities raided it and arrested two people on prostitution charges. Jackson County…

Stallions in Stilettos

Whether you’re a football fan or not, chances are you will be one of millions of other Americans watching the Super Bowl this weekend. Did you know that Super Bowl weekend is also a busy weekend for human traffickers? A…

Human Trafficking Investigation

After receiving complaints about JJ’s Spa in St. Martin, two people have been arrested in a prostitution and human trafficking sting, operating at that location.