More than 30 human trafficking victims identified as part of ‘Operation Delta’ investigation in West Memphis

Local advocacy groups are stepping in to help survivors begin the long process of healing.

Cassie Rutledge, executive director with Families in Transition, an organization that provides crisis support to trafficking victims across six Arkansas counties, said her team works around the clock to assist those rescued.

“We have seen a big increase in the number of victims that we’re serving in our program in Crittenden County,” Rutledge said.

According to Rutledge they provide, legal, therapy, clothing, financial, medical care, and basic hygiene products. She said the group’s services also extend to recovery resources for those exposed to substance abuse during their exploitation.

“We do have the ability to connect them with substance abuse counselors and treatment facilities to address those issues,” she said. “If it’s a situation where they want to overcome that before their reconnected with their families.”

Victims often targeted in public and online

Rutledge told ABC24 that traffickers are targeting people in various settings, from teenagers online to elderly adults who ask for help in public places.

“We’ve all heard the stories about women or even young men being approached in the store by an elderly individual asking for help,” Rutledge said. “That’s usually because they’re marking them as someone who might be vulnerable, and the trafficker is somewhere near watching them.”

While law enforcement continues its efforts to bring suspects to justice, Rutledge believes prevention starts with public awareness.

Tips for staying safe:

• Stay off your phone while walking in parking lots.
• Be cautious about who you engage with on social media or dating apps.
• Monitor your children’s internet activity and online relationships.

“Everyone needs to be mindful,” Rutledge said. “Watch your personal surroundings, watch your children on the internet. You have the right to do that as a parent.”