City examines human trafficking cases

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - At the intersection of Sherman Drive and East Washington Street sits a nondescript looking bus stop. Hugging one part of the glass pane window in a plastic bag was a 14-sentence letter labeled “human trafficking.”

“Human trafficking is running wild in our city,” wrote the anonymous writer.

24-Hour News 8 discovered that a mile north of that bus stop, police are investigating a case where a 15-year-old girl insists she’s been forced into a life of prostitution.

“We definitely have had human trafficking problems here in Indianapolis and in the state of Indiana,” said Laura Harms, Human Trafficking Care Coordinator for the Julian Center.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department would not release details of its investigations; however, they do admit they have four open human trafficking cases in the city.

24-Hour News 8 pressed the department about the anonymous letter left on the bus stop and police would not elaborate.

Suspects in these sex abuse cases are known for preying on teenage girls who are vulnerable and have minimal support at home.

“Traffickers will try to build up a trusting relationship with a teenage girl over the Internet,” said Harms.

There is a specialized group in Indianapolis called IPATH that investigates human trafficking cases. The nationwide task force is comprised of law enforcement specialists, social service groups and prosecutors.

For more information about IPATH and the services they offer log on to their website or call 1-800-928-6403.