10/25/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/25/2024 14:14
October 25, 2024
MISSOULA - The Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Missoula County Sheriff's Office, and Missoula Police Department, conducted a human trafficking operation in Missoula this week which led to the arrest of eight individuals, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today.
Each individual was arrested and faces pending charges for patronizing a prostitute and one individual was also arrested for distribution of dangerous drugs. They can be charged under Montana's new statute, included in House Bill 112, that makes the solicitation of a prostitute a felony charge which Attorney General Knudsen helped write and pass during the 2023 Legislative Session.
"Human trafficking is a heinous crime and must be stopped. I am proud of our DCI investigators and law enforcement partners for their commitment to getting these dangerous predators off the streets. Ending human trafficking remains a priority for the Montana Department of Justice. We must tell human traffickers that their criminal activity will not be tolerated in Montana," Attorney General Knudsen said.
"This behavior is not only illegal but poses many risks to our communities such as Human Trafficking of both adults and children," Missoula County Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen said. "The great work done this week with our law enforcement partners creates safer communities for both children and adults."
Know the signs. Potential indicators of sex trafficking may include:
If you believe you witness human trafficking: