Palmetto State News

Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the launch of the 1st Judicial Circuit Regional Human Trafficking Task Force at the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office on September 30, 2024. This task force aims to coordinate anti-human trafficking efforts in Orangeburg, Calhoun, and Dorchester counties.

Joining Wilson for the announcement were Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell, and Labrena Aiken-Furtick, COO of CASA Family Systems – Edisto Children’s Advocacy Center. Law enforcement officers, state agency representatives, and other members of the task force were also present.

Wilson emphasized the importance of regional task forces in bolstering statewide initiatives against human trafficking. “It is critical that we continue to build anti-human trafficking networks across the state to increase our capacity to effectively prevent the crime, identify victims and prosecute these cases,” he stated. He also commended local efforts: “I applaud the efforts of the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office and CASA Family Systems – Edisto CAC for recognizing the need to coordinate regional efforts that will bring awareness to the crime.”

The 1st Judicial Circuit Regional Task Force is now South Carolina's 11th regional anti-human trafficking coalition. This highlights a growing recognition of local strategies tailored to specific community needs.

For more information about the SC Human Trafficking Task Force, visit humantrafficking.scag.gov.