Joplin PD, Area Authorities Conduct Victim-Targeted Sexual Exploitation Operation – Newstalk KZRG

Joplin police and other area authorities conducted a victim-focused sexual exploitation operation this past weekend. Read the full press release below:

From August 16, 2024, through the early morning hours of August 17, 2024, the Joplin Police Department, along with the Springfield Police Department, the Southwest Missouri Cyber ​​Crimes Task Force, and federal partners conducted a victim-focused response to sexual exploitation.

During the operation, four adult women were approached by undercover police officers with the agreement to purchase sexual favors. A meeting place was arranged and the women were approached, detained and questioned by police.

Three women were fined and released for providing sexual favors for payment. One woman was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and arrested on outstanding warrants from the city of Joplin.

The RISE coalition (Regional Intervention against Sexual Exploitation) and Life Choices were present throughout the operation and provided assistance to victims.

All four women received medical care, resources, and referrals for ongoing support from these community partners.

The success of this operation would not have been possible without the cooperation of these partners and their willingness to help the victims in our community.

Community awareness is one of the best ways to combat sexual exploitation.

If you suspect that someone in our community is involved in this type of sexual exploitation, please contact the Joplin Police Department and/or file a report with the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888).

For more information, visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org.