U.S. Marshals Recover Two Juvenile Sex-Trafficking Victims in Tolleson

Tolleson, AZ – The United States Marshals Service, working with the Phoenix Police Department and the Arizona Department of Child Safety, recovered two juvenile victims of suspected commercial sexual exploitation on August 26.

The investigation began after the Phoenix Police Department requested U.S. Marshals Service assistance on July 16 in locating a 16-year-old who had been missing since June 11. Investigative information indicated that the juvenile was at significant risk of continued sexual and physical abuse and commercial sexual exploitation.

Deputy U.S. Marshals assigned to the investigation developed information associated with the juvenile and individuals suspected of transporting her, exploiting her online and helping her avoid recovery efforts. The thorough investigation produced additional information that was provided to the Phoenix Police Department’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit for further investigation.

Deputy U.S. Marshals interviewed an associate of the juvenile and developed information that led investigators to a residence in Tolleson. At approximately 5:50 p.m. on August 26, Deputy U.S. Marshals and members of the U.S. Marshals Service-led Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force safely recovered the missing 16-year-old.

A Department of Child Safety STRENGTH (Succeed Through Resilience, Empower New Growth Through Hope) caseworker specializing in assisting victims of sex trafficking was present to support the juvenile and coordinate her immediate care. She was transported to a treatment provider for comprehensive physical, mental-health and emotional assessments. Plans were subsequently made to place her with an inpatient program specializing in the treatment and recovery of trafficking victims.

During the recovery operation, investigators encountered another female who initially presented herself as an adult. Further investigation determined that she was also a juvenile who had left her family and had not been reported missing. Investigators subsequently determined that she was also a victim of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking associated with the investigation.

Deputy U.S. Marshals immediately notified the Phoenix Police Department’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit. An on-call detective responded to interview the second juvenile, while investigators contacted her family and arranged for her safe return. The juvenile and her family also agreed to seek an immediate assessment and services under a protocol designed for suspected sex-trafficking victims.

“This investigation began with the search for one endangered child and ultimately led us to a second juvenile who was also in an extremely vulnerable situation,” said U.S. Marshal Van Bayless. “These recoveries demonstrate why we never view a missing-child investigation as routine. Persistent investigative work and close coordination among our deputies and local and state partners allowed us not only to bring both juveniles to safety, but also to connect them with professionals who understand the profound trauma caused by trafficking and exploitation. Our work does not end when a child is located, it ends when that child is safe and can begin recovering.”

The Phoenix Police Department’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit will continue investigating the alleged criminal activity associated with the exploitation of both juveniles, including the conduct of individuals suspected of facilitating commercial sex acts or creating, possessing or distributing child sexual abuse material.

No arrests or criminal charges arising from the exploitation investigation are being announced currently. The names of the recovered juveniles and additional identifying information are being withheld to protect their privacy and safety.

The Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals Service led multi-jurisdictional fugitive apprehension unit responsible for more than 1748 arrests in the last year. The task force is comprised of 22 agencies bringing together the resources of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest the community’s most violent offenders and sexual predators.