News Summary

The Georgia Attorney General’s Office is expanding its Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit to Macon and Augusta, aimed at enhancing efforts against human trafficking. This initiative comes after significant successes in rescuing over 200 children and achieving a 100% conviction rate since 2019. The new office will employ experienced investigators and a prosecutor to address the critical issue of human trafficking, particularly in areas identified as high-risk due to their proximity to major interstates. Local community involvement is essential in the fight against this crime.

Macon, Georgia – In a decisive move to combat human trafficking, the Georgia Attorney General’s Office is expanding its Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit to Macon and Augusta. This initiative seeks to strengthen efforts against a crime that deeply affects the state’s youth and local communities.

Since its establishment in 2019, the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has made significant strides, having rescued and assisted over 200 children. With a remarkable conviction rate of 100%, the unit has secured more than 50 convictions since its inception.

The expansion will be financed through a budget allocation of $187,036 from the state’s AFY 25 budget, with plans to increase this amount to $748,143 for the FY 2026 budget. The new office in Macon will bolster local resources by employing two investigators and a prosecutor, collectively bringing over 30 years of experience in Central Georgia to address the issue effectively.

Local expertise is deemed crucial by the Chief of the Prosecution Unit, highlighting the importance of understanding community dynamics in tackling human trafficking. The decision to establish new operations in Macon was influenced by the city’s location near major interstates—namely I-16, I-75, and I-475—which are known to increase trafficking risks.

Human trafficking is characterized as a transient crime, frequently operating through psychological manipulation rather than physical abduction. Victims, predominantly aged between 13 and 17, often come from backgrounds where they have run away from home. In Georgia, both perpetrators and purchasers of minors can face severe penalties, including a minimum 25-year sentence under existing state laws.

The urgency of this expansion is underscored by recent investigative efforts, including the indictment of three individuals charged with trafficking a 13-year-old girl. This case exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced in the community, and the need for a robust legal framework to address such heinous acts.

Additionally, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) conducted a recent operation, dubbed Operation Macon Plays, which resulted in the arrest of 13 individuals accused of attempting to purchase sex. The operation is part of an ongoing initiative to dismantle sex trafficking networks in the region. Furthermore, 11 commercial sex workers received offers for medical services and community resources as part of the efforts to address the needs of those affected by trafficking.

Georgia residents are encouraged to play an active role in combatting human trafficking. They are urged to report any suspicious activity to the statewide hotline at 1-866-ENDHTGA. This outreach effort seeks to foster collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community in the fight against human trafficking.

The expansion of the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit to Macon and Augusta marks an important step in safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable populations and ensuring that traffickers are held accountable. With an increasing commitment to investigate and prosecute these crimes, Georgia aims to create a safer environment for all children and families.