JACKSONVILLE, Fla — According to the Florida Alliance to End Human trafficking, Florida ranks as the third worst state in the nation for human trafficking cases, with over 2,100 cases reported statewide during 2023.
Among the cases that are reported in Jacksonville, justice is rarely served.
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“We don’t see a lot of cases solved here locally,” Chase Robinson with First Coast Crime Stoppers told Action News Jax Thursday. “We do receive a lot of tips on them, but not necessarily solving human trafficking cases.”
Now, First Coast Crime Stoppers is doubling the cash reward for anonymous tips leading to a human trafficking arrest – up from $3,000 to $7,500. The ultimate goal: tackling an issue that sometimes goes unreported entirely.
Read: Florida announces new signs, hefty rewards to combat human trafficking – Action News Jax
“Whether people who are involved in human trafficking or know something about it are scared to reach out, they don’t have an outlet to get that information out securely, safely, and anonymously,” Robinson pointed out.
Robinson told Action News Jax Thursday the hope is the increased cash reward - funded in part through an investment by the state attorney’s office - will help save lives and fight against the rampant plague of human trafficking here in the sunshine state. However, Robinson added it will take a community effort, with more people coming forward anytime something doesn’t seem right.
“The worst thing that can happen is it’s investigated and nothing comes of it,” Robinson said. “But if the best-case scenario, you could help save a child from abuse, or domestic violence, whatever it may be, that that could actually be solved and people can be brought to justice for it.”
Those looking to submit an anonymous tip can do so through the Crime Stoppers app or by calling or texting 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).
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