Georgia Rescues 200 Children from Human Trafficking Since 2019

The state's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has prosecuted 70 traffickers in the last 3 years.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:31am

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Since 2019, the Georgia Attorney General's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has rescued 200 minors and prosecuted 70 traffickers. The unit works alongside local law enforcement, district attorneys, and victim advocates to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases while supporting survivors. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the state has focused resources on domestic sex trafficking of minors, which makes up 80% of human trafficking cases in Georgia.

Why it matters

Human trafficking, especially the exploitation of minors, is a growing problem in Georgia due to the state's international port, tourism industry, and major highway corridors. The specialized prosecution unit aims to address the complexity of these cases and provide trauma-informed support for survivors.

The details

The Georgia Attorney General's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit was launched in 2019 to work alongside local agencies to investigate and prosecute traffickers without retraumatizing survivors. One recent case involved the rescue of a 15-year-old girl by the Chatham County Sheriff's Office just one day after the department announced a new Human Trafficking Unit. Chatham County ranks 6th among Georgia's 159 counties for reported cases involving minor trafficking victims.

  • Since 2019, the Georgia Attorney General's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has rescued 200 minors and prosecuted 70 traffickers.
  • January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

The players

Chris Carr

The Georgia Attorney General who launched the state's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit in 2019.

Chatham County Sheriff's Office

A local law enforcement agency that rescued a 15-year-old trafficking victim just one day after announcing a new Human Trafficking Unit.

Michelle Lopez

A victim advocate for the Georgia Attorney General's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit who takes a trauma-informed approach to supporting survivors.

Tharros Place

A Savannah-based nonprofit that serves as a resource for girls ages 12-17 who are survivors of human trafficking.

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What they’re saying

“I can't imagine the horror, describing crimes in which traffickers 'buy and sell children for sex.'”

— Chris Carr, Georgia Attorney General

“A victim advocate's primary focus is protecting the child, first and foremost — not just the case.”

— Michelle Lopez, Victim Advocate, Georgia Attorney General's Office

“The saying 'it takes a village' truly applies to this work. No single agency or nonprofit has all the resources needed to help a survivor heal and rebuild.”

— Michelle Lopez, Victim Advocate, Georgia Attorney General's Office

What’s next

The Georgia Attorney General's Office plans to continue its collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases, while also expanding support services for survivors.

The takeaway

Georgia's specialized Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit demonstrates the importance of a coordinated, trauma-informed approach to combating the exploitation of minors. By working across agencies and with victim advocates, the state has been able to rescue hundreds of children and hold traffickers accountable.