Dover Police Conduct Human Trafficking Operation with Partner Agencies

Dover Police in partnership with the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force and other agencies conducted a coordinated human trafficking operation in Kent County on April 1st– with a focus on Dover. During the operation, investigators made contact with 13 females engaged in commercial sex work. Each was offered various support services – and follow-up outreach and services are ongoing for those who remain in contact with investigators.

Three men were arrested and charged for patronizing a prostitute and released.

Additional information from Dover PD: 

In total, the operation resulted in 15 contacts, reinforcing the importance of combining enforcement actions with outreach and service-based support.

Dover Police Chief Thomas Johnson provided the following statement:

“This operation highlights the value of strong partnerships and a coordinated approach to addressing human trafficking and related criminal activity. By working alongside our federal, state, and local partners, we are able to identify potential traffickers, hold offenders accountable, and connect individuals involved in commercial sex work with services and support aimed at providing safer, alternative life paths. These efforts are critical to improving public safety and continuing to disrupt criminal networks operating in our communities.”

“We are proud of our collective success during this operation,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul. “The FBI remains committed to combating human trafficking in our communities. More than a dozen women impacted by this heinous crime now have access to vital support and resources to help them move.