2019 Human Trafficking Summit

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today kicked off the 2019 Annual Human Trafficking Summit in Orlando. Florida’s Human Trafficking Summit brings together local, state and national leaders working together to eradicate all forms of trafficking. Attendees participated in targeted breakout sessions covering legal/law enforcement, service delivery, policy and research, and medical/healthcare. Attorney General Moody gave opening remarks to more than 850 registered attendees, including welcoming Governor Ron DeSantis to the Summit.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As the Chair of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, it is my honor to host the 2019 Human Trafficking Summit. Human trafficking is a horrifying plight on society, and we are working hard to stop it. With three major international events planned in our state in the next two years, collaboration and strategic planning are essential. This year’s Summit brings together leaders from across the state passionate in our efforts to end human trafficking.”

This year’s Human Trafficking Summit began with an opening plenary session, including remarks from Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Moody, a welcome by Attorney General Moody’s Chief of Staff and Director of Law Enforcement Emery Gainey, a keynote address by Polaris CEO and Executive Director Bradley Myles and an awards ceremony presented by Attorney General Moody. Bradley Myles has led Polaris’ efforts to strengthen the U.S. national movement against human trafficking through policy advocacy in each state through a wide range of training and capacity-building programs. Myles also helped create and launch Polaris’ operation of the U.S. national human trafficking hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888.

Attorney General Moody presented the following awards:

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  • · Survivor Advocate of the Year—Alicia Tappan
    · Community Advocate of the Year—Mikala Klein
    · Prosecutor of the Year—Julie Sercus
    · Law Enforcement Official of the Year—Detective Sergeant Wade Williams
    · DJJ Human Trafficking Advocate of the Year—Cassandra Thomas
    · DCF Human Trafficking Investigator of the Year—Morgan Cundle

In the closing plenary session, the Office of Attorney General’s Director of Special Projects and Initiatives, Erica Geiger, will lead a moderated panel discussion on “Tackling Human Trafficking Before the Big Game.” Florida is hosting the Super Bowl in 2020 and 2021, and the panel will discuss how these large-scale events provide a unique opportunity to spread awareness about human trafficking and require the coordination of a law enforcement response. The panel will feature representatives from law enforcement, service providers, state agencies, state and national organizations, task forces, trade associations and business partners who are working together to provide resources, support and enforcement. The ultimate goal: provide a safe environment, spread awareness and end human trafficking.

Panelists include:

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  • · Dr. Kenneth Armstrong, President and CEO, Florida Trucking Association;
    · The Honorable Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Sheriff;
    · Carol Dover, President and CEO, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association;
    · The Honorable Chris Nocco, Pasco County Sheriff;
    · The Honorable Jeannette Nuñez, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Florida.
    · The Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle, State Attorney, Miami-Dade County; and
    · Stephanie Smith, Sr. Manager of Florida Public Policy, Uber.

The Attorney General’s Office, along with the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the Florida Department of Children and Families and the University of Central Florida hosted the 2019 Human Trafficking Summit.