Normal Police and ISP find human trafficking victim at local massage spa - WGLT

[Melissa Ellin]

Normal Police Department [NPD] and Illinois State Police [ISP] found a human trafficking victim at a local massage spa on Wednesday, ISP reports.

NPD was allegedly called to the spa, and when they got there, they found someone identifying as a victim of sexual trafficking and in need of assistance. ISP’s Criminal Investigation Task Force 6 responded, and the two departments executed a search warrant and got the victim to safety.

State Police declined to share the name of the local massage spa. "The investigation remains open and ongoing and we are unable to share that information at this time," a spokesperson said.

ISP reports that it often collaborates with other departments on these cases, and will “provide essential services to victims, including medical, mental, and substance abuse treatment, as well as food, clothing, short and long-term housing, financial aid, and help obtaining legal assistance.”

“There is no one size fits all option when it comes to assisting people who have been trafficked and significant time and resources are dedicated to developing the best plan for each person,” ISP said in a release.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as using “force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” They say millions are trafficked annually. The National Human Trafficking Hotline offers assistance for people who have been trafficked, as well as information about identifying these types of situations.

While the Bloomington Police Department was not involved in this effort, ISP reports it has been doing its own work to stop human trafficking and other illicit crime.

For those who suspect human trafficking is occurring in their area, ISP recommends contacting the National hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. They can also email [email protected].