The Aurora Police Department Human Trafficking Unit recovered 29 survivors, including 15 minors, during its first year of operations. The dedicated team opened 53 investigations and arrested 28 suspects, a record Sergeant Joseph Sullivan described as evidence that exploitation is occurring within the local community rather than solely in distant locations. Sullivan told Fox News Digital that traffickers exploit specific vulnerabilities, such as hunger or the need for affection, to gain control over victims.
The unit, established in September 2025, consists of three detectives and a supervising sergeant. Its focus is sex trafficking involving individuals aged 21 and younger, allowing the small team to concentrate on complex cases that require time to build evidence and support victims. APD Investigations Bureau Commander Marc Paolino stated that the unit was designed to center survivors in investigations while aggressively pursuing those who exploit them. Deputy Chief Mark Hildebrand highlighted the arrest of Marshae Wheelock, 24, of Aurora, who was linked to multiple cases involving the alleged exploitation of children over several years.
Sullivan noted that trafficking often differs from cinematic portrayals of abduction. Perpetrators identify a specific need, which may be housing, food, money, or emotional connection, and provide it to establish a foothold. He cited the case of a 16-year-old girl brought to Aurora by a boyfriend who abandoned her. She was sexually exploited in exchange for basic necessities at an apartment complex. Sullivan recalled her plea for help before she died of an overdose a few months later.
The department also detailed a February undercover operation that recovered a 16-year-old girl and identified three suspects accused of sexually exploiting her for financial gain. Sullivan emphasized that exploitation affects individuals across various socioeconomic backgrounds, including a high school student from a wealthier family who became vulnerable after a medical crisis in her household. He stated that his unit had not encountered a connection to Tren de Aragua in its investigations.
Investigators work with local, state, and federal partners, including the Colorado Cyber Guardian Task Force and the nonprofit From Silence to Saved. Sullivan advised parents to monitor their children's online activity and look for warning signs such as unexplained cash or new clothing. He urged the public to report tips to the department and encouraged survivors to seek support from advocacy organizations, even if they are not ready to participate in criminal investigations. Some cases remain stalled while detectives await further information or while victims process their experiences.