Aurora police unit rescues dozens of trafficking victims in its first year

In its first year, Aurora’s Human Trafficking Unit conducted 53 investigations, resulting in 28 arrests and the recovery of 29 survivors, 15 of whom were children. Led by Sergeant Joseph Sullivan, the three-detective team concentrates on sex trafficking of individuals 21 and younger, enabling deeper case work and victim outreach. An undercover sting in February rescued a 16-year-old girl and identified three suspects exploiting her for profit.

The department also arrested Marshae Wheelock, a 24-year-old linked to multiple child exploitation cases. Officials stress that trafficking often exploits basic needs such as housing or food, and they work with groups like From Silence to Saved and the Colorado Cyber Guardian Task Force to provide ongoing assistance to victims.