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GREENVILLE, S.C. (BFMG) — Human trafficking continues to plague the state of South Carolina. This year, Greenville County tops the list of counties with the highest number of investigations in 2024, according to FOX Carolina reporting on the South Carolina Attorney General’s annual report. Released during a press conference on Monday Jan. 13, 2025, the full 108 page report, available below, highlights the state’s ongoing battle against trafficking and the critical need for vigilance and collaboration among local, state, and federal entities.
In 2024, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) received 285 tips on human trafficking spanning 40 of the state’s 46 counties. Greenville County led with 32 investigations, followed closely by Richland and Charleston counties, each with 31. Other high-ranking counties include Horry (22), Lexington (21), Berkeley (18), and Spartanburg (16).
“This isn’t a crime that happens in Hollywood movies or only in third-world countries,” said Attorney General Alan Wilson. “It can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.” View the full presser below.
The Cost of Human Trafficking
Investigations in 2024 uncovered 111 likely victims of trafficking, with juveniles accounting for 63 of those cases. Women made up the overwhelming majority of identified victims, comprising 317 of the 392 individuals linked to reported cases. The data also indicates a troubling 58% increase in adult trafficking victims compared to prior years.
Traffickers exploit various venues for labor and sex trafficking. The top labor trafficking venues include retail businesses, cleaning services, hospitality, restaurant and food services, and domestic work. For sex trafficking, offenders frequently use hotels, pornography, escort services, illicit massage businesses, and residential-based commercial sex operations.
Statistics On Prosecutions
South Carolina’s human trafficking prosecution efforts have faced significant challenges. In 2024, 37 defendants faced 62 charges pending to human trafficking, while 20 new charges were filed against 16 separate defendants. Half of these charges involved trafficking minors, while the remainder involved adults. However, the judicial process is often hindered by delays, continuances, and the emotional toll on victims preparing for trial.
The report underscores the importance of meticulous documentation and collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure successful convictions. “Detailed evidence collection and ongoing communication are critical for moving these cases through the system and achieving justice for victims,” the report noted.
Community Efforts and Awareness Campaigns
South Carolina’s fight against human trafficking extends beyond investigations and prosecutions. The state’s Human Trafficking Task Force (SCHTTF), chaired by the Attorney General, launched several initiatives to spread awareness and engage the public:
#SCWagsforAwareness Campaign: During National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January, residents are encouraged to participate with their dogs by sharing awareness posts on social media and distributing campaign materials in their neighborhoods. Each participant will receive a bag with a #SCWagsforAwareness leash and pet waste bag holder. Link to Download Campaign
SC Highway Heroes Initiative: Aimed at the state’s 100,000 Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders, this program provides training to identify and report trafficking on South Carolina’s roadways. The process is simple and crucial to changing the trajectory of human trafficking in South Carolina. Begin the Certification
Mandatory Hotline Posters: South Carolina Senate Bill 196 established state law that requires establishments such as adult businesses, massage parlors, hotels, and transportation hubs to display information about the National Human Trafficking Hotline prominently. Link to Download Required Material
Additional Key Resources
South Carolinians are urged to report suspected trafficking by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733 [BEFREE]. Emergency situations should be reported to 911 immediately.
Educational resources, including fact sheets on labor and sex trafficking and information on internet safety, are available in both SPANISH & ENGLISH through the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office website and linked below. These materials aim to educate communities about recognizing and preventing human trafficking.
- SCAG Human Trafficking Brochure [ DOWNLOAD ]
- SCAG Human Trafficking Fact Sheet [ ENGLISH / SPANISH ]
- SCAG Sex Trafficking Fact Sheet [ DOWNLOAD ]
- SCAG Labor Trafficking Fact Sheet [ ENGLISH / SPANISH ]
- SCAG Human Trafficking & Internet Safety Fact Sheet [ ENGLISH / SPANISH ]
- SCAG Human Trafficking & Temporary Guestworker Visas Fact Sheet [ DOWNLOAD ]
