County officials show 'compassion' in recent case

To the Editor:

Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the United States, profiting $32 billion annually, which includes more than 100,000 children being sold in the sex trade industry.

The belief that this crime only exists in third world countries only shadows the reality that human trafficking is not only occurring in the United States, but is happening in the state of Wisconsin and in our community of Iron County.

I am exceedingly proud of the immediate response from the Iron County Sheriff’s Department, district attorney and victim services coordinator who are illustrating compassion and sensitivity throughout the proceedings of this case.

This is the first filed/reported case of human sex trafficking in Iron County and for me, this is one case too many.

Establishing a community-based alliance and incorporating prevention education and awareness will be the first steps in safeguarding our community, especially our children, from future crimes of human trafficking.

Malinda Peterson

Iron County, Wis., case manager

Domestic Violence Escape Inc.