Mississippi Human Trafficking Council

03/26/2026

Make plans to attend!

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03/13/2026

Child abuse happens closer than we think.

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The message is bold. The mission is urgent.
And the impact is impossible to ignore.

Every board in our new campaign is a reminder that child abuse happens closer than we think…and that hope, healing, and help are available. Learn more at https://bit.ly/41Xzjj8.

02/25/2026

Congratulations!!

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02/02/2026

TOMORROW
Free Virtual Event: MBAT Webinar with Ashlee Lucas.

The Mississippi Secretary of State's Office, in collaboration with Ashlee Lucas, Anti-Trafficking Specialist with the Tim Tebow Group , will host an MBAT webinar on Tuesday, February 3, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST).

With a background in criminal intelligence, Ashlee Lucas is recognized for her advocacy in advancing victim-centered, trauma-informed, and collaborative responses to human trafficking.

She currently serves as the Anti-Trafficking Specialist at The Tebow Group, supporting the Tim Tebow Foundation's mission to serve vulnerable populations around the world.

Previously, Ashlee served as Mississippi’s Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator under the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, where she secured federal funding to establish the state’s Human Trafficking Special Victims Unit and chaired the Mississippi Human Trafficking Council. She began her anti-trafficking career with the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, where she administered the Mississippi Governor’s Task Force on Human Trafficking, helping to build the early infrastructure for statewide collaboration and victim services.

This virtual webinar is free and open to the public. Ashlee will discuss her extensive work in anti-trafficking and best practices for learning more about trafficking awareness.

Click here to register: https://itsmsgov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_J1T3hh9UTAS5HNcIE-upfA #/registration

01/22/2026

Congratulations to all of the recipients of yesterday's award! We are so thankful for the work you all do and for how you continue to stand in the gap for victims and survivors in our state.

Thank you to the Center for Violence Prevention for hosting such a meaningful event and for bringing everyone to the table.

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The Center for Violence Prevention extends our deepest gratitude to the 17 individuals honored at our 2025 Angel Award Ceremony held at the State Capitol on January 21, 2026. These dedicated law enforcement officers, prosecutor, physician, veterinarian, business owner and state representatives are champions of victim safety and recovery, devoting their time and talents in each of their respective fields. Their partnership and individual efforts greatly impact the lives of victims all over Mississippi. As we conclude our 35th anniversary, we acknowledge that any success we experience is in large part due to these “Angels” and all of our community partners. Thank you.

Special Agent Chaz Kennedy, MBI
Special Agent Heather Collins, MBI
Investigator Cherylann Roberson, Monroe County SO
Detective Amanda Johansson, Clinton PD
Investigator John Burt, Rankin County SO
Tim Sarrett, Outlets of MS
Investigator Heather Weatherford, Forrest County SO
Sgt. Nick Purvis, Lamar County SO
Investigator Jared Barnard, Lamar County SO
Investigator Tyler Montgomery, Lamar County SO
Investigator Blake McAlpin, Lamar County SO
Prosecutor Trey Spillman, Rankin County
Don Swan, Lithic, LLC.
Representative Dana McLean, Mississippi House District 39
Representative Angela Cockerham, Mississippi House Direct 96
Dr. Sharon Grace
Dr. Shunte M. Jones

01/20/2026

The Mississippi Human Trafficking Council is proud to support this important summit hosted by Attorney General Lynn Fitch.

Our Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator, Lori Hill, will serve as a panelist, joining leaders from across the state to discuss the critical role the faith-based community plays in preventing human trafficking and supporting those most vulnerable to exploitation.

We encourage our partners and community members to be part of this meaningful conversation and to continue working together to protect and serve individuals across Mississippi.

Visit the following link for more information and to register.

https://conversationsthatmatter.planningpod.com/

01/16/2026

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01/14/2026

Thank you for having some of the MHTC members today, and for hosting such an important event!

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01/06/2026

Did you Know?
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (Official) Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is proud to partner with 28 state agencies and organizations to address this crime occurring in our communities.

Quick Links              Our Purpose The purpose of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking / Special Victims Unit (MBI HT / SVU) is to foster a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort among state agencies, service providers, first responders, local and federal law enforcem...

12/10/2025

This is what we continue to see happen with our kids and teenagers.
Predators know where to connect with our children and vulnerable people online. Education is essential for both parents and children to fully understand the dangers and what to do.

https://darkhorsepressnow.com/news/2025-12-09/missing-pearl-woman-found-safe-in-flint-michigan-person-of-interest-in-custody/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOmdzlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFOOEJZUWZuNXpFZ0NFdllGc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtYiME_988fUxL7xS9dAJDtMeTtkelHnHVhaVPEeJajhynAMMb6iMYP5InYk_aem_zhL0-C2MUk5oGMKhRYCffg

11/24/2025

Don’t miss this funding opportunity!

🚨 Funding Opportunity for Mississippi Communities 🚨

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety's Public Safety Planning Division is now accepting applications for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) and the JAG Drug Court Program.

These grants support:
✔️ Local law enforcement equipment & technology
✔️ Training and overtime for full-time officers
✔️ Operational needs that enhance public safety
✔️ Certified Drug Court programs and treatment services
📅 Application Deadline: Monday, December 15, 2025
📬 Submission: Email-only to [email protected]

Agencies are encouraged to review the full RFPs and application packets at:
👉 JAG Law Enforcement: https://www.dps.ms.gov/public-safety-planning/justice-programs/jag

👉 JAG Drug Court: https://www.dps.ms.gov/public-safety-planning/justice-programs/jagdrugcourt

Strengthening our communities starts with strong partnerships. We encourage eligible agencies to apply and maximize these resources for the safety of Mississippi.

10/15/2025

⚠️Register and Save the Date⚠️
Human Trafficking Continuing Educational Seminar for Law Enforcement Officers and Health Care Providers.
We are excited about this training opportunity! Special guests Atlanta Redemption Ink Founder Jessica Lamb and Nurses United Against Human Trafficking - NUAHT Co-Founder Dr. Francine Bono-Neri.
Space is Limited! Registration deadline is October 31st

Register Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/break-the-chain-human-trafficking-training-for-leo-healthcare-providers-tickets-1721118845799?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl