Coastal Region Human Trafficking Task Force

02/12/2026

As parents and guardians, you have a responsibility to protect your kids from real-world and online threats. Be nosy. Know what your kids are watching, what games they're playing, what apps they're downloading and who they're talking to. Most importantly, educate your kids on the dangers of being online.

Today is Safer Internet Day. /ICAC

01/12/2026

The South Carolina Attorney General's Office released the 2025 Human Trafficking Annual Report today. Some key points...

👥In 2025, SLED opened 315 tips of human trafficking (Horry-17, Georgetown-1)
👥The Department of Social Services reported 159 cases of minors involved in human trafficking. The majority were females 15–18 years old.
👥The Department of Juvenile Justice identified 56 minors as victims of human trafficking with runaway emerging as the most prevalent charge.
👥Right now, 52 different defendants have a total of 84 charges pending for human trafficking in State Court. (Horry- 5 defendants, 10 charges pending).

Education still remains a top priority across the state. We will continue to reach out to vulnerable populations and teach members of the community and law enforcement how to recognize the signs.

Today, Attorney General Alan Wilson released the 2025 Human Trafficking Annual Report.
You can watch the full news conference here:
https://youtu.be/2yvgDdTQNOk

01/05/2026

The human trafficking hot line is 24/7 and completely confidential.
Call 1-888-373-7888
OR
Text 233733

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The U.S. Attorney's Office partners with law enforcement and community organizations across the state to fight this insidious evil.

To learn more about the signs of trafficking or to get help, visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org

12/16/2025

If your kids have access to a smart device, it's your duty, as their guardian, to monitor it. What apps do they have? What games are they playing? Who are they talking to? These are all questions parents should be asking.

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) -South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that his office has issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to Roblox Corporation pursuant to the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act (SCUTPA). According to the SCUTPA, unfair methods of competition, deceptive acts...

11/15/2025

Police arrested Wanda Renea Newlin, 45, in Myrtle Beach. Newlin is charged with human trafficking adult victim, involuntary servitude adult victim, s*xual servitude adult victim, exploitation of disabled/elder trust and felony conspiracy.

Four people are charged with human trafficking a 20-year-old woman from Scotland County to Myrtle Beach.

10/31/2025

🎃 HAPPY HALLOWEEN 🎃
Members of the Task Force distributed more than 600 cups filled with candy and information about human trafficking. We’re happy to help educate children about online safety and sharing personal information. Visit traffickproofsc.org for more information. Horry County Sheriff's Office

10/24/2025

We’re getting ready for upcoming trick or treat events! Come grab your swag at any of these dates…
-Saturday, October 25, 12-3pm at Pelicans Field
-Tuesday, October 28, 5-8pm at Sea Haven for Youth, 280 Hwy 57 S in Little River
-Wednesday, October 29, 6-8pm at Carolina Forest Rec.

10/07/2025

Forensic Nurse Natalie Lennard spoke to health professionals at Prestwick Country Club about signs a patient may be tied up in trafficking.

She discussed the physical and mental signs to look for. As well as the economic-related signs, such as poor hygiene and nutrition. Victims of human trafficking may also have certain tattoos or branding because traffickers consider them “property.”

Lennard talked about what questions to ask and when to intervene. Attendees reviewed actual case studies of labor and s*x trafficking victims. Our Task Force continues to educate groups who have a high probability or crossing paths with a victim, with the hope that they will see something, say something. McLeod Health Horry County Sheriff's Office

10/03/2025

🏍️ SPREADING AWARENESS 🏍️
Members of the Task Force stopped by the Fall Rally today to pass out free swag with the human trafficking tip line printed on it,1-888-373-7888. Horry County Sheriff's Office McLeod Health Children's Recovery Center

09/16/2025

Engaging Minds Services is a Horry County non-profit organization that serves victims of abuse and human trafficking.

Engaging Minds has just welcomed a family in urgent need of support. They came to us with little more than hope in their hearts, and now we’re asking our community to stand with them. 💙

They need the basics food, clothing, and household essentials as they take the first steps toward rebuilding their lives. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference.

Will you join us in helping this family feel safe, supported, and cared for?

To arrange a donation pick up or drop of please contact our community coordinator Hannah at
(843)-587-6126 or contact us on our general office line at (843)-438-4550

We thank you for your continued support!

09/11/2025

🚩 🚌 SPEAKING OF TRAFFIC 🚩 🚌
Kamron Singleton with the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force and CJ Williams, Victims Advocate with Horry County Police Department spoke to Coast RTA about Travel Watch SC, a statewide initiative for public transportation drivers. Singleton gave four presentations to bus drivers over the course of two days. He spoke about the definition of human trafficking and signs a passenger might actually be in trouble.