SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) – A Florida man is in the Shelby County Jail charged with human trafficking after being arrested this week.
In addition to a second degree human trafficking charge, Korian Durell Thomas,32, is also charged with possession of marijuana. His bond is $180,000.
“Recently this week we had a case in which we were able to identify a victim of human trafficking and through a number of investigative resources and undercover operations, we were able to identify and apprehend that offender,” said Lt. Clay Hammac with the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Unit.
Hammac said investigators work with other agencies, including federal authorities to build cases and make arrests.
“In may cases we utilize investigative techniques ranging from general civilian citizen complaints in the community to even internet websites that would solicit sexual servitude,” said Hammac.
To hear about the terrors of human trafficking, you don’t have to go far.
“I am not from Birmingham, I was trafficked so much here it became home,” said Tajuan McCarty, a local advocate and victim.
McCarty founded The WellHouse and now rescues women through her personal organization. She tries to help others escape the cycle after being forced or coerced into forced labor or sexual servitude
“Prostitution is not the world’s oldest profession, it’s the world’s oldest oppression, and we don’t look at it like that, we look at it as a choice,” said McCarty.
Investigators say traffickers will often take advantage of someone with a drug addiction, or with other physical, mental, or emotional needs.
“I wasn’t chained up, tied down, or in a jail cell, but where was I going?” McCarty asked.
McCarty said it is important for neighbors to play a role and look for warning signs. Several mobile apps are also good resources to help.
Truckers Against Trafficking is one resource available for travelers. The app lists possible warning signs like victims with restricted communication, who are not in control of their identification, or who lack knowledge on their whereabouts.
In other cases, victims may post advertisements on websites with photos in hotel rooms. McCarty showed CBS 42 an app called TraffickCam that allows neighbors to snap photos during hotel stays for law enforcement to use during investigations.
“When pictures are taken of girls, they are usually at a hotel and so based on the background of the hotel, you can tell where they are at,” said McCarty.
For more information on how to help or get involved, you can click here.
McCarty’s website is still in the works, but can be found here.