This week, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody launched the 2023 Human Trafficking Summit.
The event brought together thousands of people who share a common goal—eradicating human trafficking. John Walsh, former host of “America’s Most Wanted” and creator of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, is keynoting the virtual event. More than 3,000 people signed up to hear from Moody, Walsh and more. Attendees will have access to 11 hours of educational content from leaders in the fight to end human trafficking.
“Our annual summit brings together allies in the fight to end human trafficking. Thousands join from across the country to hear from experts in this field and to learn how to push back against this atrocious crime in their communities. This year, we are teaming up with John Walsh to launch the virtual summit, and I am excited for all our attendees to hear Walsh’s inspirational message about what we can do to fight back against criminals preying on vulnerable populations,” said Moody.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “Criminal networks engaged in human trafficking may think they operate in the shadows, but Attorney General Moody’s relentless efforts shine a light on their dark deeds. We stand with her, resolute in our commitment to end this scourge, rescue the vulnerable, and bring these criminals to justice.”
“Rallying the public to help law enforcement rescue victims and reunite families is a mission close to my heart. I know it is important to Attorney General Moody too and that is why I am honored to help her kick off the 2023 Human Trafficking Summit. Working together we can solve crimes, rescue victims and make Florida a zero-tolerance state for trafficking,” said Walsh.
As a nationally renowned crime fighter, victim advocate and host of the former hit television show “America’s Most Wanted,” Walsh spent decades seeking missing children and justice for crime victims. Walsh’s extensive career in television helped law enforcement recover missing children.
John and his wife, Revé Walsh, helped found the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 1984. NCMEC runs a toll-free hotline and, since being founded, has fielded more than 5 million calls nationwide. The nonprofit organization is also responsible for circulating billions of photos of missing children and assisting law enforcement in the recovery of more than 400,000 missing children.
As part of the summit, Moody, the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice honored advocates and officials for working to fight and end human trafficking.
Below are the list of awards and winners this year:
Survivor Advocate of the Year—Kim Figueroa
Community Advocate of the Year—Mitzi Henley
Prosecutor of the Year—Rita Peters
Law Enforcement Official of the Year—Detective Bernadette Maher
DCF Human Trafficking Investigator of the Year—Laizbet Arado
DJJ Human Trafficking Advocate of the Year—Aislinn Roxanne “Roxie” Brookshire
The Florida Attorney General’s Office hosted this year’s summit, along with the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, DCF, DJJ, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking and Florida State University.
