Area Law Enforcement Agencies Team-Up in Sting Operation

Several area law enforcement agencies coordinate a counter human trafficking sting operation.

According to the release from the Stone County Sheriff's Department, their agency along with the Branson Police Department, COMET Drug Task Force, and the Taney County Sheriff's Department all were a part of the operation on Monday and Tuesday.

Victims of human trafficking were identified and interview by investigators, several which were commercial sex providers. Those victims were provided advocacy services and resources according to the release. 

A total of 10 arrests were made in the two-day sting operation. According to follow-up reporting from the Branson Tri-Lakes News, four of the suspects arrested in Stone County were caught after getting set-up as part of the sting operation with officers impersonating underage girls. 

The Missouri Attorney General's Human Trafficking Task Force and the group "Pathways Project" also took part in the operation. 

More details can be found with the full-release on the Stone County Sheriff's Department Facebook Page while the full follow-up report is available on the Branson Tri-Lakes News Website.