Women Found Padlocked inside Home in Human Trafficking Bust
Three women were found behind the padlocked door inside the apartment
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Police rescued three women who were found padlocked inside an apartment in Vermont in what is being treated as a human trafficking incident.
Vermont State Police, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew combined forces to raid a stash house used for human trafficking.
Two search warrants were issued by police which led to the discovery of drug and human trafficking activity.
Vermont State Police officials said in a statement:
“Prior to executing the search warrant at 146 Maple St., law enforcement had received indicators that women might be confined at that location against their will."
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“During the execution of the warrant at the 146 Maple St. location, VSP troopers and HSI special agents located evidence indicating potential human trafficking, including a padlocked apartment door and multiple chain-link storage areas.”
Three women were found behind the padlocked door inside the apartment, which was being used as a stash house.
The three human trafficking victims were assessed by medical teams and found to be in good health.
An official specializing in human trafficking incidents is now working with the women to investigate the crime.
A CBP Air and Marine Operations aircrew provided aerial surveillance during the operation.
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Jeremiah Rogers, Acting Director, Manassas Air Branch, said in a statement?:
“The collaboration between CBP, HSI, and our law enforcement partners provided for a successful rescue of women being held against their will."
"Our aircrews continuously partner with our federal and local law enforcement partners to provide an integral asset from the air.”
Homeland Security Investigations carried out drug and human trafficking interdiction and investigation.
Other units involved included The Center for Countering Human Trafficking, Vermont State Police Tactical Services Unit, HSI Boston Field Office Special Response Team, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Narcotics Investigation Unit, and the uniformed troopers from the Field Force Division, Rutland City Police Department, and Rutland County Sheriff’s Offical.
One person was arrested at the scene.
Officials said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
