Washington County Awarded Grant to Combat Sex Trafficking of Juveniles

Washington County Attorney Pete Orput announced Tuesday that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has awarded his office a one year grant to further expand its emphasis on combatting the sex trafficking of juveniles. The grant of $184,000 will be for the calendar year 2017 and will include sufficient funds to hire a program coordinator who will be in charge of training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and social workers involved in the enforcement of sex trafficking laws as well as the rescue of victims of these offenses.

The grant will also enable the Washington County Attorney’s Office to add support and technical assistance positions to further enhance and expand its role spearheading the sex trafficking effort in Minnesota, according to a news release.

"This grant award will act to help protect our children in Washington County, aswell as providing assistance to other jurisdictions," Oput said in a statement.

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"Our office will continue its work in combatting sex trafficking. We are pleased that our efforts in that respect have been recognized by the Department of Public Safety."

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