Operation Voice combats human trafficking in Fort Smith, offers hope to victims,

FORT SMITH, Ark. — Twelve adults believed to be victims of human trafficking were offered services, and another 32 local victims were identified as part of Operation VOICE (Victims' Opportunity for Independence, Care, and Empowerment), which took place in Fort Smith during the month of January. One suspected trafficker was identified.

Arkansas State Police (ASP) and members of the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council conducted the single-day operation, which focused on providing victims with essential services, including food, lodging, medical assistance, counseling, therapy, and drug rehabilitation.

“This operation brought together law enforcement and victim support organizations from across the state, working compassionately to combat human trafficking,” said ASP Director Colonel Mike Hagar. “Together, we aim to recover victims and hold traffickers accountable, all in the hope of creating safer and more supportive communities for everyone.”

Prior to and during the operation, intelligence analysts and law enforcement officers worked to identify local victims. In preparation for the operation, two children were also removed from exploitative, vulnerable, and unstable conditions. All minors were taken into protective custody, while adult victims received support services.

"In law enforcement, there are many ways we can impact a community, but none more profound than showing kindness where only malevolence once existed," said Major Stacie Rhoads, CID commander.

The operation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of representatives from federal, state, local, and non-government organizations, including the Arkansas Attorney General's Office, Fort Smith Police Department, Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Arkansas Fusion Center, along with victim advocates and medical personnel from The Genesis Project, ReClaim, Into the Light, ACASA, Crisis Intervention Center, and the NWA Forensic Nurse Team.

In 2024, over 700,000 escort advertisements were posted in Arkansas. The Human Trafficking Council reported recovering a total of 82 high-risk missing children, and investigations into human trafficking identified over 300 victims statewide.

ASP is unable to release further details, as the investigation is ongoing.

Human Trafficking continues to be a challenge in Arkansas and across the United States. If you have information or suspect human trafficking in your area, please contact the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council at reportht@asp.arkansas.gov or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Resources and more information can be located at the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council website HERE.