Human Traffickers Exploit Vulnerable Children's Basic Needs, Police Sergeant Warns
Aurora, Colorado's Human Trafficking Unit reports dozens of survivors rescued in its first year, highlighting the insidious methods traffickers use to gain control.
Human traffickers are exploiting the fundamental needs of children, such as hunger, desperation, and the need for affection, to draw them into exploitation, according to a police sergeant in Aurora, Colorado. The Aurora Police Department's (APD) Human Trafficking Unit, established in September 2025, has completed its first year of operations, during which it opened 53 investigations, arrested 28 suspects, and recovered 29 survivors, including 15 minors.
Sgt. Joseph Sullivan of the APD Human Trafficking Unit told Fox News Digital that the unit's work is revealing abuse that may go unnoticed by the wider community. He described the case of a 16-year-old girl who, after being abandoned in Aurora, was sexually exploited in exchange for shelter, drugs, or food as a means of survival. The girl later died of an overdose. "It is happening in our backyard, not just in those other places," Sullivan said.
Sullivan emphasized that human trafficking, as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or commercial sex acts. He noted that identifying and rescuing survivors is only the first step, as they often require repeated contact and support to escape their situation permanently.
The APD's Human Trafficking Unit, comprised of three detectives and a supervising sergeant, focuses on sex trafficking involving individuals aged 21 and younger. This specialization allows the small team to concentrate its efforts on complex cases that require significant time to gather evidence, build cases, and encourage victims to testify. "Having a dedicated unit helps lower their overall caseload and allows them to apply the time and effort that these cases deserve," Sullivan stated.
Commander Marc Paolino of the APD Investigations Bureau stated that the unit was created to place survivors at the center of investigations while targeting exploiters. "The work they’ve done has made our community safer and sent a clear message that the Aurora Police Department will aggressively pursue anyone who exploits others for this type of heinous, criminal activity," Paolino said.
Among those arrested was Marshae Wheelock, 24, who police allege was linked to multiple cases involving the exploitation of children over several years. Deputy Chief Mark Hildebrand of the APD noted that Wheelock represents the type of offender the unit was designed to investigate.
In one undercover operation in February, investigators recovered a 16-year-old girl and identified three suspects accused of exploiting her financially. Sullivan cautioned that trafficking often differs from dramatic portrayals, with exploiters identifying a specific vulnerability—be it housing, food, money, or affection—as an entry point.
The APD collaborates with human services, nonprofit organizations, and victim advocates, including the local group From Silence to Saved. Sullivan also credited support from police leadership and organizations that provide tools to help detectives identify victims online. The unit also collaborates with local, state, and federal partners and leverages resources through the Colorado Cyber Guardian Task Force.
Sullivan stated that his unit has not encountered connections to the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang in its investigations, but stressed that exploitation transcends geographic and economic boundaries. He shared another case of a high school student from a seemingly affluent background who became vulnerable due to a family crisis and subsequent drug addiction, leading to exploitation. "There really is no boundary on where we see victims," Sullivan said.
Investigators frequently work across state lines when victims travel. Sullivan advised parents to remain involved in their children's lives, ask questions about their online activities, and watch for warning signs such as unexplained cash or new possessions. He recommended resources from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Sullivan acknowledged that some investigations are stalled by a survivor's reluctance to come forward or recognize their victim status. As the unit begins its second year, its priorities remain identifying victims and prosecuting exploiters. He encouraged the public to report any tips, as they can help detectives reach potential victims sooner. For those experiencing exploitation, Sullivan urged them to seek support from advocacy organizations, even if they are not yet ready to engage with law enforcement. The ultimate goal, he added, is to address the needs that traffickers exploit and provide sustainable support for survivors.