Home / Crime and Justice / Aurora Unit Rescues 29 Survivors in Year One
Aurora Unit Rescues 29 Survivors in Year One
8 Oct
Summary
- Dedicated unit investigated 53 cases, arresting 28 suspects.
- Unit recovered 29 survivors, including 15 minors.
- Traffickers exploit hunger, desperation, and need for affection.
In its inaugural year, the Aurora Police Department's dedicated human trafficking unit has achieved notable successes, initiating 53 investigations and apprehending 28 individuals. This specialized team has rescued 29 survivors, a significant portion of whom were minors, underscoring the urgent need for such focused law enforcement efforts.
The unit's work has exposed the disturbing reality of how traffickers exploit vulnerabilities such as hunger, desperation, and the need for affection to ensnare their victims. Sergeant Joseph Sullivan noted that these crimes occur within the community, often hidden from public view.
Established in September 2025, the unit comprises three detectives and a supervising sergeant. Their concentration on sex trafficking involving individuals aged 21 and younger allows them to dedicate essential time and resources to complex investigations. This focus is crucial for building cases and encouraging victims to come forward.
Commander Marc Paolino emphasized the unit's survivor-centered approach, aiming to hold exploiters accountable and enhance community safety. The unit has also highlighted specific cases, such as the arrest of Marshae Wheelock, linked to the alleged exploitation of children over several years.
Undercover operations have also yielded results, including the recovery of a 16-year-old girl and the identification of three suspects involved in her exploitation for financial gain. Sergeant Sullivan cautioned that trafficking often differs from media portrayals, with traffickers identifying and exploiting a victim's specific needs.
Collaboration is key to the unit's success, partnering with human services, nonprofit organizations like From Silence to Saved, and victim advocates. The unit also leverages local, state, and federal resources, including the Colorado Cyber Guardian Task Force, to combat cross-border and cross-economic exploitation.
Parents are advised to stay involved in their children's lives and be aware of warning signs like unexplained wealth or sudden behavioral changes. The unit encourages public tips and urges individuals experiencing exploitation to seek support, even if not yet ready for criminal investigation.
