Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the members of the Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support.
This commission was formed on his first day in office. It will serve as an advisory council to the governor, and make recommendations to combat human trafficking in Virginia.
“This Commission is proof that Virginia is committed to ending human trafficking,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The conviction of human traffickers, empowerment of survivors, and prevention of others from becoming victims are top public safety priorities for the Commonwealth. That is why I signed the executive order for this commission on my first day in office. We must remain vigilant to ensure that those who work tirelessly to combat human trafficking and help survivors are equipped with the tools necessary to win this fight.”
Related: Ways to combat human trafficking in Hampton Roads
"Human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, is one of the most heinous, violent crimes our communities combat,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Bob Mosier. “I am grateful to have such dedicated people lending their time and expertise to help bring an end to the repeated crimes of commercial exploitation. I am confident this team will make a difference in the lives of survivors and prevent others from becoming victims, making the Commonwealth safer for all. There will be no leniency in Virginia for those who engage in any form of human trafficking."
The commission will be responsible for coordinating with the Secretary of Public Safety, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Labor, the Office of Attorney General, as well as the State Trafficking Response Coordinator and any other federal, state, local, or private sector entities to increase law enforcement awareness, empower and support survivors, and enhance trafficking prevention education throughout the Commonwealth.
The new commission consists of the following members:
- Mike Lamonea, Chair, of Chesapeake, Director at Juniper Networks and Retired DHS/Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent
- Michael J. Brown of Lynchburg, Virginia, Sheriff (Retired), Bedford County Sheriff's Office
- Brittany Dunn of Alexandria, COO & Co-Founder, Safe House Project
- Sarah-Beth Evans of Norfolk
- Keith Farmer of Roanoke Valley, Director, Straight Street
- Michael Y. Feinmel of Henrico, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, Henrico County
- Pamela Hock, M.S. of Richmond, Educator, Advocate, Survivor
- Tyller Holden of Virginia Beach, Junior Board of Directors, EnJewel
- Michael Miller of Bedford, Sheriff, Bedford County
- Deepa Patel of Springfield, Virginia, Co-Founder and Clinician, Trauma and Hope
- Mea Picone of Richmond
- Susan Young of Fairfax, Executive Director and Founder, Parent Coalition To End Human Trafficking
The new commission consists of the following Ex-officio members:
- Secretary Robert “Bob” Mosier, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security
- Secretary Aimee Guidera, Secretary of Education
- Secretary Bryan Slater, Secretary of Labor
- Angella Alvernaz, State Trafficking Response Coordinator, Department of Criminal Justice Services
- Major Caren Sterling, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Lead of VSP Human Trafficking Unit, Virginia State Police
- Tanya Gould, Director, Anti-Human Trafficking Office of Attorney General
On Wednesday, Youngkin will sign seven bills that combat human trafficking and hold swearing-in ceremony for commission.
Bills Included:
- HB 258- Hotels; human trafficking training.
- HB 283 & SB 467 - Human trafficking; training for law-enforcement personnel.
- HB 526 - Victims of human trafficking; eligibility for in-state tuition.
- HB 711 - Writ of vacatur; victims of sex trafficking, payment of fees or costs.
- HB 1023 - Family life education curricula, certain; optional instruction on human trafficking of children.
- HB 1334 - Child abuse and neglect; amends definition, valid complaint.
Related: How to spot and stop human sex trafficking happening right now in Hampton Roads
