(COLDWATER) - Several law enforcement agencies conducted a human trafficking and sex trafficking sting in Branch County Tuesday.
The Branch County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Coldwater Police Department, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Police and the Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department conducted the sting operation.
Law enforcement officers contacted several potential trafficking victims. With the assistance of S.A.F.E. Place and the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, victim-centered services and support were offered and provided to the individuals contacted during the operation. Investigators also contacted several individuals seeking to purchase commercial sexual services and appropriate law enforcement action was taken.
Any person charged or cited because of the operation is presumed innocent until proven guilty. No further operational details are being released currently due to the ongoing nature of related investigations and until a charging decision is made by the Branch County Prosecutor's Office.