outside a convenience store, truck ….

outside a convenience store, truck stop, casino, or other location. May be approaching different vehicles or men they do not seem to know.

If you believe you witness human trafficking: If the situation is an emergency, call 911. Do not intervene if you see suspected trafficker(s). Remain at a safe distance or in your vehicle.

In non-emergency situations, call or text 1-833-406STOP (7867) OR reach and advocate via live chat at 406stop.com When possible, take images with your cellular device of the suspected trafficker(s), victim(s), and vehicle license plate(s).

Since Attorney General Knudsen began sounding the alarm in 2021, reported human trafficking cases have more than doubled. In 2023, Department of Justice agents tracked 147 human trafficking cases in Montana, an increase of 39 percent from 106 cases in 2022 and more than double the 68 cases in 2021. In 2015, there were just seven reported cases statewide.

During the 2023 legislative session, Knudsen’s office helped write and pass House Bill 112, which was developed from discussions at previous symposiums. The new law increases the penalties for sex traffickers and patrons of sex trafficking. It also provides prosecutors with more tools to prosecute sex traffickers and expands the definition of human trafficking and has helped intensify the crackdown on the sexual abuse of children and all victims.

The legislation is already helping law enforcement crack down on sex trafficking. For example, last year, officials in Bozeman conducted a sting operation and arrested 18 individuals who were charged with 18 counts of patronizing a prostitute, five counts of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs, one count of resisting arrest, and one count of patronizing a victim of sex trafficking for a child victim.