Four Jaffrey police officers were recently recognized with a commendation for their handling of a suspected case of human trafficking.
Officers Alex Jukoski, Stefanie Caban, Joseph Hileman and Leanne Wancheck were each awarded for their interactions over several incidents in May, all involving the same woman.
According to Police Chief Chris LaBrecque, officers first made contact with the woman on May 1. The 18-year-old woman was in the Monadnock Plaza parking lot and told officers she was from Indiana and had traveled first to Texas and then to New Hampshire via several routes. She told officers she was being financially supported by people she had met online, and was attempting to meet with an online friend named “Rose.”
She told officers that prior to meeting Rose, she was required to be interviewed by Rose’s brother, and was waiting at the plaza for him to pick her up.
Jaffrey officers recognized that the young woman was a victim of human trafficking and was at risk of being taken. Police contacted the woman’s family and were told that she had left their home with little explanation.
Police contacted a multitude of agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The woman was later transported to the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention in Keene, where she received shelter and services.
LaBrecque said that following that interaction, the case was handed over to the FBI and Homeland Security for further investigation, as the woman had crossed multiple state lines. Jaffrey officers did not have an exact time frame for when the woman was meant to meet with Rose’s brother, but regularly patrolled the plaza for suspicious vehicles or loiterers. They did not find anyone.
The contact information the woman had been using to communicate with her online “friends” has been provided to the FBI and Homeland Security.
The Jaffrey Police Department made contact with the same woman several other times in May, all at the Monadnock Plaza.
On May 3, two days after police initially made contact with her, the woman voluntarily left MCVP and received a ride back to Jaffrey. Jaffrey police located her at the plaza while on patrol and learned that she had returned to meet with Rose’s brother. Police explained the potential danger again and shared food with her. During the conversation, police observed signs of mental health issues, and the woman agreed to be transported to Monadnock Community Hospital for a mental health evaluation.
On May 5, MCH EMS Coordinator and Emergency Preparedness Specialist Michael Greenough informed police that the woman had been an involuntary emergency admission due to “lacking the capacity to care for oneself.” They were awaiting an available bed at the New Hampshire State Hospital.
On May 15, Adult Protective Services informed police that the woman had been released from the hospital and dropped off at the plaza. An officer immediately responded and found the woman had once again returned to meet with Rose’s brother. She was brought back to the police department, where the officer successfully contacted the woman’s family and arranged bus fare to return her to her home in Indiana. Police also found an opening at a shelter in Keene, where she was taken to wait for the bus the following day.
“Human trafficking is a problem that wrecks lives far beyond the borders of Jaffrey. Unfortunately, this story is also an example of the lack of understanding and resources that allow it to continue,” LaBrecque said. “However, our officers responded with professionalism, persistence and empathy that is required to combat such a problem.”
Jukoski, Caban, Hileman and Wancheck were presented a Chief’s Commendation for their response to the incidents on June 10.