Ohio – The Ohio Department of Public Safety has appointed a seasoned professional to head the Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force in a major step toward strengthening its fight against human trafficking. Veteran in anti-human trafficking campaigns, Kelli Cary has been hired by Director Andy Wilson to help organize state efforts in this important field.
Having just presided over AncoraTN in central Tennessee, a company committed to preventing human trafficking, Cary comes to Ohio armed with a great degree of expertise. She devoted herself to helping victims of human trafficking in her previous jobs in Ohio at RAHAB Ministries, the Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center, and the Salvation Army.
“Kelli’s experience will enable Ohio’s human trafficking victims to receive support, services, and continue their healing journey,” said Director Wilson, whose agency houses the position within the Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS). “Kelli will oversee all the human trafficking programmatic assistance OCJS provides and will coordinate with the 15 state agencies that are part of the statewide task force to ensure a continuum of care for victims.”
This strategic recruit fits the administration of Governor Mike DeWine’s dedication to eliminating human trafficking in Ohio. In order to support initiatives against this pressing issue, the government has set aside in the state’s most recent operational budget a historic $9 million. This money is meant not just to support local and state programs but also to expand the task force to guarantee a thorough approach toward victim care, prevention, and prosecution.
Apart from Cary, the budget has helped Kathy Chen to be hired as a Special Population Anti-Traffic Specialist. Chen’s mission is to destroy illegal massage companies, frequently fronts for human trafficking activities.
“Ohio is unique among states in that we have dedicated resources and a position to crack down on illicit massage businesses,” said Cary. “Kathy’s experience and track record of her work in California will help many communities across Ohio – in rural, suburban, and urban areas – who are battling illicit massage activities.”
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Chen has been aggressively re-establishing ties with local task forces and resource providers since her January appointment, which is vital for the comprehensive approach required to properly address these crimes. The success of the task force depends critically on law enforcement, victim services, and culturally tailored programs taken together.
Further proving Ohio’s commitment to provide complete assistance to survivors of human trafficking, Governor DeWine has also announced additional $4.6 million in funding this February to assist victim care organizations. Aiming for a safer and more fair environment for all of its citizens, Ohio lays a strong basis for a coordinated response against human trafficking with these new positions and financing.
