Executive Summary
- Calaveras County agencies signed an MOU to combat sex trafficking and child exploitation.
- The agreement includes the Sheriff’s Office, DA, Probation, and Health and Human Services.
- The pact formalizes coordinated investigations, prosecutions, and victim case management.
- Public health and educational entities are integrated into the response framework.
CALAVERAS COUNTY, Calif. – Officials in Calaveras County have formalized a coordinated strategy to combat human trafficking, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening the regional response to the commercial sexual exploitation of children.
According to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, the agreement establishes a unified framework involving multiple stakeholders. Signatories include the Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Probation Department, and the County Office of Education. Several divisions within the Calaveras Health and Human Services Agency—specifically Social Services, Behavioral Health Services, and Public Health—are also parties to the agreement, alongside The Resource Connection of Calaveras and Amador Counties.
County authorities stated that the MOU is designed to ensure a coordinated approach to both the investigation and prosecution of trafficking offenses. Furthermore, the agreement mandates comprehensive case management for victims, ensuring that social services are integrated with law enforcement efforts. Officials noted that the document formalizes ongoing oversight and cooperation to better identify at-risk children.
Law enforcement representatives emphasized that public involvement remains a critical component of their strategy. Authorities urged residents to report suspected trafficking and to recognize that exploitation is driven by market demand. The National Human Trafficking Hotline remains available at 1-888-373-7888.
Operational Impact
The establishment of this multi-agency Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant administrative step in addressing the complex nature of sex trafficking crimes. By dismantling the silos between law enforcement, prosecutors, and social service providers, the county aims to prevent the evidentiary and victim-support gaps that often hinder successful prosecutions in exploitation cases. This consolidated approach aligns with federal recommendations for best practices in handling cases involving the commercial sexual exploitation of minors, prioritizing victim stabilization as a precursor to effective criminal proceedings.
