The Warren County Commissioners proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month tonight, urging residents to work together to raise awareness and help prevent this heinous crime.

New Jersey is a main corridor in the Northeast United States for facilitating and transporting victims of human trafficking, the commissioners said, but in February 2023 the State of New Jersey created a Human Trafficking Unit to deal with the increase in human trafficking cases in our state. However, the Commissioners noted that human trafficking will not be eliminated without a concerted effort among all communities to be educated and vigilant of such crimes.

“The best thing we can do is bring awareness to it,” Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla said.

Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski said it is important that people learn about how to recognize human trafficking and are vigilant about it.

With two interstates crossing Warren County and airports at either end – Newark-Liberty and Lehigh Valley – human trafficking can happen here, Commissioner James R. Kern said. The World Cup will bring people from all over the world to New Jersey, so it’s important that “if you see something, say something,” Kern added.

Warren County Prosecutor Jessica L. Cardone, accompanied for members of her staff, accepted the proclamation and thanked the commissioners for continuing to shine a light on the issue. “It can really happen anywhere” and affect anyone of any age, Cardone said. Human trafficking relies on isolation of victims and a lack of awareness by the public, she noted, adding that people should learn the signs and speak up if they see something.

Pictured during the proclamation presentation are (l-r) Chief of Detectives Brenton Warne, Victim/Witness Advocate Kassandra Gray, Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski, Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla, Prosecutor Jessica L. Cardone, Detective Sgt. Heidi Buss, Commissioner James R. Kern III, and Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Buthmann.