When you think of sex trafficking you may think of Asia, Africa, or even the movie Taken. The truth is that unfortunately, sex trafficking happens all over the world, even in a place that most would call "ultra conservative" like Salt Lake City, Utah.
In the last week a couple of things have happened in Salt Lake that have brought light to this issue. For starters a man named Victor Rax has been arrested and placed in the Salt Lake County Jail by the Attorney General's SECURE Strike Force (launched in June by Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff to target major crimes by undocumented aliens). Rax, allegedly preyed on immigrants-especially teen boys, threatening to report anyone who would not comply what he said. His investigation consists of aggravated human trafficking, unlawful sexual activity with a minor, unlawful endangerment of a minor, and possession with intent to distribute drugs.
Now we are all glad that Rax is in jail, but what about his victims? Human trafficking is a growing problem in Utah according to Rep Jan Seelig, D-Salt Lake City. Currently she's pressuring the legislature to pass her bill HB 254 which would decriminalize victims if they are caught in a situation of human slavery. This bill would make it possible for authorities to provide help to victims 17 or younger by allowing them time to figure out their family situation and get them in touch with Child and Family Services instead of the court.
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