Human trafficking remains a critical issue in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region, particularly in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, which lead the state in reported tips, victims, and cases. The Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force’s recent 2026 meeting in Summerville highlighted key 2025 progress and future plans.
Key 2025 Accomplishments
The task force reported 10 human trafficking cases prosecuted in local judicial circuits, up from zero the prior year, thanks to enhanced public-private collaborations. Partnerships with jails across the three counties have improved victim identification, especially in Charleston County Jail where over 40 victims were found from 2023-2025. From 2022-2025, 164 adult victims were identified in the Tri-County area.​
Task Force Structure
This group unites law enforcement at local, state, and federal levels with nonprofits, healthcare providers, legal advocates, and researchers to support victims and pursue traffickers. Co-chairs Lauren Knapp and Brooke Burris emphasized jail screening tools and quick agency responses involving sheriffs from all three counties.​
2026 Priorities
Legislative goals include mandatory training for healthcare workers, a state RICO law against organized crime, updates to commercial sex codes, and more childcare options. Leadership development for local experts is also a focus.​
Community Role
Leaders like Councilman Jim McBride stress awareness, private-government teamwork, and reporting suspicions via the National Human Trafficking Hotline (call 1-888-373-7888 or text BEFREE to 233733). Parents are urged to limit kids’ access to adult apps where recruiters target youth.​
