Residents across the Finger Lakes have expressed their shock and disbelief over the recent arrests of 18 local people allegedly involved in the sex trafficking of a child in Yates County and the Southern Tier over the period of several years. Melissa Gilbert with Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes says unfortunately, this case highlights that human and sex trafficking is an issue in the Finger Lakes. She says they have programs designed to give kids the warning signs of trafficking.
Melissa says Safe Harbors is also available to educate parents and help them talk with their kids about trafficking.
Safe Harbors is also encouraging all youth and adults to call its hotline number at 1-800-247-7273 to reach out if they need emotional support during this time. For more on the services provided by Safe Harbors, including an anonymous chat line, click here.
The investigation began last October when State Police received a tip that 49-year-old Andrew Daugherty, of Starkey, was allegedly sexually exploiting a child. A Level Two sex offender, Daugherty faces multiple felony charges including sex trafficking and predatory sexual assault.
