The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office is reinforcing its commitment to combating human trafficking by standing alongside regional law enforcement partners during Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
On Monday, January 5, NCSO Director of Operations John Anstett and Criminal Investigations Captain Charlie Lucas joined agencies from across Northeast Florida to bring attention to a crime that authorities say often hides in plain sight. NCSO is an active member of the Northeast Florida Inter-Agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking Task Force, known as INTERCEPT.
In just three years, investigators with the INTERCEPT Task Force have worked more than 1,600 cases, including 17 directly related to human trafficking. Officials say many trafficking cases begin under the guise of a normal relationship before escalating into manipulation, coercion, and exploitation.
“Human trafficking has no place in Nassau County,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said. “This month serves as an important reminder for parents to stay engaged, especially when it comes to what their children are doing online, where predators often lurk.”
The INTERCEPT Task Force brings together investigators and analysts from multiple agencies, including the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The task force also works closely with Operation Lightshine, a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advanced technology, forensic tools, and subject-matter expertise. Officials say the partnership strengthens efforts to rescue victims, investigate trafficking cases, and hold offenders accountable.
Law enforcement leaders emphasize that awareness and education remain key tools in identifying and preventing human trafficking and encourage the public to report suspicious activity to authorities.
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