Mississippi News
Secretary of State partnering with businesses to combat human trafficking
Secretary of State partnering with businesses to combat human trafficking
Secretary of State Michael Watson announced Wednesday morning a statewide partnership with Mississippi businesses to combat human trafficking.
Through the Mississippi Businesses Against Trafficking initiative, a website will be produced by the Secretary of State’s Office and videos and other training devices will be made available to help businesses recognize and report instances of human trafficking. Watson said the initiative made sense since businesses in the state must register with the Secretary of State’s Office.
Citing statistics from the Department of Health, Watson said a case of human trafficking is reported every other day in Mississippi. And there are almost 25 million instances of human trafficking “at and given time” worldwide.
“Sadly, human trafficking is more common in our state than people realize,” Watson said. “I personally know victims and met with several during my time in the state Legislature. Our goal is to rescue victims and ensure all Mississippians are safe from this heinous crime.”
Legislation has been passed in recent years to deal with human trafficking in the state and to put in measures to try to protect victims of human trafficking. Watson said his initiative, in partnership with businesses, is patterned after programs in other states.
“Through partnership and collaboration with other secretaries of state, we researched how to utilize our current role with the business sector to educate and raise awareness through grassroots efforts,” Watson said in a news release. “All Mississippi business owners are invited to join our fight to combat human trafficking in our state.”
Representatives of the hotel association and massage therapists joined Watson at Wednesday’s news conference as did an officer with the Dutch Group that owns Sprint Mart convenience stores. The massage therapists, convenience stores and hotels/motels are all industries where human trafficking might be more prevalent.
“Sprint Mart is proud to partner with MBAT because we recognize the critical role convenience stores and travel centers can play in the identification and reporting of suspected human trafficking,” said Matt Bogue, vice president of the Dutch Group.
The Mississippi Braves minor league baseball team is partnering with the Secretary of State’s office, and team representatives were involved in Wednesday’s news conference.
Businesses can learn more about the initiative at sos.ms.gov/MBAT.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Monroe county sheriff’s department investigating church fire
SUMMARY: Harmony Baptist Church in Monroe County, Mississippi, was destroyed by fire last Friday night, leaving caretaker Mary Nell Dorris in shock. She received a panicked call from a neighbor while asleep and rushed to the scene, where she stayed until the early morning. The historic church, built in the mid 1800s and lacking gas or electric power, is suspected to have been intentionally set ablaze. While no injuries were reported, Dorris mourns the loss of cherished memories associated with the church. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department is investigating and urges anyone with information to come forward.
The post Monroe county sheriff’s department investigating church fire appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Tupelo Police investigate ATM ‘Jackpotting’ heist
SUMMARY: Tupelo Police Chief John Quaka reported progress in an ATM jackpotting investigation after a bank employee discovered forced entry at the Community Bank Branch on November 13. The machine was found partially open, leading to a significant cash theft. Surveillance footage captured two suspects in a silver Honda Accord, believed to be connected to similar crimes statewide. Jackpotting involves inserting malware into ATMs to dispense cash. The FBI has been notified, and police are collaborating with state agencies. Chief Quaka expressed confidence in making arrests and urged banks to keep their systems updated and secure.
The post Tupelo Police investigate ATM ‘Jackpotting’ heist appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Bond set for three accused of assaulting woman in Vicksburg
SUMMARY: Three suspects were arrested in Vicksburg, Mississippi, after a violent assault was streamed live on Facebook on November 9. Ronjanae Hill (24), Marcus Ross (33), and Charles Doss (27), all from Vicksburg, were charged with aggravated assault. They appeared in Vicksburg Municipal Court on November 12. Hill and Ross each received a $75,000 bond, while Doss’s bond was set at $100,000. All three were bound over to the Warren County Grand Jury. The assault occurred at an apartment complex, and further details about the incident were not disclosed.
The post Bond set for three accused of assaulting woman in Vicksburg appeared first on www.wjtv.com
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