Sex Trafficking in America: Investigation, Prosecution and Victim Services

Human trafficking is a hidden crime, and the first step in combating it is to identify the victims so they may recover and help bring their perpetrators to justice. Sex trafficking, the most commonly identified form of human trafficking in the country, frequently involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain a commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the U.S. It can happen in any community, and victims can be of any age, race, gender or nationality. The trauma can be so great that many victims may not even identify themselves as victims or ask for help, even in highly public settings. Recognizing the indicators of trafficking is the first step in identifying victims, and can save lives. The event will take place on Friday, March 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Duquesne Union, Room 613 and via Zoom.

Program Agenda

Faculty Speakers

  • Heather A. Castellino, Esq., Chief Deputy Attorney General, Human Trafficking Section, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • Candice Cooper, LMSW, Victim Assistance Program Specialist, HSI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Gabriel Fabian, Supervisory Special Agent, Human Trafficking Section, Office of the Attorney General
  • Judy Hale, Esq., MPA, Adjunct Professor of Law, Duquesne University, Human Trafficking Law & Policy
  • Robert Schupansky, Esq., Human Trafficking Coordinator, Office of the U.S. Attorney, Western District of Pennsylvania
  • Fina C. Spory, Special Agent, HSI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Continuing Education Credits

This Program is approved by the Pennsylvania CLE Board for 3 Hours of Substantive CLE credit.