Assembly Minority Task Force on Human Trafficking Co-Chairs Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) and Capital Region host Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) brought experts and officials to discuss the impact of human trafficking in the Capital Region. Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Lake George) was also in attendance.

Human trafficking cases are difficult to quantify, as so many victims remain unknown. According to the long overdue 2022 Report from the New York State Interagency Task Force, which was only recently published this year, there were 249 confirmed cases, while the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 467 cases of human trafficking involving 622 victims. Most of these victims were sex trafficked.

“Human trafficking is a crime with so many silent victims who are lost with little hope. For the hundreds who are identified in our state annually, how many more remain undiscovered? As a task force, we will explore, with the help of experts and stakeholders, what more New York can do to combat human trafficking and support survivors of these horrific crimes. The many perspectives shared around the state will help us develop legislation and policy recommendations to ensure more people are helped and do not fall victim to human trafficking,” said Maher, ranking Minority member on the Committee on Social Services and sitting member of the Committees on Children and Families and Mental Health.

“Human trafficking is a critical concern impacting our local communities, including the Capital Region, where we are working to uncover the full extent of the issue. As a child advocate in Saratoga County and a member of the Education and Mental Health Committees, I understand the unique challenges we face. This Task Force is a vital opportunity to develop targeted strategies by listening to experts and stakeholders, including local organizations like the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program. By incorporating their insights into our legislative efforts, we can enhance our support systems and prevent these crimes. The urgency of this task force cannot be overstated—lives are at stake. I’m grateful to all who have come together to tackle this critical issue,” said Walsh.

“Human trafficking is a brutal crime that destroys lives, and it's happening right here in our own state. This regional task force meeting is about taking real, decisive action against those who exploit the vulnerable. We cannot turn a blind eye any longer. Thank you to everyone who shared their testimony and participated in today’s dialog. We will bring traffickers to justice and protect our communities from this horrific abuse,” said Bendett.

“Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, and it’s a problem that knows no boundaries. Today’s roundtable was about finding real solutions and making our communities safer. I want to thank everyone who joined us, from law enforcement to service providers and advocates. People deserve to feel safe, and the insights provided today will help us better support victims and protect those most vulnerable,” said Simpson, who also sits on the Committee on Social Services

Among the stakeholders present were Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan, Columbia County Sheriff Donald Krapf, Captain Kevin Herrick, who is head of investigations in the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Jennifer Buckley, Bureau Chief of the Special Victims Unit of the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office, and representatives fromRensselaer and Columbia counties’ social services departments, forensic examiner nurses from St. Peter’s Health Partners and Glens Falls Hospital, and individuals working closely on human trafficking matters and cases at YWCA of Northeastern New York, Unity House in Troy, CAPTAIN Community Human, the WAIT House and START Children’s Center, Inc.

The task force thanks its venue partner, Rensselaer County Legislature, for providing the space for this important discussion to occur. Previous meetings of the task force occurred in July in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Additional task force meetings are planned for Western New York on October 8, Central New York on October 11, the Hudson Valley on October 16 and New York City on October 17.