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The average person doesn't tend to think about human trafficking. Though this must change so long as human trafficking exists in society. Many people without personal involvement in human trafficking have the luxury of remaining disconnected from this issue; sadly, victims of human trafficking don't have this luxury. Recent years have seen more attention directed toward this form of modern-day slavery. Raising awareness often happens in various communities, via particular advocacy groups, and even on popular crime shows like Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Chicago PD. However, much more work remains. A new case of human trafficking comes out of Tallahassee, Florida with the offender sentenced to life in federal prison.

A punishment that fits the crime

Before going to trial, 39-year-old Tyron Columbia Watson received two charges of sex trafficking a minor; the minor in question turned out to be younger than 14 years old. After a federal jury trial lasting for three days, Watson was found guilty on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. Therefore, he must join the sex offender registry, along with spending the rest of his years in federal prison. Sadly, there are many others like Watson who sex traffick children; only these offenders have yet to be caught, tried, and punished for their crimes.

More information on Watson's sentencing

Northern District of Florida's US attorney Jason R. Coody released a formal statement regarding Watson's sentencing. According to Coody, the sentencing of the convicted sex trafficker shows Florida's commitment to standing with survivors. Likewise, it serves as a warning for what's to come for others who perpetuate human trafficking. Coody then explained that Watson's punishment should cause those thinking of committing similar crimes to reconsider. Lawrence Revell, the police chief of Tallahassee, also shared some remarks about the sentence. Revell explained that life in prison for Watson demonstrates Florida's judicial system holds zero tolerance for human trafficking. Holding human traffickers legally accountable to the fullest extent possible continues to be imperative. This not only sends a message that human trafficking will not stand; it also helps prevent future victims later down the line. Anyone who wishes to report what they believe to be human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline via phone at 1 (888) 373-7888 or by text at 233733.