Trafficking At-Risk Adults: Hiding in Plain Sight

• In Event: Human Trafficking Tactics and Networks

Abstract

There are many names used to describe an emerging criminal activity, namely predators targeting adults with physical and intellectual disabilities, chronic and persistent mental illness and older adults for the sole purpose of gaining access to the adults' monthly checks and perpetrating other types of theft and fraud. Some of the names used include unlicensed care homes, human trafficking, racketeering enterprises, false Imprisonment, neglect and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities, and preying on at-risk adults for monthly benefits. These crimes target billions of dollars in state and federal funds intended to benefit the victims.

The funds most often targeted are Social Security, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (food stamps) and Veterans’ Benefits. While residents live in squalor and suffer horrific abuse, neglect & exploitation (financial, sexual, forced labor, etc.), fraudsters drive luxury vehicles, take vacations, play the lottery – all on funds intended to meet the needs of the victims. This presentation will present an overview of this emerging crime trend and the efforts GA is taking to identify the criminal acts, stop the fraud, neglect and abuse, address the needs of victims and build strong cases for the prosecution of perpetrators.

Authors

• Gerald Cliff, NW3C

• Patricia King, Forensic Special Investigations Unit, Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services

• Heather Strickland, Georgia Bureau of Investigation

• April Wall-Parker, NW3C