Human trafficking a concern as Super Bowl 50 nears

The Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event of the year, but state investigators say the big game is also the single largest opportunity forhuman trafficking in the U.S.

“What we find is that any sporting event tends to draw people to the community,” said Deborah Pembrook with the Coalition to End Human Trafficking. “These are people that can be trafficked 365 days of the year but the trafficker will intentionally bring them to sporting events or other conventions or events we have in the area.”

Other areaevents that attract traffickersinclude the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Rodeo. The influx of fans means more profit for pimps.

“A lot of the motels and hotels will give us a call if they have people out of the area, a lot of traffic coming in and out of the room, which would be indicative of prostitution or drug sales,” said Salinas police Sgt. George Lauricella.

Human trafficking is a problem all over the Central Coast. Lauricella said pimps often use drugs to entice and manipulate young women.

“It’s kind of gives them a handle on the person so that it’s not easy for them to take off,” said Lauricella.

Working to stop this exploitation ahead of the big game, Pembrook said the coalition is teaming up with Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties to create the Tri-County CSEC Program.

“We’re… educating hotels and other businesses(about) the warning signs of human trafficking,” said Pembrook.

Lauricella said it’s important for residents to be vigilant and watch for obvious signs.

“A younger female that might look like she’s from out of the area, she’s with guys that kind of look like they might be in that gang or that drug type of lifestyle,” are clues said Lauricella.