Adams County proclaims Human Trafficking Prevention Month as sheriff announces new human-trafficking unit

The Adams County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 13 proclaimed January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and publicly endorsed a new human trafficking unit the sheriff's office plans to launch.

Adams County Sheriff Jean Claps told the board the county identified 318 trafficking victims in 2024 and said the new unit—housed in the detective division—will investigate human trafficking, prostitution and exploitation, enforce regulations tied to massage-parlor facilities and proactively monitor online platforms, hotels and short-term rentals for indicators of trafficking. "We are incredibly grateful for the work that our legislators have done at the state level and for what our commissioners have done here at the Adams County level," Claps said, announcing the unit’s launch.

District Attorney Bridal Mason said her office will align prosecutorial resources with the sheriff’s effort. "At the district attorney's office, our human trafficking unit is a subset of the special victims unit and will also be part of what we do at the Family Justice Center," Mason said. She added that she is preparing two bills for the legislative session—one aimed at buyers and another targeting traffickers—and asked for the board's support.

Commissioners from across the dais praised the coordinated approach. Commissioner O'Dorisio said the collaboration among the board, sheriff and DA represented "rowing in the same direction to improve public safety." Commissioner Baca highlighted the Family Justice Center and said the county’s investments and casework create opportunities to help people identified in SWAP and other safety-net programs.

The sheriff said the unit will work closely with the 17th Judicial District and victim advocates to identify victims, prepare cases for prosecution and coordinate services. The proclamation itself reaffirms the board’s commitment to collaboration with the Adams County Sheriff's Office on enforcement and victim-centered approaches.

Next steps noted in the meeting: county officials will publicize education and reporting resources on the Adams County Sheriff's Office website, and the sheriff and DA will continue outreach and coordination with regional partners.

(Authorities and citations referenced by speakers in the meeting included a state-level citation noted in the transcript as "CR 183504" and a county "ordinance 18"; the meeting transcript did not provide statutory text or ordinance language.)