Attorney general urges more funding as human‑trafficking cases and big events rise
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Summary
The attorney general told lawmakers the human‑trafficking unit has grown rapidly and is turning cases away, asking for $855,000 for two positions as the state prepares for major events that could increase trafficking demand.
Attorney General Sunday told the House Appropriations Committee that Pennsylvania's human‑trafficking section is expanding rapidly and needs new positions and resources to handle rising investigations and victim needs.
Sunday said the trafficking section made 78 arrests in its first year and has 81 active investigations, a roughly 125% increase since the unit's January 2024 formation. He asked the committee for an $855,000 increase to add one attorney and one agent to keep up with caseload growth and the intensive nature of trafficking investigations.
"We are constantly being requested to participate in task forces," Sunday said, noting coordination with Delaware and New Jersey and warning that major upcoming events — the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, the FIFA World Cup (America250), and the MLB All‑Star Game in Philadelphia — historically raise trafficking risks and require multi‑jurisdictional responses.
Committee members expressed concern that level or reduced funding will force the office to decline cases. In reply, Sunday said the office turns cases away "like daily" when capacity is exceeded and that long, undercover, multi‑jurisdictional investigations can cost tens of thousands of dollars each.
Why it matters: The AG's unit provides statewide investigative capacity and victim services; insufficient staffing could reduce prosecution and immediate victim support during complex, resource‑heavy investigations.
What's next: No formal vote occurred; the funding request will be part of continuing appropriation negotiations.