Maryland State Police tell Harford County council trafficking exists locally, urge victim-centered response
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Summary
Two Maryland State Police corporals told the Harford County Council the county sees human trafficking tied to runaways, foster youth and online ads, described investigative tactics and urged stronger victim services and cross‑agency partnerships. Council members and a child therapist asked about trends and supports.
Corporal Christopher Hyde and Corporal Austin Mueller of the Maryland State Police gave Harford County elected officials a briefing on human trafficking in the region, stressing a victim‑centered approach and the need for follow‑up services.
Hyde, recently retired after 32 years with the Maryland State Police, described the unit’s priority order in cases: rescuing children, stabilizing victims and then pursuing traffickers. He said investigators rely on partnerships with the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to pursue cases that cross state lines and to obtain evidence from online advertisements. "We go out and we make these dates...our goal was number 1 was to rescue children," Hyde said.
Austin Mueller, a trooper with nearly 14 years on the job, said many cases begin with repeat runaways and foster‑youth populations. The presenters described common investigative indicators—missing or multiple identifications in a suspect’s possession, tattoos or "brandings" that identify a trafficker, and online ads that law enforcement treats as evidence—and said prosecutions can carry stiff federal sentences when cases cross jurisdictions. "If you have drugs, if you have prostitution, you have human trafficking," Hyde said.
Council members and audience members asked for clarity on whether trafficking has increased or whether awareness and reporting have risen. Hyde and Mueller said they believe the prevalence has been steady but that awareness and detection are improving. "I think it's more just the awareness is there now," Hyde said, adding that the removal of a single centralized site (Backpage) shifted activity to multiple platforms and overseas hosts, complicating subpoenas and evidence collection.
The officers recounted rescue tactics and follow‑up efforts, including a practice they described as "fake arrests" to remove victims safely from dangerous situations and immediate outreach that provides food, shelter and ongoing contact. Hyde and Mueller also emphasized training for hotel staff and victim advocates and urged stronger local resources to meet victims' needs after recovery. Council member Bennett asked how a small statewide team avoids exposing undercover operations; Hyde said the unit uses a specialized message and relationship building to protect victims and gain cooperation.
Imhoff, the council member who introduced the presenters, thanked the officers and said the county will look for ways to support follow‑up services. Hyde provided a public contact point (Waterloo Barrack) for people seeking more information.
The presentation highlighted the investigative work already occurring in Harford County and countywide service gaps for rescued victims; council members and local advocates asked the presenters to return with recommendations on resources and interagency steps the county could take next.
