Child sex trafficking investigation leads to five arrests in Missouri

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced a new push to shut down sex trafficking. Called "The Hope Initiative," it has already resulted in five arrests in as many days.

According to KRCG TV, an operation was undertaken in Oak Grove on Sunday by a joint task force consisting of law enforcement officials from various agencies, including the Human Trafficking Task Force, which is composed of law enforcement and victim service providers.

Five men were contacted and detained. As well, ten women were contacted and offered victim services such as shelter, food, medical services, and counseling. Finally, three children under the age of five were taken into state custody and are now under the care of the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Schmitt's stated goal is to completely eradicate the scourge of human trafficking in his state. Since this investigation is ongoing, further details have not yet been made available.