Sheriff Chad Chronister accepts the "2020 Miracle Maker Award" from Miracles Outreach Executive Director, Michelle Walker, last night.
On Friday night, October 30, Miracles Outreach presented its "2020 Miracle Maker Award" to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, an honor that is given to a local leader fighting for justice in the battle against human trafficking.
Miracles Outreach is a nonprofit organization that has provided foster care in Florida to more than 3,000 abused, abandoned, and trafficked youth since 2000.
"I am humbled to receive this award, and I am proud that our work at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has saved the lives of victims trapped in the human trafficking industry," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Through our investigations, we have held human traffickers and countless individuals who support this despicable trade responsible for their actions. I believe our work is just beginning, and we will only continue to ramp up our efforts to combat and deter human trafficking in Hillsborough County as we head into Super Bowl LV in 2021."
In June, Sheriff Chronister was reappointed to a full term with the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking led by Attorney General Ashley Moody. The council is a collaboration between local, state and federal officials that work together to provide services and support for victims of human trafficking.
Under Sheriff Chronister's leadership, HCSO has led a number of operations that uncovered human trafficking including Operation Trade Secrets I and II, which resulted in a combined 189 arrests, and the arrest of the "Sinful Six," a group of men running a human trafficking racketeering operation in Hillsborough County.
Sheriff Chronister has also created public service announcements to better inform the public on signs of human trafficking and how to get help for possible victims. A link to one of the PSAs can be found here.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888
