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The original item was published from 6/29/2017 4:13:23 PM to 7/7/2017 12:00:03 AM.

News Flash

Police

Posted on: June 29, 2017

[ARCHIVED] Unsubstantiated Human Trafficking Information on Social Media

On June 28th, 2017, Dubuque Police met with a parent who reported that on Saturday, June 24th, while shopping at Kennedy Mall, her 8-year-old daughter was approached by an unknown, adult female.

On June 28th, 2017, Dubuque Police met with a parent who reported that on Saturday, June 24th, while shopping at Kennedy Mall, her 8-year-old daughter was approached by an unknown, adult female. The unknown female reportedly initiated a conversation with the daughter, offering to buy her an item from the store they were in. The mother and daughter left the store, but the unknown female attempted contact with the daughter again near the candy machines outside of Younker’s. The conversation again pertained to an item the unknown female had purchased at the previous store. Again, the mother immediately retrieved her daughter and left the area. Neither saw the unknown female again.


Last night, the mother referenced above observed a social media post, later determined to be unsubstantiated, alleging there has been human trafficking activity occurring at the mall. This prompted the above-referenced report to police. Despite a lack of evidence relating the above event to human trafficking, the two became correlated, embellished, and publicized extensively on social media. Dubuque Police contacted Kennedy Mall Security as they were alleged to have information or intelligence pertaining to human trafficking activity at the mall. They immediately responded that to their knowledge, no such information or intelligence existed.


Regardless of the validity of the above incidents and information, citizens are reminded to take accountability for their personal safety and that of their dependents. Anyone with credible information indicating human trafficking, or any other criminal activity is happening in our community, should immediately contact law enforcement.

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