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Augusta, GA

Augusta experts share important warning signs of human trafficking

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Augusta experts share important warning signs of human trafficking


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia ranks sixth in the nation for sex trafficking, and local experts say Richmond County sees more child sex trafficking than anywhere else in the state.

For a problem that is growing not only in Georgia but nationwide, experts say there’s a huge misconception surrounding human trafficking.

“I think our generation got introduced to the topic of human trafficking through movies like Taken or Sound of Freedom. But the reality is that’s not what trafficking looks like in our community. It’s not what it looks like in most communities,” said District Attorney Jared Williams.

On Tuesday, experts who deal directly with sex crimes and trafficking in the Augusta community explained to students at Augusta University that trafficking looks like comfort and trust.

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Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Terry Gore said: “You always think of the man in the white panel van with puppies on the side. No. Traffickers are family or friends.”

Williams said: “It’s often familial, meaning that there’s a family member who’s involved in exploiting their loved one or it’s gang-related. We see a lot of that.”

And there is no safe age.

“The youngest victim that I have right now is 4 days old. My youngest person that’s been sending out nudes is 6. These people got a hold of her at 6 years old to send them out,” said Gore.

Clarence “Bo” Johnson

The way to reduce the numbers is to first know the signs.

GBI Agent Anita Ivy said: “In school, you’ll notice a lot of absences, change in behavior, and appearance, dressing provocatively and carrying two cell phones.”

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The best way to combat it is by supporting resources in the community.

Williams said: “We have a lot of great organizations like Child Enrichment, who are doing a lot. We have the Sexual Assault Resource Center, they’re doing a lot to help. But we need more funding for those organizations and we need better access to care and treatment after the fact.”

Leaders say to talk to your kids about what is going on in their lives and check their cell phones and the apps they are on.

Be aware of the time they are on the devices.

Assembly of Prayer, Augusta

Also in the news

  • On Wednesday, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp will be joined by state and local leaders at a ceremony to sign bills fighting human trafficking. At 10 a.m. at the state Capitol in Atlanta, the governor will deliver remarks prior to signing Senate Bill 370, House Bill 993 and House Bill 1201.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students

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Augusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.

12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.

Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.

“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.

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The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat

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10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.

Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.

Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.

“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.

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The festival runs until 10 p.m.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins

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Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.

Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.

“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”

Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.

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“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.

The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.

Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.

“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”

No paperwork is required to receive help.

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“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”

The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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