Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State Police Announce Promotions of Sergeants, Corporals

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2024

Pennsylvania State Police Announce Promotions of Sergeants, Corporals

The Pennsylvania State Police recognized the promotions of 22 sergeants and 59 corporals during a ceremony on June 21 at Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg.
Five employees in the Bureau of Liquor Enforcement were promoted to Enforcement Officer 3 during the ceremony.

Promoted to Sergeant

Sgt. Justin R. Albert is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Albert enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Bryan B. Billger is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division, Eastern Section. Sgt. Billger enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2019.
Sgt. Brian D. Cipko is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Cipko enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Timothy C. Cutshaw is assigned to Troop H, Carlisle. Sgt. Cutshaw enlisted in the State Police in 2011 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Ty O. Denk is assigned to the Bureau of Records and Identification. Sgt. Denk enlisted in the State Police in 2008 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Lee S. Dudick Jr. is assigned to Troop R, Dunmore. Sgt. Dudick enlisted in the State Police in 2015 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Shannon M. Eichenseer is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Eichenseer enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Jason C. Everhart is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, System and Process Review Division. Sgt. Everhart enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Christopher R. Higdon is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division, Eastern Section. Sgt. Higdon enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2019.
Sgt. Anthony P. Jendrzejewski is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Sgt. Jendrzejewski enlisted in the State Police in 2011 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Timothy M. Jeter is assigned to Troop J, Avondale. Sgt. Jeter enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Shadi W. Johnson is assigned as commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Drug Law, Central Section. Sgt. Johnson enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. David R. Jungling Jr. is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, System and Process Review West. Sgt. Jungling enlisted in the State Police in 2002 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Robert E. Minnick Jr. is assigned to the Policy and Legislative Affairs Office. Sgt. Minnick enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Robert P. Naprava Jr. is assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Sgt. Naprava enlisted in the State Police in 2003 and was promoted to corporal in 2013.
Sgt. Michael P. O’Boyle is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Systems and Process Review Division. Sgt. O’Boyle enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Rebecca L. Parker is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Parker enlisted in the State Police in 2011 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.
Sgt. Sarah B. Rhinehart is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Rhinehart enlisted in the State Police in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2021.
Sgt. Justin M. Tkacik is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Tkacik enlisted in the State Police in 2005 and was promoted to corporal in 2015.
Sgt. Todd M. Tolan is assigned to Troop H, Harrisburg. Sgt. Tolan enlisted in the State Police in 2004 and was promoted to corporal in 2014.
Sgt. Christopher W. Tomlinson is assigned to the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement, Mount Airy Casino. Sgt. Tomlinson enlisted in the State Police in 2008 and was promoted to corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Carmen F. Yurek is assigned to Troop K, Media. Sgt. Yurek enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to corporal in 2020.

Promoted to Corporal

Cpl. Kelly N. Abati is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Abati enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Jonathan I. Bailey is assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Computer Crimes, Southeast. Cpl. Bailey enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Jaskaran S. Bains is assigned to Troop K, Media. Cpl. Bains enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Jacob T. Beers is assigned to Troop C, Clarion. Cpl. Beers enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. William L. Bell III is assigned to Troop J, Embreeville. Cpl. Bell enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Richard M. Bordonaro is assigned to Troop E, Corry. Cpl. Bordonaro enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Michael E. Brenot is assigned to Troop C, Marienville. Cpl. Brenot enlisted in the State Police in 2015.
Cpl. Brittany N. DeCarlo is assigned to the Bureau of Forensic Services, Harrisburg Regional Laboratory. Cpl. DeCarlo enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Cpl. Max T. DeLuca is assigned to Troop D, Butler. Cpl. DeLuca enlisted in the State Police in 2007.
Cpl. Scott M. Enedy is assigned to Troop J, York. Cpl. Enedy enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Aaron J. Falcone is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Special Emergency Response Team West. Cpl. Falcone enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Riley M Ferris is assigned to Troop J, Avondale. Cpl. Ferris enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Katherine V. Franck is assigned to Troop J, Avondale. Cpl. Franck enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Anthony S. Giarrizzo is assigned to Troop K, Media. Cpl. Giarrizzo enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Matthew J. Grasso is assigned to the Bureau of Research and Development. Cpl. Grasso enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Cody R. Greenawalt is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Greenawalt enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Gregory S. Gutta Jr. is assigned to Troop B, Uniontown. Cpl. Gutta enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Steven J. Hammar is assigned to the Executive Services Office. Cpl. Hammar enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Gregory B. Hays is assigned to Troop B, Pittsburgh. Cpl. Hays enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Kevin Holford is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Holford enlisted in the State Police in 2006.
Cpl. Jonathan M. Housenick is assigned to Troop H, Gettysburg. Cpl. Housenick enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Christopher P. Isbitski is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Central Canine Unit. Cpl. Isbitski enlisted in the State Police in 2015.
Cpl. Robert F. Jacobs III is assigned to the Bureau of Training and Education. Cpl. Jacobs enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Brian E. Janoski is assigned to Troop N, Hazleton. Cpl. Janoski enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Zachary J. Julian is assigned to Troop B, Pittsburgh. Cpl. Julian enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Travis S. Kauffman is assigned to Troop D, New Castle. Cpl. Kauffman enlisted in the State Police in 2010.
Cpl. Jacob M. Kelliher is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Kelliher enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Matthew D. Klaips is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Canine Section, as a Narcotic Canine Handler assigned to Troop P, Wilkes-Barre. Cpl. Klaips enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Cody J. Klinger is assigned to Troop H, Carlisle. Cpl. Klinger enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Brian J. Knirnschild is assigned to the Hazardous Device and Explosive Section, Bureau Of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Knirnschild enlisted in the State Police in 2012.
Cpl. Cody R. Krahe is assigned to the Bureau of Forensic Services, Ballistics Section, Erie. Cpl. Krahe enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Katelin L. Kurtz is assigned to the Bureau of Research and Development. Cpl. Kurtz enlisted in the State Police in 2015.
Cpl. Alec N. Leiby is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Leiby enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Kelly R. MacIntyre is assigned to the Office of Community Engagement, Heritage Affairs Section, Area IV. Cpl. MacIntyre enlisted in the State Police in 2012.
Cpl. Ian J. MacTavish is assigned to Troop C, Lewis Run. Cpl. MacTavish enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Zachary F. Martini is assigned to Troop N, Hazleton. Cpl. Martini enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Eric S. McCleaf is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. McCleaf enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Eileen T. McDermott is assigned to Troop F, Montoursville. Cpl. McDermott enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Cpl. Andrew T. McWilliams is assigned to Troop K, Media. Cpl. McWilliams enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Shaun G. Milkovich is assigned to Troop D, Kittanning. Cpl. Milkovich enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Jared R. Muir is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Muir enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Ross V. Munsee is assigned to Troop C, Punxsutawney. Cpl. Munsee enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Brian V. Noll is assigned to Troop N, Hazleton. Cpl. Noll enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Daniel R. Phillips is assigned to Troop L, Schuylkill Haven. Cpl. Phillips enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Daniel W. Poponick is assigned to Troop A, Greensburg. Cpl. Poponick enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Vincent J. Scardilli is assigned to Troop K, CARS Unit. Cpl. Scardilli enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Nicholas Scrivani is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Electronic Surveillance Section. Cpl. Scrivani enlisted in the State Police in 2011.
Cpl. James M. Shearer is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Shearer enlisted in the State Police in 2008.
Cpl. Jeffrey A. Simmons is assigned to Troop, K, Media. Cpl. Simmons enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Peter T. Smith is assigned to Troop P, Wilkes-Barre. Cpl. Smith enlisted in the State Police in 2013.
Cpl. Joseph A. Titler is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations. Cpl. Titler enlisted in the State Police in 2012.
Cpl. Christopher R. Tobias is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Tobias enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Travis M. Turkalj is assigned to Troop B, Uniontown. Cpl. Turkalj enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. Richard C. Weinstock is assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg. Cpl. Weinstock enlisted in the State Police in 2018.
Cpl. Jesse L. Whitman is assigned to Troop F, Emporium. Cpl. Whitman enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Cpl. John A. Wood is assigned to Troop E, Erie. Cpl. Wood enlisted in the State Police in 2014.
Cpl. Evan M. Worth is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Southeast Canine. Cpl. Worth enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Cpl. Jason E. Young is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Western Canine Unit. Cpl. Young enlisted in the State Police in 2005.
Cpl. Ronald M. Ziobro II is assigned to Troop H, Carlisle. Cpl. Ziobro enlisted in the State Police in 2014.

Promoted to Enforcement Officer 3

Marcus J. Angello is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, Special Investigation Unit, Central Section. EO3 Angello enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Eric M. Kaseler Is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, District Enforcement Office #7, Punxsutawney. EO3 Kaseler enlisted in the State Police in 2016.
Kevin D. Klatt Jr. is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, Special Investigations Unit, Eastern Section. EO3 Klatt enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Ryan M. Melnyk is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, District Enforcement Office #3, Harrisburg. EO3 Melnyk enlisted in the State Police in 2017.
Paul J. Wolfe is assigned to the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, Pittsburgh District Enforcement Office. EO3 Wolfe enlisted with the State Police in 2000.

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Pennsylvania

Man charged after over 100 human skeletal remains found in Pennsylvania home – National | Globalnews.ca

Published

3 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Man charged after over 100 human skeletal remains found in Pennsylvania home – National | Globalnews.ca

A Pennsylvania man has been arrested and is facing more than 500 charges after he was accused of stealing human skulls and “numerous” skeletal remains from an abandoned cemetery on Philadelphia’s outskirts, according to police.

Bones and skulls visible in the back seat of a car near the cemetery led police to the home and storage unit of Jonathan Gerlach, 34, after police had been looking into a string of burglaries.

Investigators checked Gerlach’s licence plates and found that he had been near the cemetery repeatedly during the period when the burglaries occurred.

Officers say the Jan. 6 arrest culminated a months-long investigation into break-ins at Mount Moriah Cemetery, where at least 26 mausoleums and vaults had been forced open since early November.

After searching Gerlach’s home and storage unit, investigators reported finding more than 100 human skulls, long bones, mummified hands and feet, two decomposing torsos and other skeletal items.

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“They were in various states. Some of them were hanging, as it were. Some of them were pieced together, some were just skulls on a shelf,” Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said.

Most of the findings were in Gerlach’s basement, authorities said. They also recovered jewelry believed to be linked to the graves, and a pacemaker that was still attached.

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“Detectives walked into a horror movie come to life in that home. It is truly, in the most literal sense of the word, horrific. I grieve for those who are upset by this, who are going through this, who are trying to figure out if it is, in fact, one of their loved ones,” Rouse added.

Click to play video: 'Human skull found amid Halloween decor in Florida thrift store'

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Human skull found amid Halloween decor in Florida thrift store

Police say Gerlach targeted mausoleums and underground vaults at the cemetery, which was established in 1855. Gerlach was arrested as he walked back toward his car with a crowbar, police said.

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He also had a burlap bag in which officers found the mummified remains of two small children, three skulls and other bones.

Gerlach then told investigators that he took around 30 sets of human remains and showed them the graves he stole from, police said.

Police believe the remains were also taken from other cemeteries in the region. They are investigating the Human Bones and Skull Selling Group on Facebook, where Gerlach was reportedly tagged and pictured holding a skull.

He was charged with 100 counts each of abuse of a corpse and receiving stolen property, along with multiple counts of desecrating a public monument, desecrating a venerated object, desecrating a historic burial place, burglary, trespassing and theft.

Mount Moriah Cemetery released a statement on its Instagram Stories following Gerlach’s arrest, thanking Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, the Yeadon Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department for “their hard work and dedication to this case.”

“Our team has been working alongside all parties involved and will continue to do so throughout the remainder of the investigation. Please direct any specific questions regarding this case to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office,” it said.

“Mount Moriah is the largest abandoned cemetery in the United States. Its historic grounds are cared for by a dedicated group of approximately 12 volunteers who show up week in and week out to preserve this space.”

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Gerlach is being held on $1-million bail, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 20.

— With files from The Associated Press

&copy 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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Pennsylvania

Here’s what to try at this year’s Pennsylvania Farm Show food court

Published

15 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Here’s what to try at this year’s Pennsylvania Farm Show food court

As we were sequestered around the Expo Hall and Main Hall at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, guided by Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and a Benjamin Franklin re-enactor Bill Robling, my mind began to wander to food.

Thursday marked my inaugural visit to the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, the 110th iteration the expo and one that coincided with the 250^th anniversary of the Untied States’ founding. While I and York Daily Record photographer Paul Kuehnel joined a flock of other reporters for the Farm Show’s preview, we were treated to a taste of many of the foods, both new and returning, that would be offered to visitors in the sprawling food court inside the Expo Hall.

Considering I hadn’t had breakfast that morning, I was willing to oblige.

With such an anniversary on the horizon, the Pennsylvania Dairyman’s Association unveiled a flight of red, white and blue milkshake flavors. Newer additions to the menu including pickle pizza from the Pennsylvania FFA and Lion’s Mane coffee from the Pennsylvania Mushroom Farmers, among others.

Here are some of the items the preview provided, as well as what to try when the food court opens at noon on Jan. 9.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Coffee

Mushrooms are a major cash crop for Pennsylvania, with nearly 60 percent of U.S. production of the crop running through the commonwealth. Lion’s Mane mushrooms, especially, have been linked to brain health benefits thanks to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, according to a published paper by the journal Nutrients.

The coffee itself is a dark roast blended with ground Lion’s Mane mushrooms, and the flavor provides a slight, hearty twang to its benefit. Considering I hadn’t had my own coffee that morning, it provided me with an immediate jolt of energy.

Pierogi

Fun fact: pierogi is plural! A classic done right by the PA Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc., the pierogi are soft, chewy and contain a starchy potato filling that satisfies any craving but doesn’t weigh you down. The pierogi also come with grilled onions on top, which adds a savory boost to keep you wanting more.

Blended Mushroom Steakhouse Burger

Piled high with a mix of mushrooms grown right in Pennsylvania and a slathering of Alabama barbecue sauce, the Pennsylvania Mushroom Farmers offer a burger with a twist. The patty itself is 75 percent grass-fed beef, 25 percent mushroom, and it works. The burger retains the flavor of a traditional all-beef patty while keeping in style with the Pennsylvania Mushroom Farmers’ mission to introduce the state’s cash crop to a variety of dishes. And the Alabama barbecue sauce provides a twang to the ensemble.

Stuffed Baby Bella Mushrooms

Returning to the menu provided by the Pennsylvania Mushroom Farmers, you are provided with four bite-sized mushrooms that come in two flavors: artichoke and spinach and bacon and cheese.

The mushrooms are an excellent snack or starter for the Farm Fest, filled with flavor and firm enough to burst with juices after your first bite.

Potato Doughnut

The granddaddy of them all and a Farm Show staple, the potato doughnut makes its return in its three traditional flavors: plain, powdered and cinnamon sugar. It’s not as flaky as a traditional doughnut, and not as heavy either.

Red, White and Blue Milkshakes

With the 250^th anniversary of the United States’ founding, the The Pennsylvania Dairyman’s Association, a vendor with the Farm Show since 1955, saw fit to roll out a milkshake flight of red, white and bBlue milkshakes to ring in the sestercentennial. The white is a normal vanilla flavor, the red is strawberry and the blue is a raspberry flavor.

The Dairyman’s Association has also made an intentional move this year away from artificial dyes in their milkshakes, shifting to natural dyes to provide the color.

Dave Smith, executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairyman’s Association, said the move had been a goal of the Dairyman’s Association ahead of the nation’s 250^th anniversary.

“That was one of my priorities, to figure out how we could do something like that,” Smith said. “What we found is that (the colors) are not as distinct as what they would have been if they were artificial. It’s more subtle.”

This shift doesn’t affect the flavor one bit. All three options are sweet, thick and delicious, as to be expected.

Plan your trip to the Pennsylvania Farm Show

For more information about the Farm Show, check out the full schedule of events here. The food court opens to the public on Jan. 9 from noon until 9 p.m. with the bulk of the expo running from Jan. 10-17.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania launches new website to combat human trafficking | StateScoop

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Pennsylvania launches new website to combat human trafficking | StateScoop

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency on Thursday launched a new website aimed at preventing human trafficking and better supporting victims by bringing together resources for first responders, social service providers and members of the public.

The announcement came during Human Trafficking Prevention Month at a roundtable discussion in Philadelphia that included state and local officials, advocates, social service providers and survivors.

The new website, developed with Villanova University’s Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation, provides trauma-informed training materials, guidance on recognizing warning signs of trafficking and information on how to report suspected cases.

“The fight against trafficking begins with coordination and working together to raise awareness of the warning signs, making sure people know where and how to report, strengthening support for survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable,” Kathy Buckley, director of PCCD’s Office of Victims’ Services, said in a press release.

Human trafficking is the crime of using force, fraud or coercion to induce another person to perform labor or sex acts.

According to the Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition, the number of identified trafficking survivors in the region increased by 23% in 2025 compared to the previous year. The organization cites housing, food assistance, medical care and counseling among the most common needs for survivors

“That’s the goal of our new website and the purpose of this conversation today, shining a light on organizations leading this work and ensuring that all across Pennsylvania, every individual knows there are people and resources dedicated to combating all forms of exploitation,” Buckley said.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 26 states have enacted legislation creating human-trafficking task forces, study groups or similar coordination efforts. Eight of those states — Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri and Rhode Island apply to sex trafficking only, while the others target both labor and sex trafficking.

In 2019, researchers in the Biotechnology and Human Systems studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology released a Human Trafficking Technology Roadmap aimed at helping federal, state and local agencies to better identify, investigate and prosecute trafficking cases. The report’s recommendations include building tools that automatically analyze large amounts of data, establishing centralized collections of evidence templates and trafficking “signatures,” and developing shared computing systems for law enforcement and courts.

Pennsylvania’s new website builds on efforts by the administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro, who announced his reelection bid Thursday, to combat human trafficking. Those include spending $14 million over the past two budget cycles on the Victims Compensation Assistance Program and moving the state’s Anti-Human Trafficking Workgroup under PCCD’s leadership. That group now focuses on training, law enforcement coordination, victim services and public awareness.

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