CBS 7 - Your Eye on West Texas

http://www.cbs7kosa.com/news/details.asp?ID=26342

Human Trafficking in West Texas 6/9/11

Shannon Murray
CBS 7 Reporter
smurray@cbs7.com

It's often referred to as modern day slavery: human trafficking. And it's happening right here in West Texas.

"They're shoved around, pushed around used...some of them are killed," says Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter

It's hard to believe that underground slavery is happening in our own back yards.
West Texas law enforcement officials say our area has become a "hub" for human trafficking.

Governor Rick Perry recently signed 2 new bills into law, creating stiffer penalties for human trafficking in the state of Texas.
Sheriff Gary Painter says this couldn't have come at a better time.

"We've had a lot of instances with people smuggling individuals into the Midland Odessa are and going into all part of the United States," says Painter

Painter says it usually starts near the border, with people helping others get into the country illegally. The immigrants are then told to repay the favor, often through prostitution

"They have to work off their ability to be free...but they're not free, they're slaves."

Sheriff Painter says just 1 month ago another case hit close to home.

"An individual brought a 17 year old girl as a prostitute out of Lubbock, he's serving 20 years in a federal penitentiary."

Under the new law, a first time offender could serve up to 99 years or life in prison.

"It gives us more tools we can use to fight the human trafficking that's going on"

It's not just an issue in the state of Texas, Congressman Mike Conaway said it's also been a hot topic on capitol hill.

"At the federal government level, both the legislative branch and executive branch...there is always effort going on to address that tough issue," Representative Conaway says.

Sheriff Painter says many West Texans don't realize it's happening right here in the Permian Basin.

"They are being forced to work against their will in construction, in restaurants as sex slaves. There are kids using other kids...as sex slaves."

Texas Attorney General Greg abbot has even appointed Sheriff Painter to the task force on human trafficking, he has been attending conferences and workshops this past year to learn to tactics to address the issue.

The new penalties under House Bill 3000 create a new first-degree felony called "continuous trafficking of persons", the punishment range for a first time offender is 25 to 99 years or life imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000.
If convicted a second time, the offense carries a punishment of life without parole.
It also limits bail and bond considerations for a person charged with the crime.