An anti-human trafficking effort in western South Dakota is focusing on hospitality businesses ahead of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Members of South Dakota's West River Human Trafficking Task Force and volunteers will be distributing posters, fliers and other awareness materials to hospitality businesses in the region through the beginning of the rally, which is scheduled to kick off Aug. 8.
Members of the task force and volunteers plan to visit more than 400 area businesses, including some located in Hot Springs, Sturgis and Wall.
State and federal authorities have conducted undercover sex trafficking operations during previous rallies. The operations have led to several arrests and convictions.
The task force includes representatives of local, state and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Members of South Dakota's West River Human Trafficking Task Force and volunteers will be distributing posters, fliers and other awareness materials to hospitality businesses in the region through the beginning of the rally, which is scheduled to kick off Aug. 8.
Members of the task force and volunteers plan to visit more than 400 area businesses, including some located in Hot Springs, Sturgis and Wall.
State and federal authorities have conducted undercover sex trafficking operations during previous rallies. The operations have led to several arrests and convictions.
The task force includes representatives of local, state and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations.