Chatham County Sheriff’s Office looks into more than 20 individuals after rescuing underage girl from human trafficking ring

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office shared details on the rescue of a 15-year-old girl and the arrest of her suspected trafficker. He shared the latest developments during a news conference Wednesday. He also issued a warning to others involved in what one official called a ‘human trafficking empire.”

The case began just a day after the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office launched its new Human Trafficking Initiative on Sept. 25. Working with law enforcement in Oklahoma, the new unit began a joint operation involving a missing 15-year-old girl believed to be in “grave danger” in the Savannah area.

“We saved her from the streets, we saved her from the terrorists of human trafficking,” said Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman.

Following the rescue, the investigation identified Iven Dwane Richardson, 30, of Alabama, as the primary suspect. He was arrested without incident outside a Savannah apartment complex. Richardson faces a host of felony charges, including trafficking in persons for sexual servitude, aggravated child molestation, and statutory rape.

However, Captain Gene Harley, of Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, said the investigation revealed that 20 other people could have been involved.

Officials also believe many of these individuals are local residents.

“This investigation reveals a horrific truth, there are monsters amongst us, but it also confirms something equally important, this agency is prepared to hunt them,” said Captain Harley.

Officials emphasized that this case highlights the critical need for their newly formed Human Trafficking Unit.

Sheriff Coleman delivered a direct warning to anyone who participated in the exploitation of the young victim, or any other victim of trafficking.

“To every individual who participated in this horrific act, we will find you, we will bring you to justice. We have a nice home for you right here in the Chatham County jail,” said Sheriff Coleman.

Law enforcement urged the public to be their eyes and ears, reinforcing the saying, “if you see something, say something.”

“I want to assure the citizens of Chatham County, we will not stop until we get these monsters off of our streets,” said Coleman.

The investigation into Richardson and other individuals involved is ongoing.