Underage girl rescued from sex trafficking operation in Chatham County

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - An underage girl was rescued from a sex trafficking operation at a hotel near the I-95 and Hwy 204 corridor, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said today in a statement.

In a press release just delivered to the WTOC newsroom, the Sheriff’s Office says, “Late yesterday evening, the department received a report regarding a missing juvenile female believed to be a victim of sex trafficking.”

“In coordination with the Oklahoma Police Department, deputies launched an immediate search for the runaway, who was believed to be in the Chatham County area,” the release states.

Officials say that deputies located and safely recovered the young girl “at a hotel near the Interstate 95 and Highway 204 corridor.”

The release states the young girl was a runaway, and was “involved in a suspected sex trafficking ring.”

She is now receiving the appropriate care, support, and services, CCSO says.

A male suspect has been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing.

This rescue took place today, September 26, 2025, just one day after Sheriff Richard Coleman held a press conference announcing the department’s new Human Trafficking Initiative.

I talked about how relevant human trafficking is both nationally and in our own community and this operation is a painful reminder of how true those words are.

We will continue to be a voice for the victims and do everything in our power to protect them from these vicious monsters.

This collaborative effort with other law enforcement agencies and the community proves 'Together We Can!'

Sheriff Coleman, Chatham County Sheriff's Office