A Local Force Making a National Impact
Ray County, Mo. – While human trafficking may seem like a distant issue, an elite team of law enforcement experts is tackling this crisis from right here in Ray County. The Ray County Counter Human Trafficking Task Force operates not just locally but nationally, leveraging deep expertise and law enforcement credentials to rescue victims and dismantle trafficking networks across the country. Operating under the umbrella of the Ray County Sheriff’s Office, the Task Force is led by Captain Amy Sisson, and Deputy Ben Gatrost. What began as a local initiative has evolved into a vital resource for agencies nationwide, offering training, intelligence, and operational support at no cost to law enforcement partners.
Recent Operation Brings Predators to Justice
A recent multi-day operation led by the Task Force, in cooperation with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations – Kansas City, resulted in several arrests and the rescue of multiple trafficking victims. The sting operation, conducted on Jan. 23 and 24, led to the arrest of two men attempting to meet what they believed to be a 14-year-old girl for sex. These individuals, Jose Trinidad-Diaz, 33, of Kansas City, Mo./Mexico, and Dominic Shelby, 34, of Kansas City, Kan., were instead met by undercover officers and taken into custody.
Following the initial operation, law enforcement continued investigations that led to further arrests. On Jan. 30, Josue Rivera, 27, of Kansas City, Kan., was arrested for attempting to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex. Similarly, on Feb. 5, Samuel J. Weisse, 34, of Leavenworth, Kan., was taken into custody after arranging a meeting with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. Both men were charged with felony attempted child enticement and are being held on $25,000 bonds.
At the same time as the predator operation, investigators conducted a victim advocacy effort at a Clay County hotel. Investigators responded to online ads that were placed to attract potential victims, resulting in 27 sex workers responding to the site. Of those, 13 accepted services from advocacy organizations aimed at helping them leave a life of sex trafficking and exploitation.
Covert Operations and Victim Recovery
The Task Force conducts operations targeting both perpetrators and victims of human trafficking. They utilize advanced digital forensic techniques, intelligence gathering, and direct intervention to locate and remove individuals from dangerous situations.
“There is nothing like watching these guys manipulate suspects online, set up a sting, and then see the take-down team in action,” said Sheriff Gary Blackwell. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to know we’re stopping people who are preying on our kids.”
Traffickers often lure their victims through social media platforms, making it critical for law enforcement to stay ahead with digital surveillance. Predators pose as friendly acquaintances, offering gifts, compliments, and promises of love or a better life. Over time, they use emotional coercion, blackmail, and even threats to control their victims. Many victims initially believe they are in a genuine relationship, only to find themselves trapped in exploitative situations they cannot escape.
Collaboration with National Partners
The Task Force’s reach extends beyond Ray County. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) provides intelligence on high-risk juveniles, aiding in victim recovery. Analysts from the Task Force work closely with NCMEC to identify and track missing children, often leading to successful recoveries within hours of receiving reports.
One notable case involved a 14-year-old girl who had been missing for weeks from Texas. Within four hours of launching an investigation, the Task Force pinpointed her location in the Bronx, N.Y. Homeland Security agents conducted a raid, recovering the girl from the residence of an adult male suspected of trafficking her.
“We were able to track her using analytical tools and social media forensics,” said Deputy Gatrost. “Without law enforcement credentials, private organizations wouldn’t have access to these tools. That’s why our Task Force is so effective.”
Gatrost emphasized that the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and NGOs supporting the Task Force is unlike anything else he knows of. “It’s rare to see a coalition where law enforcement and advocacy groups work this seamlessly together,” he said. “We’re combining law enforcement expertise with survivor-centered aftercare, and it’s making a real impact.”
The Cycle of Exploitation
Sisson and Gatrost emphasized that trafficking is deeply tied to the commercial sex industry and substance abuse. Traffickers exert control through addiction, threats, and manipulation, making it difficult for victims to escape.
“It’s like domestic violence, but with even more complexities,” said Captain Sisson. “People ask, ‘Why don’t they leave?’ but many have nowhere to go.”
Traffickers also exploit the vulnerabilities of youth by targeting those with low self-esteem, unstable home lives, or histories of abuse. They manipulate victims into dependence, often providing drugs to create addiction and deepen their control. These tactics make it harder for victims to seek help or escape the cycle of exploitation.
Task Force operations often include collaboration with advocacy organizations that provide aftercare, including trauma-informed counseling, housing, and addiction recovery services. Groups such as Relentless Pursuit, Value Unconditional, and ReHope have partnered with the Task Force to offer long-term support for survivors.
Growing Concerns and Regional Trends
The Kansas City metro area has seen increasing trafficking activity, exacerbated by major events drawing large crowds. Task Force members noted a spike in out-of-state traffickers during events like the AFC Championship game, with perpetrators flying victims in to meet demand. Law enforcement anticipates similar challenges with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to bring more than 600,000 visitors to the region.
“It’s good business for traffickers,” Blackwell said. “Where there’s money, there’s exploitation.”
Public Awareness and Prevention
Law enforcement officials urge parents to remain vigilant about children’s online activity. Many trafficking cases originate from social media platforms, where predators groom and manipulate victims into exploitative situations.
Traffickers can reach youth through platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as in gaming communities where conversations take place in private voice chats. The anonymity of these platforms allows traffickers to build trust over time, sometimes impersonating people their victims know in real life.
“Parents need to have open conversations with their kids,” Gatrost emphasized. “Let them know they can come to you if something doesn’t feel right.”
The Task Force also collaborates with organizations like the Safe House Project, which provides emergency housing and long-term rehabilitation services for trafficking survivors. Through partnerships with both law enforcement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), officials hope to disrupt the cycle of exploitation and create safer pathways for victims to rebuild their lives.
A Call to Action
Despite their successes, Task Force members acknowledge that trafficking remains an uphill battle. They rely on community engagement, interagency collaboration, and continued funding from private donors who believe in their mission.
“There’s no single solution,” Sisson said. “It takes law enforcement, advocacy groups, and community members all working together to make a difference.”
Anyone with information on human trafficking or missing persons cases is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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