Full Breakdown
Aurora Police Department’s First-Year Human Trafficking Unit Shows Early Impact
By Drooid · · How we work
Launch and Mandate
In September 2025 the Aurora Police Department (APD) created a three-detective Human Trafficking Unit focused on sex trafficking of persons 21 and younger. The unit’s purpose, as described by APD Investigations Bureau Commander Marc Paolino, is to place survivors at the center of investigations while aggressively pursuing offenders.
First-Year Outcomes
During its inaugural year the unit opened 53 investigations, arrested 28 suspects and recovered 29 survivors, including 15 minors. A notable case involved a 16-year-old girl who was trafficked for shelter, drugs or food after being abandoned by her boyfriend; she later died of an overdose. The unit also conducted a February undercover sweep that rescued another 16-year-old and led to three suspect arrests. APD Deputy Chief Mark Hildebrand highlighted the arrest of Marshae Wheelock, 24, of Aurora, linking her to multiple alleged child-exploitation cases.
Official Statements & Responses
Sgt. The department notes collaboration with local nonprofits such as From Silence to Saved, the Colorado Cyber Guardian Task Force, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to provide victims with ongoing support.
Community Partnerships & Prevention
He advises parents to monitor online activity and watch for warning signs such as unexplained cash or sudden changes in appearance. The unit welcomes all tips and works with human-services officials, victim-advocacy groups, and federal partners to identify and meet victims’ needs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is happening in our backyard, not just in those other places,” — Sgt. Joseph Sullivan
- “Having a dedicated unit helps lower their overall caseload and allows them to apply the time and effort that these cases deserve,” — Sgt. Joseph Sullivan
- “There is some kind of need that a trafficker identifies to exploit, and that’s how they get in,” — Sgt. Joseph Sullivan
- “There really is no boundary on where we see victims,” — Sgt. Joseph Sullivan
- “We don’t turn away any kind of tips,” — Sgt. Joseph Sullivan