33 arrested on sex trafficking charges in Atlanta ahead of the Super Bowl

Prakash Dhamshala crosses over the Northside Drive pedestrian bridge from the Vine City MARTA station, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Atlanta, on his way to the Georgia World Congress Center in front of an evolving Super Atlanta Skyline that is being transformed by giant graphics on buildings and rising structures for Super Bowl LIII. The big game will be held on Feb. 3, 2019, at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (John Spink/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) John Spink / Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP

By Associated Press

January 31, 2019

1 minute to read

ATLANTA (AP) — Authorities say 33 people have been arrested in Atlanta on sex trafficking charges ahead of the Super Bowl.

Homeland Security Investigations Agent Nick Annan tells The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the arrests happened this week, but declined to discuss case specifics due to ongoing investigations.

Authorities say four victims have already been rescued. Advocates for sex trafficking victims say sex traffickers are attracted to large sporting events, such as this Sunday’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots.

Douglasville police say 16 people were arrested last week as part of an undercover operation whose timing was related to the Super Bowl. Atlanta police Chief Erika Shields says planning for Super Bowl security began over two years ago. Dozens of local, state and federal agencies are assisting with security.