Super Bowl attracts human trafficking

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WLFI) - As the Super Bowl draws near, one Indiana state senator is looking to close existing loopholes in laws regarding human trafficking and prostitution.

Senator Randy Head, a former Tippecanoe County Deputy Prosecutor, said human trafficking will be a major problem as visitors stream into Indiana for this year's Super Bowl. As a former deputy prosecutor for Tippecanoe County, Head said he's seen the type of scars human trafficking can leave on a child.

"I've seen first hand the devastating effect these types of crimes can have. And the state of Indiana certainly doesn't want the reputation of someone that turned the other cheek, or someone that allowed this kind of thing to go on," said Senator Head.

Indiana does have laws that punish human trafficking, but Senator Head feels those laws aren't strict enough. The bill he's proposing bumps up most offenses from a class B felony to a class A felony.

It would also make it illegal for any person to sell a child into the sex trade, as the wording stands now, it only prohibits a parent or guardian from trafficking a child.

Senator Head is hoping to have the bill read, approved and in place in time for Super Bowl Sunday on February  5.

"What we're trying to do is get a law in place for Indiana before all the tourists come to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl. And to let them know that we're going to broaden the definition of human trafficking and increase the penalty," said Senator Head.

The bill is set to be read the first day of the session in special committee.

Senator Head said the human trafficking problem does skyrocket during the Super Bowl because of the sheer number of people flooding in to the area in such a short space of time.

He's hoping tighter legislation will at least deter some potential offenders.