In its first year of operation, the Aurora Police Department (APD) Human Trafficking Unit opened 53 investigations, resulting in 28 arrests and the recovery of 29 survivors, which includes 15 minors. [1]
## Key Operation Details
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* Timeline: The dedicated unit was established in September 2025 and focused primarily on sex trafficking and victims aged 21 and under.
* The Team: Led by Sgt. Joseph Sullivan, the small, highly focused team consists of three detectives and a supervising sergeant.
* Methodology: APD works alongside human services officials, victim advocates, and nonprofit organizations to ensure a survivor-centered approach while holding exploiters accountable. [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
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## Prominent Suspects & Notable Cases
The unit released information on several high-profile suspects, believing they may be connected to additional victims: [4]
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* Marshae Wheelock (24): Tied to multiple human trafficking and sexual exploitation cases spanning several years involving child victims. Wheelock faces severe charges across Arapahoe and Adams district courts, including trafficking a minor for sexual servitude and child pimping. [2, 4, 7]
* Abney, Goode, and Hester: Investigators identified Aja Abney (20), Dasjuan Goode (38), and Damara Hester (32) as co-conspirators connected to a separate exploitation case, all facing charges in Adams District Court. [7]
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Note: In an independent but related push against child exploitation, Aurora police also conducted a separate internet-luring sting that netted an additional 13 arrests. [7]
## Community Resources
The Aurora Police Department urges anyone with information regarding human trafficking to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain entirely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. For more updates on local safety initiatives, visit the [Aurora Police Department Official Portal]
If you would like, I can provide more details on:
* The specific criminal charges faced by the suspects
* What Sgt. Joseph Sullivan shared about how traffickers exploit vulnerable youth
* How to identify and report signs of human trafficking
Let me know how you want to proceed.
[1] [https://nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2026/10/08/us-news/inside-how-human-traffickers-exploit-vulnerable-kids-needs-thats-how-they-get-in/)
[2] [https://www.facebook.com](https://www.facebook.com/AuroraCOPD/posts/aurora-human-trafficking-unit-nets-28-arrests-29-recoveries-in-year-1its-been-on/1509758057855713/)
[3] [https://www.westernslopenow.com](https://www.westernslopenow.com/news/aurora-police-recover-29-human-trafficking-survivors-in-first-year-of-dedicated-unit/)
[4] [https://www.denver7.com](https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/aurora-pd-human-trafficking-unit-makes-28-arrests-in-the-first-year-and-recovers-29-survivors)
[5] [https://www.foxnews.com](https://www.foxnews.com/us/colorado-police-sergeant-reveals-human-traffickers-target-vulnerable-children-happening-backyard)
[7] [https://www.fox21news.com](https://www.fox21news.com/news/aurora-police-recover-29-human-trafficking-survivors-in-first-year-of-dedicated-unit/)
[8] [https://www.9news.com](https://www.9news.com/video/news/crime/auroras-human-trafficking-unit-rescued-nearly-30-survivors-in-first-year-department-says/73-d43422be-efcf-4287-b96c-9ca0b345ea91)
