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GWINNETT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE HIGHLIGHTS TRACE UNIT INITIATIVES IN COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND CHILD EXPLOITATION

GCSO

Aug 5, 2025

News Release

(Gwinnett County, Ga., August 5, 2025) – The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office continues its mission to serve and protect through the work of its Trafficking and Child Exploitation (TRACE) Unit. Created in 2021, the TRACE Unit was established to investigate and dismantle organized criminal networks engaged in human trafficking, gang activity, vice crimes, and crimes involving child exploitation. Since its inception, the unit has partnered closely with local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI, DEA, GBI, and municipal law enforcement, to bring perpetrators to justice.


TRACE’s efforts extend beyond enforcement. The unit prioritizes a victim-centered approach, integrating trauma-informed practices and support services into every operation. Working with key partners such as Gwinnett County Juvenile Court, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Mosaic Georgia, and the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators (IAHTI), TRACE ensures survivors receive critical resources and follow-up care.


Each year, the unit conducts successful victim recovery operations and arrests perpetrators of child crimes. In 2024, TRACE dismantled 28 trafficking networks, with several cases leading to the reunification of families affected by trafficking. The unit enhanced its capabilities by implementing Electronic Storage Detection technology to better identify and apprehend predators during Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operations.


“It’s about more than just combating crime. It’s about rebuilding lives and connecting survivors with essential services,” said Chief Cleo Atwater. “We remain committed to educating law enforcement professionals about human trafficking and child exploitation, prioritizing proactive strategies, strengthening partnerships, and raising community awareness.”


The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity. To submit a tip to the TRACE Unit, call 770.619.6655 or visit GwinnettCountySheriff.org.


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770.619.6500​

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2900 University Parkway

Lawrenceville, GA 30043

 

Disclaimer: The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office (“Office”) represents that it takes reasonable efforts so that no viruses, trojan horses, worms, spyware, back doors, email bombs, malicious code, or similar items (“malware”) are electronically transmitted through its publicly assessable electronic systems. Those accessing the Office electronic systems, warrant that they have taken reasonable efforts to prevent infiltration of any malware. They also agree to hold the Gwinnett Sheriff’s Office harmless from the transmission of malware, and that the Office is not liable for any malware caused actual or collateral damage.

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