Buffalo Man Arrested After Human Trafficking Task Force Investigation

LANCASTER, N.Y. - Erie County Sheriff John Garcia announces the arrest of Andrell Montgomery, 21, of the City of Buffalo after a Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force investigation yielded a charge of Sex Trafficking of a Child.

On June 27, 2024, Town of Lancaster Police Detectives identified a potential juvenile female being sex trafficked in a motel located within their town. Together with Detectives from the Erie County Sheriff's Office Human Trafficking Unit, officers conducted an undercover operation which resulted in the arrest of Montgomery for the charge of Sex Trafficking of a Child. A 16-year-old juvenile female was safely turned over to family and will be connected to survivor services. Andrell was arraigned before the Lancaster Town Justice, Honorable David Stabler and remanded to the Erie County Holding Center on $10,000 cash bail.

Sheriff Garcia commends the hard work and proactive response of the Lancaster Police Department. The Erie County Sheriff's Office and the Lancaster Police Department work collaboratively as members of the Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force.

"It's extremely important to encourage cooperation between agencies and community partners to combat and bring awareness to the victimization and tragic consequences of human trafficking," said Sheriff Garcia. "If you suspect someone is being coerced into sex or labor acts, please act by calling the local authorities or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Together, we can make a positive impact on our community."

"The result of this investigation is indicative of the great teamwork between the Lancaster Police Department, the Erie County Sheriff's Office and all members of the Human Trafficking Task Force," said Lancaster Police Chief William Gummo. "This task force is a valuable asset to law enforcement across Western New York."

The Western District of New York Human Trafficking Task Force is a multi-disciplinary task force that brings law enforcement and social service agencies together to identify and investigate human trafficking utilizing a victim centered and trauma informed response.

Fri, 06/28/2024 - 12:00 pm