DALLAS — Rep. Brenda Pugh said Thursday’s human trafficking event at Dallas High School was deemed “highly impactful” and it has received tremendous feedback from community members, law enforcement and advocacy groups.
To help educate residents on the prevalence of human trafficking, Rep. Pugh hosted “Behind the Screen: How to Protect Your Children from Human Trafficking in a Digital World.”
The event, held at Dallas High School, was designed to educate the public and build coordinated action to combat human trafficking. Rep. Pugh said the event was hailed as a major success — and it has sparked widespread demand for similar programs across the region.
Rep. Pugh said the centerpiece of the event was a powerful panel discussion featuring:
• District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce (Luzerne County).
• District Attorney Joe Peters (Wyoming County).
• Heather Castellino, Chief Deputy Attorney General and expert in human trafficking prosecution.
• Representatives from the Northeast Pennsylvania Task Force Against Human Trafficking.
• Chaz Balogh of ourrescue.org.
Rep. Pugh said these leaders shared critical insights into the scope of human trafficking in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the signs to watch for, the legal tools available to combat traffickers, and survivor-centered approaches to justice and recovery.
“This is not just a national or global issue — it’s happening right here in our communities,” said Rep. Pugh, R-Dallas Township. “Events like this empower the public to be part of the solution.
“The feedback has been overwhelming. We’ve already received multiple requests to bring this program to other parts of the district — and we fully intend to do so.”
With strong support from both state and local leadership, Rep. Pugh said the planning team is working with community partners to schedule additional human trafficking awareness events throughout the coming months.
The 120th Legislative District includes the boroughs of Courtdale, Exeter, Forty Fort, Kingston, Luzerne, Pringle, Swoyersville, West Wyoming and Wyoming and the townships of Dallas, Exeter, Franklin, Jackson and Kingston in Luzerne County.