Human Trafficking Discussed At UCO

The numbers are what organizations want you to know.

John TV has found the average fine for picking up a prostitute in Oklahoma County is $100 or less.

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) has made 132 arrests relating to human trafficking since last year, and the not-for-profit No Boundaries has more than 450 encounters with prostitutes and sex traffickers.

All of this is discussed as these organizations work together to help victims of human trafficking.

"It was mind blowing to me," University of Central Oklahoma Junior Kal Dougherty, said the numbers are what grabbed her attention.

"I was like, what is happening," Dougherty said.

Dougherty said it was the stories that shocked her.

"I'm glad I came," added Dougherty. "It's crazy; I'm at a loss for words."

Dougherty was in the crowd of hundreds at UCO today discussing the issue of sex trafficking in Oklahoma City.

1/24/2014 Related Story: Oklahoma City Police Make Human Trafficking Bust

"This really boggles your mind and opens up to see there's more than what you think," Dougherty said.

Members of the panel included OBN John TV's Brian Bates who told stories of watching preachers pick up prostitutes.

"You think of lower income and people on drugs, but really this can be any demographic," Dougherty mentioned.

No Boundaries President Lori Basey also served on the panel. No Boundaries is an outreach organization providing clothes, job opportunities and counseling to victims of sex trafficking.

"Walk the girls out of such horror," Basey said.

Basey knows it will take everyone to defeat this issue.

"Spreading the news and letting people know," Dougherty stated.

"Try to mobilize to do something about modern day slavery in OKC," Basey added.

Another issue discussed today was sex trafficking moving to the Internet, something the organization leaders feel will take a whole new approach.