WATCH: Human trafficked teen sheds light on reality of crisis in S.C.

A recent human trafficking case solved by the Richland County Sheriff's Department emphasizes the reality of the crisis in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — A recent human trafficking case solved by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department emphasizes the reality of the crisis in South Carolina.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says investigators brought a 16-year-old back to her family, after she was held against her will, forced to sell her body for sex. Deputies say they found the teen at the Econo Lodge at 7700 Two Notch Rd. in Columbia on January 6. Her mother reported her missing December 26.

Authorities say 22-year-0ld Daytron Hoefer is charged with human trafficking, kidnapping, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and simple possession of marijuana.

“We’re gonna come after you,” Sheriff Lott says. “We’re not gonna allow you to pimp ’em. We’re not going to allow you to turn ’em into slaves. We’re gonna come after you and we’re gonna prosecute you.”

January just happens to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley declared the same proclamation for the state this week.

“The average citizen has got to take a stand and make his or her mark against these criminals, who are destroying the lives of our people,” S.C. Lt. Governor Henry McMaster said in a press conference addressing the proclamation Tuesday.

The Richland County Human Trafficking Task Force has already been working with community members to fight the crisis.

“We’re not willing to stick our heads in the sand, and pretend it’s not happening in our community,” task force member, and Richland County Councilman Jim Manning says.

Richland County Victims Services Unit Lt. Heidi Jackson says often times, the victims are high-school aged girls, seduced by young men who act like their boyfriend. Jackson says it’s a “grooming” process. It’s not something that happens overnight. As a parent, she says to look for warning signs, like if your child disappears for long periods of time.

“Usually the female, or person who is being purchased, is somewhat involved in it, not realizing what they’re getting into,” Jackson says.

Lexington resident Megan Madsen was forced into the sex trade when she went to a job interview in San Diego in 2008.

“The man who exploited me, took pictures of me, changed my name, and posted them online for men to purchase not only essential massage, but also my body against my will,” she says. “It was a living nightmare.”

Madsen says she escaped after three days, though the pain lasted long after the case was closed in court. In the eight years since the ordeal, she has finally gotten help, and she’s realized that there is light at the end of the darkness.

If you, or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please, call the national hotline at 1-888-373-7888. The phone number is staffed 24 hours/day.