Stories

Pamela Bryant has spent nearly two decades fighting human trafficking in LA County, co-founding Restoration Diversion Services (RDS) in 2009 and later stepping into its leadership. From folding tables and sidewalk outreach, she helped build RDS into a full continuum of care, hotel placements, court-coordinated diversion classes, and job opportunities for survivors, while also facing her own health battles along the way. As she now considers a shift toward an advisory role, her story reflects the patient, steady persistence at the heart of being a “seed of hope.”

She was sold at 12, rescued at 19, and the moment she held up her first piece of handmade jewelry, everything changed. This week, RFHT welcomed Wendy O'Neill, founder of Pearls with Purpose, who shared two decades of stories from the 1,100+ women she's helped find dignity, income, and freedom in nine countries around the world. Her message: real change isn't a handout, it's a hand up. 

Federal authorities announced significant developments in Operation Broken Blade, a human trafficking investigation targeting activity along Los Angeles' Figueroa Corridor. Officials say 25 people have been charged, nine were taken into custody during Wednesday's operation, and investigators have identified at least 51 victims, including minors. Prosecutors described the abuse endured by victims as severe and emphasized that the coordinated effort is focused on dismantling trafficking networks, rescuing survivors, and holding those responsible accountable.

LA County DA Nathan Hochman, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, and FIFA officials held a joint press conference warning residents and visitors about human trafficking, along with scams, counterfeit tickets, and hate crimes, ahead of LA hosting eight World Cup matches this summer. 
LA County DA's Office, June 1, 2026