The Oshkosh Police Department arrested eight men in connection with human trafficking April 24 as a part of law enforcement’s efforts to combat trafficking during the NFL Draft in Green Bay.

“This operation was conducted in our efforts to work closely with our community advocacy groups in bringing awareness to human trafficking, especially during large community events,” OPD Public Affairs Officer Kate Mann said. “The Damascus Road Project Blitz the Draft initiative reached out to motels, hotels, gas stations and convenience stores in Winnebago and Outagamie counties to hand out information about red flags to look for to identify human trafficking prior to the 2025 NFL Draft.”

OPD’s undercover investigation led to the arrest of men ages 20-48 from Oshkosh, Appleton, Clintonville, Wautoma, Oakfield and one person from Florida for pandering.

The 41-year-old man from Wautoma was also arrested for felony bail jumping, and during the arrest of the group, law enforcement found a loaded handgun concealed in a waistband.

Mann said that OPD continues to work diligently to investigate human trafficking crimes throughout the city.

“For a variety of reasons, it can be very hard for human trafficking victims to get out of these situations,” Mann said. “We partner with local non-profit organizations so that resources can be quickly provided to victims … our door is always open to those seeking help, and we encourage anyone with information or concerns about human trafficking to come forward.”

If anyone has information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Oshkosh Police Department at 920-236-5700 or the Winnebago County Crime Stoppers at 920-231-8477.