Press Release: Former Special Agent Fiedler to Present

Via the Telegraph Herald article and the University of Dubuque website.

A free presentation on human trafficking and social media will take place at University of Dubuque next month. “Navigating the Dangers of Human Trafficking in Social Media” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 in Room 146 of the Charles and Romona Myers Center, according to a press release.

Ray Fiedler, coordinator for the Iowa Office to Combat Human Trafficking in the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, will deliver the presentation. Fiedler, a UD alumnus, is a retired special agent with Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and spent over 20 years in the Major Crimes Unit investigating homicide, kidnapping, sexual assault, burglaries and more. He currently trains public and private entities regarding human trafficking and assists agencies in investigating human trafficking cases. In 1985, Fiedler graduated from the University of Dubuque with a bachelor of science in mathematics and computer science. He minored in business administration.

The event is organized by UD’s Spartan Nation Liberation Foundation, a student organization committed to combatting human trafficking, and the Tri-State Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Slavery, a collaborative, faith-based network in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin that engages in education and advocacy in an effort to eradicate human trafficking.

Sister Marilou Irons, co-chair of the Tri-State Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Slavery, added, “It’s vital for parents to be aware of the extent of human trafficking in Iowa, understand the warning signs, and recognize the importance of maintaining open communication with their children on this critical issue.”

“It’s imperative for the Spartan Nation Liberation Foundation to host this event to assist in bringing awareness to the issue of human trafficking,” said Gianna Borzileri, a senior criminal justice major at UD from Denver, Colorado, and vice president of the foundation. “Unfortunately, as common as it is, becoming educated in recognizing the indicators and how to respond can lead us to a better understanding of how to attack it. Learning about such a major concern leads to stronger support for victims, tougher laws, and recognition of the severe human rights violations at play.”

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 888.373.7888.

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