Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Human Trafficking Prevention Committee to Launch “Look Before You Book” Campaign

For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Friday, Feb. 6 at 9:30 a.m.

Isiah Leggett Executive Office Building

Lobby Level Auditorium, 101 Monroe St., Rockville

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will be joined by the Human Trafficking Prevention Committee and representatives from the Montgomery County Police Department, State’s Attorney’s Office and other integral County agencies to unveil a public education campaign, “Look Before You Book.” The campaign’s goal is to educate the public on how to identify legally operating massage and bodywork establishments and recognize the warning signs of illegal operations that may be linked to human trafficking and labor exploitation. The campaign urges the public to report suspicious activity to the police and choose licensed providers.

WHAT: Launch of “Look Before You Book” public education campaign

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 6 at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Isiah Leggett Executive Office Building, Lobby Level Auditorium, 101 Monroe St., Rockville

WHO:

• Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich
• Wendy Stickle, chair, Human Trafficking Prevention Committee
• Montgomery County Councilmember Dawn Luedtke
• Captain John O'Brien, Special Investigations, Montgomery County Police Department
• Sheila Bagheri, deputy chief, Special Victims’ Division, State’s Attorney’s Office
• Kenneth Welch, administrator, Licensing and Regulatory Services, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services,
• Rosalia Scotman, manager, Trauma Services, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
• Tiffany Smith-Williams, executive director, Maryland Board of Acupuncture, Maryland Department of Health

The press conference can also be viewed live on the County's Facebook page, YouTube, and County Cable Montgomery.

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Media Contact: Nordea Lewis 240-962-0315