(March 3, 2026) – Last month, the Aurora Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit was recognized for its tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to supporting survivors of human trafficking.
Hosted by From Silenced to Saved, a Denver-based nonprofit that provides support to human trafficking survivors, along with the FBI Denver Field Office, the awards ceremony recognized eight individuals for their exceptional dedication to combating human trafficking across Colorado. Among those honored was Detective Adam Hughes of the Aurora Police Department’s recently created Human Trafficking Unit.
“While many work in this field professionally, our investigators and law enforcement partners honored earlier this month demonstrate a level of commitment that goes well beyond the job description,” said Aurora police Investigations Bureau Cmdr. Marc Paolino. “Their work reflects a calling rooted in dignity, justice and the belief that every survivor deserves validation and a path toward healing.”
In September, the Aurora Police Department formally established a dedicated Human Trafficking Unit in response to a recognized need for highly specialized investigators to focus on the complex, extensive and survivor-centered nature of human trafficking cases. The Aurora Police Department is one of just a few agencies in Colorado to create a dedicated Human Trafficking Unit, which is currently composed of two detectives and a supervising sergeant.
Department analysis determined individuals under the age of 21 are most vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation, and illegal activity is often facilitated on the internet. The Human Trafficking Unit was therefore partnered with the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit to leverage already-established local, state and federal partnerships and investigative resources through the Colorado Cyber Guardian Task Force.
The Human Trafficking Unit has been involved in 11 cases, identified and removed 15 victims, and filed cases against eight suspects. Several more investigations are active and ongoing.
Among those arrested is Avian Mayo, 30, who engaged in a variety of illegal activity while traveling between Colorado and Texas, including the pimping of adults, the human trafficking of a minor, narcotics, robberies and violent assaults. The Aurora Police Department first began investigating Mayo in February 2025. The case served as a catalyst for creating a dedicated human trafficking unit.
Mayo was arrested in May 2025 by the New Braunfels Police Department following a high-speed chase in Comal County, Texas. Mayo was wanted in Texas for narcotics, traffic and pimping charges. He was held on an Aurora Police Department warrant, also for pimping charges.
Despite his out-of-state arrest, Mayo continued to facilitate criminal activity – including the human trafficking of a 17-year-old female in Colorado – through jail phone calls to two Aurora accomplices; Isaac Taylor, 25, and Brisa Sierra-Silva, 24. All three suspects were charged Aug. 28 with pimping and human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude in Adams District Court.
“The Avian Mayo case demonstrates just how difficult it is to detect and investigate these disturbing crimes given the transient nature of offenders and the array of crimes they engage in, but that challenge only strengthens our resolve,” said Investigations Division Deputy Chief Mark Hildebrand. “Behind every case is a person whose safety, dignity and future have been threatened. We are committed to giving survivors a voice, providing support and protection, and holding those who exploit our community accountable.”
The Human Trafficking Unit operates under a two-pronged investigative model of targeted enforcement and victim removal and stabilization. Investigations proactively focus on offenders who solicit, facilitate or profit from commercial sexual exploitation. By leveraging a variety of community and governmental partnerships, investigators also focus on removing victims from exploitative environments and connecting them with resources for long-term access to services and support.
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
AP25-145952