For Those Who Cannot Speak: Keeslyn Noelle Roberts
The Disappearance of Keeslyn Noelle Roberts and the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Introduction
On January 18, 2020, 20-year-old Keeslyn Noelle Roberts vanished under suspicious circumstances from the Flying J truck stop in Resaca, Georgia. Despite ongoing investigations and her family's relentless search for answers, Keeslyn remains missing. Her case raises broader concerns about the risks of human trafficking at truck stops, which have become notorious locations for trafficking recruitment, abduction, and exploitation. In this blog post, we explore the details of Keeslyn’s case, the dangers posed by truck stops, and the organizations working to combat human trafficking in these high-risk locations.
Who Is Keeslyn Noelle Roberts?
Keeslyn, affectionately known as "Butterfly" by her family, was born on October 22, 1999, to Shannon and Eric Roberts in Dalton, Georgia. As their only child, she is deeply loved and cherished. Her father, Eric, owned and operated a trucking company, which gave her some familiarity with the industry.
Like many young adults, Keeslyn had faced personal struggles. She had become involved with a group that introduced her to drugs, leading to legal troubles. In March 2018, she was arrested for possession of marijuana and other related charges. Despite these challenges, she was reportedly making efforts to turn her life around, regularly attending probation meetings and attempting to rebuild her future.
At the time of her disappearance, she was living with her boyfriend in Chatsworth, Georgia. Her parents have since been relentless in their search for answers, organizing community efforts, engaging with law enforcement, and keeping her case in the public eye through social media. Their unwavering determination speaks to the deep love they have for their daughter. They could use all the support and information we can gather! Someone saw something that day, someone knows where Keeslyn is! It's time to come forward and speak your truth so this family can find peace.
The Events Leading to Her Disappearance
Keeslyn was last seen at the Flying J truck stop in Resaca, Georgia. Reports suggest she entered a restricted area of the establishment, leading to an altercation with an employee. She left the scene before law enforcement arrived, leaving behind critical personal belongings—including her backpack, wallet, and car keys. Two days later, her vehicle was discovered abandoned at the truck stop.
Despite numerous searches and ongoing investigations, Keeslyn remains missing. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear, and her family has expressed frustration over the lack of answers and tangible progress in the case.
Truck Stops: A Hotspot for Human Trafficking
Truck stops are unfortunately known for being high-risk locations for human trafficking. Their strategic locations along major highways, the anonymity they provide, and the transient nature of truck drivers and travelers make them attractive places for traffickers to operate. Victims of trafficking are often coerced into prostitution, with many being moved from location to location to avoid detection.
Because truck stops provide 24/7 services, they often attract individuals who may be vulnerable—runaways, individuals struggling with addiction, and those experiencing homelessness. The possibility that Keeslyn could have encountered a trafficker at the truck stop cannot be ruled out. Cases like hers highlight the importance of raising awareness about the dangers that lurk at these locations.
Efforts to Combat Trafficking at Truck Stops
Several organizations have stepped up alongside Battle2be to combat human trafficking in the trucking industry. These include:
Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT): Founded in 2009, TAT is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers truck drivers to recognize and report signs of human trafficking. Their training has led to numerous trafficking victims being rescued.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Initiatives: The FMCSA’s “Your Roads, Their Freedom” campaign aims to raise awareness about human trafficking in the commercial vehicle industry, educating drivers and transportation employees on how to recognize and report potential trafficking incidents.
National Human Trafficking Hotline: This hotline operates 24/7 and provides a confidential avenue for reporting suspected trafficking activities. Truck drivers and the public are encouraged to use this resource to help identify and rescue victims.
Additionally, some trucking companies now display missing persons posters on their trailers, increasing visibility for unsolved cases like Keeslyn’s and keeping these individuals in the public eye.
Conclusion
Keeslyn’s disappearance remains a painful mystery, but her family’s fight for answers continues. Her case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that exist at truck stops and the need for continued vigilance and action against human trafficking.
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Keeslyn Noelle Roberts, please contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at 706-624-1424.
Raising awareness, supporting anti-trafficking organizations, and reporting suspicious activity can save lives. Join us in spreading the word and taking action to help prevent tragedies like Keeslyn’s.
If you would like to support RISEUP Phoenix Trauma and Crisis Institute and Battle2be you can donate to our continued efforts to fight human trafficking at battle2be.org or join one of our education and training programs at riseuppheonix.org
Additional Resources:
Truckers Against Trafficking: truckersagainsttrafficking.org
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733
Georgia Bureau of Investigation: 706-624-1424
