Human Trafficking
Jennifer Mayerle happily returned to Minnesota and WCCO, where she began her career as a summer intern. The Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist returned to WCCO as a reporter in 2014 and later also anchored WCCO Saturday Morning for 6 years. Then in early 2024 she focused on her new role as Senior Investigative Reporter. Her current work is focused on human trafficking.“The number one mistake parents and caregivers make is believing that ‘it will never happen to my child,’ and not proactively educating children on how to spot risks online. I call this the arrogance of disbelief.” Dorrian Horsey, attorney at Minc Law.
Jennifer likes to tell stories that positively impact the community. Her investigations have exposed gaps in law, prompted federal and state Attorney Generals investigations, launched legislative hearings and the passage of state laws designed to protect people while holding businesses and people accountable.
In 2019, Jennifer began her yearslong investigation into Water Gremlin's manufacturing plant with a history of pollution, which led to Minnesota's notable status as the first state in the country to ban the toxic cancer-causing chemical TCE. Her investigation documented the migration of lead into worker's homes and the poisoning of children, which forced the state to order the temporary shutdown of the plant and ultimately court oversight of its operations. Water Gremlin filed for bankruptcy in 2023 following many lawsuits accusing the plant of causing cancer, chronic illness and wrongful death.
Jennifer led the team that won an Emmy for the groundbreaking special "State of Policing." The killing of George Floyd provoked widespread outrage and demands for changes in policing. This special brought together law enforcement and the community for remarkably candid, informed discussions and an in-depth look at how training has evolved to meet demands for transparency and accountability.
Her ongoing series "Cost of Gunfire" explores the true cost to the persons, families and community. Stories focus on those who survived, as well as the trauma endured by family and loved ones, the doctors and nurses who work to save lives, and community members who witness the aftermath of gunfire and offer hope and healing to those affected.
Jennifer was on the 'CCO news team recognized with a regional Murrow award for its coverage of the Jacob Wetterling case. It marked the end of the mystery of who took the 11-year-old St. Joseph boy 27 years earlier.
She has also been recognized in Minnesota with numerous other awards. She felt particularly honored by her Murrow for Spreading Kindness: the uplifting story of a young girl with cancer who, along with her sisters, formed a friendship with their garbage men, exchanging greetings on their arrival with signs, happy waves, excitement and smiles.
Just prior to joining WCCO, Jennifer worked at CBS in Atlanta, where she was recognized for excellence in reporting and for community involvement. Her in-depth look at the long-lasting impact of concussions and repeated hits to the head to athletes from youth to the pro level helped prompt Georgia legislators to pass The Return to Play Act, a law designed to protect young athletes.
She was born and raised in Edina and graduated from the University of San Diego