Daniel J. Steele
Criminal Investigator, Denver Police Department
Daniel J. Steele brings nearly 24 years of law enforcement expertise to the forefront of combating human sex trafficking. From his roles in the US Air Force to the Denver Police Department and the 18th Judicial District, Steele's commitment shines through. As a Sergeant, he led specialized units, managed crisis negotiations, and established the FBI Rocky Mountain Innocence Lost Task Force. Beyond investigations, Steele's influence extends to policy development and active participation in national and state-level anti-trafficking initiatives. His expertise has been showcased in documentary films like “Tricked” and “Live Through This,” and featured in national media coverage on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, K-Love, CBS News, among others. Steele's remarkable contributions have earned him prestigious awards, including the 2015 Colorado Attorney General’s Excellence in Law Enforcement Award and the 2013 Malone Prize for Visionary Leadership Fighting Sex Trafficking.
Rich Karlis
"The Barefoot Bronco"
Rich Karlis turned his love of woodworking into Barefoot Bronco Woodworking, established in 2021. Specializing in cutting boards, game boards, and charcuterie, Rich’s projects include pieces for a Michelin-starred NYC restaurant, the Denver Broncos, and custom walnut wine tasting tables. A former NFL kicker, Rich played nine seasons with the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions, earning 799 points and fame as the league’s last barefoot kicker. Rich also enjoyed a successful career in sports marketing, overseeing major sponsorships as CenturyLink’s senior director. He brokered deals with NFL, NBA, NHL, and Olympic organizations, including naming rights for the Seattle Seahawks stadium.
A dedicated philanthropist, Rich supports causes like the Denver Broncos Alumni Charities and serves on nonprofit boards. He holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Cincinnati and lives with his wife, Laura, on a ranch near Denver. They have five children.
A dedicated philanthropist, Rich supports causes like the Denver Broncos Alumni Charities and serves on nonprofit boards. He holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Cincinnati and lives with his wife, Laura, on a ranch near Denver. They have five children.
Lara Mullin
Senior Chief Deputy District Attorney at the Denver District Attorney's office
Lara Mullin is an Assistant District Attorney at the Denver District Attorney’s Office with 17 years of experience prosecuting homicides, human trafficking, child abuse, and sexual assault cases. She played a key role in creating and leading the DA’s Human Trafficking Unit until 2023. Lara has trained law enforcement and organizations nationwide on identifying trafficking and helped develop response protocols for Denver’s medical community and Sheriff’s Department.
In 2018, she helped draft and secure bipartisan support for two key trafficking laws: a safe harbor bill protecting juvenile victims and a wage theft bill targeting labor trafficking. Lara also consults for NW3C, contributing to a national Human Trafficking Prevention Curriculum for schools, and serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law. She earned her J.D. there in 2006 and clerked for Judge Catherine Lemon.
In 2018, she helped draft and secure bipartisan support for two key trafficking laws: a safe harbor bill protecting juvenile victims and a wage theft bill targeting labor trafficking. Lara also consults for NW3C, contributing to a national Human Trafficking Prevention Curriculum for schools, and serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law. She earned her J.D. there in 2006 and clerked for Judge Catherine Lemon.
