Who's in the News?

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Joint Human Trafficking Operation Yields Key Arrest, Identification of At Least A Dozen Victims
Murfreesboro woman arrested, 12+ victims identified amid TN human trafficking investigation
NASHVILLE, Tenn.  — An ongoing investigation into a human trafficking ring in Middle Tennessee resulted in the arrest of a Murfreesboro woman and the identification of at least a dozen victims.
This fall, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said special agents in the Human Trafficking Unit developed information about a woman named “Yibi” — later identified as 50-year-old Yilibeth Rivero De Caldera of Murfreesboro — who was allegedly trafficking female Hispanic immigrants for commercial sex in Nashville.
Authorities said they identified more than a dozen victims, including seven women who accepted the resources offered through partner nonprofits, including Ancora TN, Rescue One Global, Thistle Farms, and Catholic Charities. Meanwhile, the TBI said De Caldera was taken into custody in Rutherford County before being transferred to Davidson County on warrants charging her with nine counts of trafficking for a commercial sex act.
As the investigation into this trafficking ring continues, officials said there is potential for additional arrests, charges, and victim identifications.
If you have any information about De Caldera or this criminal enterprise, you are asked to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Any victims who may need help are encouraged to call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484.
» https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/murfreesboro-woman-arrested-12-victims-identified-amid-human-trafficking-investigation/
» https://tbinewsroom.com/2023/12/15/joint-human-trafficking-operation-yields-key-arrest-identification-of-at-least-a-dozen-victims/ 

▫️Rochester man indicted of charges of sex trafficking and kidnapping
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Cordell Brooks, 28, of Rochester, NY, with sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and kidnapping. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between May and July 5, 2023, Brooks forced Victim 1 to engage in a commercial sex act. In addition, on July 5, 2023, Brooks kidnapped and abducted Victim 1.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/rochester-man-indicted-charges-sex-trafficking-and-kidnapping 

▫️Nine search warrants executed across Metro Detroit for alleged prostitution, human trafficking
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. - Detectives issued nine search warrants across Metro Detroit for an alleged prostitution and human trafficking investigation, the Macomb County Sheriff's Office announced Friday. The warrants covered four counties, and six specific municipalities, deputies said. 
The warrants included five Asian spas, two residential locations, and two hotel/casino rooms, according to the sheriff's office. 
https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/human-trafficking-prostitution-metro-detroit-search-warrants-macomb-county-sheriffs-office/ 

▫️Redmond police search for victims of accused sexual assault suspect
Christopher Remsing had a history of offering babysitting services to gain unsupervised access to young children, and preliminary investigations uncovered additional victims in the Puget Sound area.
The Redmond Police Department urges people to contact the department if they have information about Remsing or believe their child may be a victim. The police department can be reached at 425-556-2500.
https://www.bothell-reporter.com/news/redmond-police-search-for-victims-of-accused-sexual-assault-suspect/ 

▫️Tyler Humphreys arrested: Former Sharon Hill police officer charged with rape, sexual assault
SHARON HILL, Pennsylvania - A now-former police officer in Delaware County, who once worked as a school resource officer, is facing disturbing charges involving the sexual assault of minors. The allegations date back nearly a decade.
Tyler Humphreys, 21, is accused of forcing a 9-year-old boy to perform sex acts on him when he was reportedly 12 years old at the time.
Then in December 2022 in Charlestown Township, detectives say Humphreys gave a 15-year-old girl alcohol and waited until she was intoxicated and unconscious to rape her, according to authorities.
» https://6abc.com/tyler-humphreys-arrested-sharon-hill-officer-chester-county-rape-charges-academy-park-high-school/14189938/
» https://patch.com/pennsylvania/haverford/delco-cop-charged-child-rape-statutory-sex-assault-more 

▫️Hillsborough middle school teacher arrested on child sex charges
A Greco Middle School teacher has been arrested after “committing numerous sexual offenses against a juvenile and for possession of child pornography,” according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. James Goff, 56, of Valrico was arrested Friday and booked into a Hillsborough County jail, records show. He faces charges of promotion of a sexual performance by a child, lewd or lascivious battery and possession of child pornography, among others.
The investigation is ongoing, the sheriff’s office said in a news release, but at this point, “detectives do not believe any students were victimized and the crimes were not committed on school property.” The sheriff’s office requests that anyone who has information about Goff, or believes he may have acted inappropriately with them, call the agency at 813-247-8200.
» https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2023/12/15/hillsborough-teacher-arrest-child-sex-porn-charge-greco-middle-school/
» https://teamhcso.com/News/PressRelease/b172153e-d4bd-4b79-b2b5-7231746c341c/en-US 

▫️California preschool teacher facing child sex abuse charges
A Glendora woman who works as a preschool teacher has been arrested and faces child sex abuse charges related to an alleged sexual relationship with a 15-year-old and possession of child pornography.
Sherry Bernal, 33, was arrested by officers from the West Covina Police Department on Thursday as part of an investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security.
https://ktla.com/news/local-news/los-angeles-preschool-teacher-facing-child-sex-abuse-charges/ 

▫️Former County Commissioner Indicted on Multiple Child Sexual Abuse Charges
On Thursday, an Angelina County Grand Jury, empaneled by the 159th District Court issued two true bills of Indictment against Robert Garrison Cheshire, 55, for first-degree felony Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child for a Victim under 14 years of age. The indictments arose from incidents reported to have occurred in his Diboll residence, involving two of Cheshire’s family members.
Cheshire was removed from his position as County Commissioner by Visiting Judge John Delaney in July 2021, while awaiting trial on charges of Assault and Official Oppression.
https://montgomerycountypolicereporter.com/former-county-commissioner-indicted-on-multiple-child-sexual-abuse-charges/ 

▫️Haddon Heights School District staff member faces charges of child pornography
The Haddon Heights School District announced one of its high school staff members is in police custody. The school district sent out a letter announcing this on Thursday night. The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office said Joseph Dalessandro is facing charges of distributing and possessing child pornography.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, detectives received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of child sexual abuse material being uploaded from Dalessandro's IP address.
https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/joseph-dalessandro-haddon-heights-school-district-gloucester-county-prosecutors-office/ 

▫️Woodward Day Care Employee Sexually Assaulted 4-Year-Old While On The Job, Affidavit Says
An employee at a day care in Woodward was arrested for sexually abusing a 4-year-old girl while the suspect was on the job, court documents said. Police arrested 19-year-old Tyler Anthony Kniest on Tuesday on a complaint of child sexual abuse, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Police watched the surveillance video of Kniest’s classroom, which showed the suspect lying down next to the victim during nap time, according to the affidavit. The suspect then sexually assaulted her, the document said. The details of the alleged act are too graphic to be included in this article.
https://www.news9.com/story/657cbcf8ddc5f10644c57801/woodward-day-care-employee-sexually-assaulted-4-year-old-while-on-the-job-affidavit-says 

▫️Greenwood preschool let sex offender around kids, lawsuit says
GREENWOOD, Arkansas — A civil lawsuit filed on Dec. 12 accuses a preschool in Greenwood of knowingly allowing a convicted child predator around kids at the school, leading to long-term sexual abuse. 
Jamie Speaks, 54, who is one of the defendants in the case, is registered as a level two sex offender on the Arkansas Crime Information Center's Sex Offender Registry database. 
According to the lawsuit, Jamie was charged with molesting a 7-year-old who was in the care of him and his wife, Wanda Speaks, at their at-home daycare in Hackett in 1993. 
After the incident, Wanda closed the daycare and was hired at Miss Tina's around 1994, the document says.  The suit alleges that Tina Skaggs, the preschool's owner, knew of Jamie's criminal history when she hired Wanda.
https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/crime/lawsuit-greenwood-preschool-registered-sex-offender/527-b23a559a-d247-4b5e-8a44-b35534ec7da9 

▫️3, including business executive, charged with child trafficking in Waukesha, Milwaukee
A business executive who worked in the area and two other people have been charged with child trafficking in Waukesha and Milwaukee counties.
According to a Waukesha County criminal complaint, 50-year-old Chris Knuth of De Pere faces charges including trafficking of a child, sexual assault of a child, and child enticement. Knuth told police he comes to Waukesha almost every Monday and Tuesday and stays at the Comfort Inn, according to the complaint.
Police said they interviewed a 13-year-old girl, a runaway, who told them she went to his hotel room on Dec. 4 with a woman. There, he offered the two drugs, paid for sex with the woman, and then touched the 13-year-old sexually, according to the girl's interview with police.
» https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/3-including-business-executive-charged-with-child-trafficking-in-waukesha-milwaukee 
» https://youtu.be/LROBRWlpmKg VIDEO

▫️Lancaster County man arrested, charged with multiple child sex crimes
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa.  — A Lancaster County man has been arrested for multiple alleged child sex crimes.
According to a press release from police, officers were notified of a report of sexual abuse of a child on December 7th that occurred in the 1st block of Pennwick Drive over the course of several months.
Further investigation led to a probable cause for arrest for 28-year-old Walter Omar Hernandez-Sosof, of Lititz, who has been charged with the crimes of Rape of a Child, Unlawful Contact with a Minor, Aggravated Indecent Assault of a child less than 13, Incest of a Minor less than 13, Unlawful Restraint of a Minor, Indecent Assault of a child less than 13, Corruption of Minors, Endangering Welfare of Children, and Terroristic Threats.
https://local21news.com/news/local/lancaster-county-man-arrested-charged-with-multiple-child-sex-crimes-police 

▫️Federal grand jury indicts Dunkirk man on labor & trafficking and kidnapping charges
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging Augusto Mateo Francisco, 32, of Dunkirk, NY, with two counts of forced labor, one count of kidnapping a minor, and one count of transportation of a minor for the purpose of illegal sexual activity. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, Francisco facilitated the illegal entry of Guatemalan migrants into the United States and helped transport them to the Dunkirk area, where he would provide them with housing and work at area farms. Francisco would charge the migrants for their housing, rides to work, and for other items. He would also take a cut of the wages they earned working at the farms. Francisco threatened two individuals (Victim 1 and Victim 2), telling them that if they stopped working for him or if they did not pay back the money they purportedly owed to him, he would harm their families or would call immigration authorities and have them deported. 
In addition, Francisco pursued a sexual relationship with Minor Victim 1, a 16-year-old Guatemalan migrant who had come to the U.S. with her mother.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/federal-grand-jury-indicts-dunkirk-man-labor-and-sex-trafficking-and-kidnapping 

▫️Jason Allen Shepherd, 41,  arrested after driving to Houston to have sex with minor, Precinct 1 says

▫️Prospect Heights man pleads guilty to sexually abusing teenage boys
One half of a Prospect Heights couple accused of sexually abusing teenage boys has pleaded guilty, court records show. Anthony Wheeler, 31, was sentenced Wednesday to 45 years in prison, with credit for 2,451 days he’s already spent in custody, according to court records. Wheeler pleaded guilty to criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and child pornography in exchange for the sentences, according to court records.
His husband, co-defendant Christopher Wheeler, 37, next appears in court on Jan. 17.
Prosecutors say the Wheelers sexually abused boys they had invited into their home, including a teen related to them who authorities say had been beaten and sexually assaulted for five years.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20231216/news/prospect-heights-man-pleads-guilty-to-sexually-abusing-teenage-boys/ 

▫️Police: Dubuque man sexually assaulted multiple girls
Police said a Dubuque man sexually assaulted multiple girls under the age of 12.
Eric J. Adams, 57, of 154 W. 23rd St., was arrested at 6.20 a.m. today on a warrant charging three counts of second-degree sexual abuse and two counts of lascivious acts with a child. Documents state a girl told authorities that Adams — whom she knew — assaulted her multiple times six years ago when she was under the age of 11.
Soon after, two other girls — who also knew Adams — reported being sexually abused by him, documents state. Both girls were under the age of 10 at the time of the alleged assaults, documents state.
https://www.telegraphherald.com/news/tri-state/article_689d3a2c-9b58-11ee-8ea0-abfaf7fb7564.amp.html 

▫️Mother and son accused of pimping a woman for sex
Decatur, Ga.- DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announces a conviction by jury trial in the case of a Decatur area mother and son accused of pimping a woman for sex.
On Thursday, a jury found Vanessa Woods, 53, and her son, Allan Sanchez Woods, 30, guilty on charges of Pimping.   Additionally, Allan Woods was found guilty of Armed Robbery and Aggravated Assault stemming from an incident on April 25, 2022. 
https://www.dekalbda.org/news_detail_T6_R259.php 

▫️HSI Kansas City investigation leads to 40-year sentence for man who sexually exploited child | ICE
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A West Plains man was sentenced in federal court for the sexual exploitation of a 13-month-old child and distributing child sex abuse material following a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Kansas City probe.
Kenneth Howard Worthy, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The judge also sentenced Worthy to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration. Worthy must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
On Dec. 6, 2022, Worthy was found guilty at trial of one count of the sexual exploitation of a child by producing child pornography and one count of distributing child pornography.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/hsi-kansas-city-investigation-leads-40-year-sentence-man-who-sexually-exploited-child 

▫️ (UPDATE)  Victim shares statement at bond hearing for human trafficking suspects in St. Charles County
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — A judge denied the bond reduction for three men in St. Charles County accused of trafficking a 20-year-old Indian man. Venkatesh Sattaru, Nikhil Penmatsa, and Sravan Penumetcha are charged with multiple felonies and have been in jail without bond since their arrests at the end of November.
Prosecutors said the victim came to the United States from India on a student visa to attend college and stayed with Sattaru, who is his cousin. The victim was instead forced to perform daily chores, work for Sattaru's IT company and perform massages, was badly beaten, and was only allowed to sleep for three hours each day on a concrete floor while being watched on a live stream.
The victim was recently released from the hospital, after suffering multiple broken bones. The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 11.
» https://youtu.be/Ntp7AkkrbRw▫️Florida man faces the DEATH PENALTY after sexually abusing a child and filming it in first case of its kind under Gov. Ron DeSantis' new law
A Florida man could become first to face the death penalty under DeSantis's new law allowing prosecutors to seek capital punishment for sex crimes against children. 
Joseph Andrew Giampa, 36, has been hit by charges of sexual battery of a person younger than 12 after he allegedly videoed himself abusing a child.
The office of State Attorney William Gladson filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty for Giampa, citing the 'severity of the crime and its impact on the community, Tampa Bay reported.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12870043/Florida-man-Joseph-Giampa-death-penalty-law-DeSantis-sex-crime-child.htm 
https://youtu.be/dAPZNjWD0b4 data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==    

 

▫️Former Cook Children’s chaplain sentenced to 60 years in prison for recording sexual abuse of child
FORT WORTH, Texas - A Fort Worth man, who once served as chaplain at Cook Children's Hospital, was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison on Thursday for child pornography.
71-year-old Michael Downs pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children after he recorded himself sexually abusing a minor.
Plea papers say an investigation into Downs began in Jan. 2023 when a 17-year-old told her aunt she had been sexually abused by Downs and that he recorded it on an iPad.
» https://www.fox4news.com/news/cook-childrens-chaplain-child-pornography-michael-downs   (VIDEO)
» https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/retired-cook-childrens-chaplain-sentenced-60-year-child-pornography/
» https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/retired-texas-hospital-chaplain-sentenced-to-60-years-in-prison-for-child-pornography/501-d9611df4-50e9-416e-8faa-34e2f7b5bfa7 

▫️Man lifts the lid on what it was really like growing up in Warren Jeffs' polygamous Mormon CULT - where girls could be married off as young as 14 and 'men were living in fear'
A man has lifted the lid on what it was really like growing up in Warren Jeffs' polygamous Mormon cult - where girls could be married off as young as 14 and 'men were living in fear.' Popular YouTube creator Peter Santanello met with former members of the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints Church (FLDS) in Hildale, Utah.
Married couple Sam and Melissa grew up within the religion under the reign of Warren Jeffs - who has since been imprisoned for life on two felony counts of child sexual assault. 
He said: 'My mom was the second wife. That's a whole interesting story about how the wives got along and all of that - but my mom was the second and I am about the middle child of hers she had 12 kids.
'I have 36 siblings altogether.'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12850731/former-member-warren-jeffs-polygamous-mormon-cult.html 
_

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Migrants at stash house threatened with AK-47
EL PASO, Texas  –  A federal grand jury has indicted four alleged members of a significant Phoenix-based migrant smuggling organization.
Wednesday’s indictment charges Gustavo Villalobos Rios, Ediberto Hernadez Pineda, Omar Ramirez Martinez, and Jennifer Amancha Gonzalez with conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens. The four allegedly arranged transport for dozens of undocumented migrants that evaded apprehension from the border wall to one of two stash houses in Phoenix.
The defendants allegedly confiscated the migrants’ cell phones and kept them barefoot in a crowded bedroom they were not supposed to leave except to use the bathroom. They also demanded thousands of dollars for their release and threatened to kill them after one of their peers escaped, according to a federal criminal complaint. Migrants found at the Phoenix stash house and held as material witnesses identified Villalobos as the man who brandished an AK-47 style rifle and allegedly threatened to kill them in a rage after learning that one escaped, court records show.
https://www.borderreport.com/immigration/border-crime/migrants-at-stash-house-threatened-with-ak-47-rifle/ 

▫️Migrant kidnappers arrested; aid workers evacuated due to gunfire
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens on Friday said a collaborative effort with the Government of Mexico resulted in the arrest of several individuals allegedly preying on migrants trying to cross into the United States between ports of entry.
The collaboration “resulted in the arrest of seven criminals that had been extorting and kidnapping migrants within the Sonora, Mexico-Arizona corridor.
On the U.S. side, local news media on Friday reported how a gun battle just south of the border wall near Sasabe, Arizona, forced the evacuation of aid workers and a construction crew on Wednesday. The aid workers reported hearing continuous gunfire, and CBP arrested an armed man who crossed the border, laid down his weapon, and surrendered, according to the Arizona Daily Star.
https://www.borderreport.com/regions/arizona/migrant-kidnappers-arrested-aid-workers-evacuated-due-to-gunfire/ 

▫️Lancaster County man charged with rape of child
LITITZ, Pa. — A Lancaster County man has been charged with the rape of a child, Lititz Police said Friday. Walter Omar Hernandez-Sosof, 28, raped the victim multiple times for months, Lititz Police allege.
He is charged with rape of a child, unlawful contact with a minor, aggravated indecent assault of a child less than 13, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children, and terroristic threats, according to police.
https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/walter-hernandez-sosof-arrest-rape-child-lititz/521-c64b6274-dc76-4ee6-b0c2-9d9f10ca6439 

▫️Goodyear City Hall worker accused of child sex abuse, police say
GOODYEAR, AZ — A city of Goodyear employee was arrested Friday morning, accused of the sexual abuse of an underage victim, police say.
The alleged victim contacted the Goodyear Police Department, and the Special Victims Unit started its investigation into 43-year-old Miguel Alvarado of Goodyear. He was arrested at City Hall, north of McDowell Road on North Civic Square, before 9 a.m. Police say Alvarado was a facility technician for City Hall.
https://www.azfamily.com/2023/12/16/goodyear-city-hall-employee-accused-child-sex-abuse-police-say/ 

▫️Former Spalding County math teacher arrested for child molestation
SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — A former teacher at a Spalding County middle school is facing child sex crime charges. According to jail records, Tierra Harris, 28, was arrested on Friday and booked into the Spalding County Jail.
Her charges are listed as aggravated child molestation, sexual exploitation of children and theft by receiving stolen property. Further details of Harris’ alleged crimes were not readily available.
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/spalding-county/former-spalding-county-math-teacher-arrested-child-molestation/JJBIE6GBVVAUFDUF25GMTDCTHA/ 

▫️Greenville ISD high school teacher charged with intent to promote child porn
A high school teacher in the Greenville Independent School District has been arrested and placed on administrative leave for allegedly intending to promote child pornography. 
Corey Bankston was arrested and charged with multiple counts of possession with intention to promote child pornography. The sheriff's office said more charges could be filed against him pending further investigation.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/greenville-isd-high-school-teacher-charged-with-intent-to-promote-child-porn/3413555/ 

▫️Three arrested after $146,000 stolen in ‘sextortion’ scheme run from an SC prison
On Friday, the South Carolina Department of Corrections announced the arrests made by the department’s Inspector General for the three’s role in a “sprawling” scheme that netted $146,000 from five victims in 2022. The scheme was orchestrated by an inmate at the Lieber Correction Institution, located in Ridgeville, according to the department. The alleged ringleader isn’t named in the warrants.
Three people, Tori Michelle Boiter, 53, of Greenville; Ashely Paige Scates, 48, of Laurens; and Seth Daniel Shurburtt, 36, of Pelzer have been charged for their alleged roles in the scheme.
https://news.yahoo.com/three-arrested-146-000-stolen-194050306.html 

▫️Two SC juvenile justice workers arrested for ‘improper contact with youth,’ state says
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) employees have been arrested for incidents involving juveniles.
On Friday, the agency confirmed the arrests of 39-year-old Jessica Norton of Lexington and 39-year-old Ayotunde Roane of Columbia for misconduct in office. The agency said they were involved in improper contact with youth but didn't elaborate further on what led to the charges. 
On Wednesday, another DJJ employee, Alexander Howell, was charged with misconduct in office, DJJ officials said in a news release.
» https://www.wltx.com/article/news/crime/two-south-carolina-juvenile-justice-employees-arrested/101-3286938b-917c-4c8c-8a86-9df349bc823a
» https://www.thestate.com/news/article283135623.html
» https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article283014293.html 

▫️DA: Dangerous predator, Convicted WilCo rapist on-the-run after failing to appear for sentencing
44-year-old Augustine Dafe Ikolo of Georgetown, was found guilty by a Williamson County jury in November of sexually assaulting a woman. He faced up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for his crime. “Ikolo is a dangerous predator who should have been detained so he did not have the opportunity to flee. We will do everything in our power to bring him back and make him face the consequences of his crime”,  said Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick.
Anyone who sees Ikolo should call 911 and inform authorities he has an open warrant out for his arrest. Anyone with information on his whereabouts can anonymously report to the Williamson County Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-253-7867.
» https://www.fox7austin.com/news/convicted-rapist-on-the-run-williamson-county-augustine-dafe-ikolo    (VIDEO)
» https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/williamson-county/augustine-ikolo-skipped-sentencing/269-1a83a0e7-e3f3-46ff-88b2-4e707e032e5c    (VIDEO) 

▫️Former Marblehead priest, teacher, Scout leader indicted for allegedly assaulting boy in ’70s
A former Marblehead Episcopal priest, Boy Scout leader and assistant headmaster at Tower School is set to go on trial this summer for allegedly raping a 12-year-old Marblehead boy whom he took across state lines to a Boy Scout camp in New Hampshire in 1976.
On Aug. 18, a New Hampshire grand jury indicted Richard Losch, 89, on a charge of aggravated felonious assault. His alleged victim, who asked to be identified as Jack to protect his and his family’s privacy, spoke to the Current recently.
“I am coming forward in order to give Losch’s other victims the opportunity to seek justice and healing,” Jack said. Losch now lives in Livingston, Alabama, where he has worked at two churches for years. 
Contacted by the Current, Losch said, “On the advice of my attorney, I have no comment to make other than that the charge is totally false, and I deny all allegations of wrongdoing.”
» https://marbleheadcurrent.org/2023/12/13/former-marblehead-priest-teacher-scout-leader-indicted-for-allegedly-assaulting-boy-in-70s/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/12/former-marblehead-priest-teacher-scout-leader-indicted/ 
_

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Traffic stop for headlight violation leads to kidnapping arrest in Macon
The driver, Tracy Williams, had outstanding warrants from an incident in November. According to an arrest report obtained by WGXA, on Nov. 26, deputies responded to a reported kidnapping where a woman said her daughter was brought to Macon against her will and that she was being held at a house on Paul Street by Williams.
Deputies went to the house and the 16-year-old victim came running out.
https://news.yahoo.com/traffic-stop-headlight-violation-leads-014510015.html 

▫️Man charged with sexually abusing 12-year-old in Marengo
A Marengo man has been arrested on charges alleging that he sexually abused a 12-year-old child who was staying the night at another house in Marengo.
Joshua S. Haut, 34, of Marengo, was charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child, a Class 2 felony.
https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2023/12/17/man-charged-with-sexually-abusing-12-year-old-who-was-staying-night-at-residence-in-marengo/ 

▫️Dublin youth counselor arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography
Dublin Police Services recently arrested a local man who was employed as a youth counselor for allegedly having sexually explicit content of children in his possession.
DPS officers served an arrest warrant on Nobumasa Masubuchi, a 23-year-old Dublin resident, at approximately 3:15 p.m. Nov. 24, according to Capt. Gurvinder Gosal.
https://www.danvillesanramon.com/news/2023/12/17/dublin-youth-counselor-arrested-for-allegedly-possessing-child-pornography 

▫️Royal Caribbean Counselor Indicted in Miami for Alleged Sexual Abuse
A Royal Caribbean counselor is in hot water after federal charges were slapped against him for the alleged sexual abuse of two minors during a cruise. Cris John Pentinio Castor, 35, was indicted on two counts of abusive sexual contact in Miami, authorities say.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Filipino citizen is accused of the November incidents involving two six-year-old girls on the Celebrity Silhouette cruise ship.
» https://hoodline.com/2023/12/royal-caribbean-counselor-indicted-in-miami-for-alleged-sexual-abuse-of-minors-on-cruise/
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/cruise-ship-counselor-charged-sexually-abusing-minors 

  @ENDHUMANTRAFFICKING

▫️Gallatin man facing more than two dozen charges in child sex crime case
Fifty-six-year-old Scott Allan Marriott’s felony charges include five counts of statutory sodomy or attempt involving deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 14 years of age, two counts of first-degree statutory rape or attempt with a person less than 14 years of age, four counts of second-degree child molestation involving a child less than 12 years of age, two counts of first-degree sexual trafficking of a child under 12 years of age, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor child, two counts of enticement or attempted enticement of a child, two counts of first-degree promoting child pornography, first-degree rape or attempt that was wantonly vile, two counts of first-degree sodomy or attempt with a victim less than 12 years old, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of child pornography involving a second or subsequent offense. He has also been charged with misdemeanor furnishing pornographic material or attempting to furnish to a minor.
A probable cause statement says two confidential victims are less than 10 years old. The alleged crimes occurred while they were in Marriott’s care.
https://www.kttn.com/gallatin-man-facing-more-than-two-dozen-charges-in-child-sex-crime-case/ 

▫️(UPDATE) Man federally indicted for child trafficking in Ohio Valley, other states
PENNSYLVANIA  — A man arrested in October for human trafficking in Pennsylvania was indicted by a grand jury on federal charges of the same. Donte Cole, 39, of Euclid, Ohio, was indicted in Pittsburgh for sex trafficking a child, U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced Friday.
According to a criminal complaint filed in May 2023, Cole allegedly traveled with a minor from Ohio to a hotel in Monroeville, Pa., to sell the girl for sex. It’s alleged that Cole used online advertisements to market the girl in Monroeville and elsewhere from April to October of this year.
Cole was taken into custody in Ohio, and the minor was found partially nude in an upstairs bedroom, according to a release by Olshan.
https://www.wtrf.com/news/man-federally-indicted-for-child-trafficking-in-ohio-valley-other-states/ 

▫️Man found with Marion County teen in Tennessee charged with human trafficking, other offenses
Sheriff's detectives believe there may be more victims connected to a man accused of 51 felony offenses for trying to sexually exploit a teenage girl he met online.
When Wesley Hurd, 29, was apprehended by law enforcement officials in Tennessee late last month, authorities said he had numerous photos of children with the letters "VIL" branded into them. Law officials said that conversations with the children have led them to suspect there could be more victims.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods called Hurd's actions "among the most disturbing things I have ever heard of in my 32 years in law enforcement."
Officials are asking anyone who may have had contact with Hurd or who knows someone who knows him, to contact Detective Osthed at 352-351-4710.
https://www.ocala.com/story/news/crime/2023/12/17/marion-county-detectives-investigating-human-trafficking-case/71943193007/ 

▫️More kids at City Rescue Mission
An Oklahoma City shelter said it has seen a record number of children walk through its doors in 2023.
City Rescue Mission said the number of people the shelter serves has risen over the past three years. The shelter is looking to provide a safe place for kids to have a sense of normalcy.
"It can be very traumatic for children, especially when they don’t know what's going on. They’re moving around a lot," said Skyler Parker, the vice president of client services for City Rescue Mission. "In 2021, we averaged about 56 children a month. In 2022, that went up to 92 children a month, and then this last year in January to December of 2023, we actually averaged 121 children."
https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-city-shelter-record-number-homeless-children-city-resucue-mission/46132621 

▫️Civilian targets suspected pedophiles in dozens of undercover stings
Social media and dating apps are filled with a shocking amount of child sexual predators on the hunt for victims, according to a man who tracks down pedophiles on the dark corners of the Internet.
"This is a situation that's happening every day, all day, everywhere, every minute, every hour," he told Fox News Digital under the condition of anonymity. "If I can tell you that I can go catch someone at 4 a.m. and this individual doesn't even bat an eye or ask why I'm not sleeping to go to school tomorrow, they're more worried about having sex."
The source runs a successful enterprise called People v. Preds., which documents on its social media accounts and in videos each suspected pedophile who allegedly tried to meet up with a kid for sex - only to realize they’ve been communicating with a grown man. The project was launched in 2021 after its founder said he watched similar groups successfully nab suspected predators, and decided to launch his own enterprise in California. 
The pursuit of catching creeps is massive, and the predator hunter said his group has exposed 354 individuals, which has resulted in 110 arrests and 17 convictions. His work began in Southern California’s San Diego area before expanding north to cities such as Costa Mesa, Long Beach, Sacramento, and Las Vegas.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/civilian-targets-suspected-pedophiles-in-dozens-of-undercover-stings 

▫️Mexican Cartels Are Using a Database Used by Police to Track Victims
Mexican cartels are accessing an intelligence and security database used by government agencies to hunt down their victims in real time, sources told Vice News.
The criminals can geolocate people through minute-to-minute location logs and obtain private information and documents through software called Titan, which is being shared on WhatsApp, according to the report.
Various Titan services are available for purchase from 10,000 Mexican pesos ($600) to 180,000 pesos ($9,000), Vice News reported. Buyers can get their own login or get an official user to fulfill requests.
One source said police forces purchase licenses to use Titan, which are then resold on the black market.
https://www.businessinsider.com/mexican-cartels-database-used-by-police-track-victims-vice-2023-12?amp 

▫️Former Aurora pastor faces 16 charges for rape, abuse; Detectives say more victims likely
WASHINGTON COUNTY Ore.  - A 46-year-old former pastor at a church in Aurora was indicted Wednesday on 16 counts of sexual assault, and at least some of the victims were children, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday.
According to deputies, Seferino Tosie’s victims attended Missionary Memorial Church in Aurora where he worked as a pastor. Following his indictment, another victim from the church has come forward.
A Washington County grand jury indicted Tosie on:
• Three counts of first-degree rape.
• Six counts of first-degree sodomy.
• Four counts of first-degree sexual abuse.
• Three counts of first-degree sexual penetration.
If anyone has any information on this case, they are encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503.846.2700.
» https://www.kptv.com/2023/12/17/former-aurora-pastor-faces-16-charges-rape-abuse-detectives-say-more-victims-likely/    (VIDEO)
» https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/washington-county-pastor-charged-with-sexual-assault-may-be-more-victims/
» https://breaking911.com/oregon-pastor-charged-with-rape-of-multiple-juveniles-may-be-more-victims/ 

▫️Bringing hope to victims of sex trafficking across the CSRA
AIKEN, S.C. - Last week, News 12 uncovered new details about the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigation looking into possible sex trafficking at massage parlors in Aiken County.
During the raid in August, no one was arrested. But Dec. 8 in an undercover sting, SLED did arrest and charge Ping Tang, who is connected to several of the massage parlors.
It’s not just happening at certain places. Advocates, like Dominique, say trafficking is everywhere.
“Most victims know their traffickers or have a relationship with their traffickers. So it’s not like we can’t even tell our kids stranger danger anymore because it’s not a stranger,” said Dominique.
https://www.wrdw.com/2023/12/15/here-are-some-sex-trafficking-signs-look/ 
_

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Metro Detroit prostitution ring included crimes in spas, Detroit casino - Macomb County sheriff: 3 women arrested for human trafficking ring, 3 survivors
Three women have been charged in connection with a prostitution ring in numerous cities across Metro Detroit. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said a single tip led to the bust and that massage parlors posted online sex advertisements.
Officials say Lori Cai of Troy, Shuying Ding, of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Xiaohong Ban, of Chicago, ran multiple massage parlors that were allegedly offering sexual solicitation. 
Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the three women are accused of running a prostitution and human trafficking ring in massage parlors and homes. "During the course of this investigation a total of 42 search warrants were completed to aid in this investigation," Wickersham said. That investigation led to the arrest of the three suspects and also said this investigation is still just the beginning. He said some of the money was laundered at MGM Grand and some was sent back to China.
Police said they're still looking for Lori Cari, 31, from Troy and Shuying Ding, 41, of Appleton, Wisconsin. Wickersham said seven more people have been taken into custody, including a 25-year-old man. Three of them are seeking help at Turning Point, which helps victims of human trafficking.
» https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1383207    (VIDEO)
» https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/human-trafficking-ring-in-metro-detroit-operated-out-of-homes-spas-and-hotels    (VIDEO)
» https://www.tv20detroit.com/news/alleged-prostitution-and-human-trafficking-ring-busted-in-metro-detroit
» https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/macomb-county-sheriff-3-women-arrest-for-human-trafficking-ring/
» https://www.macombdaily.com/2023/12/18/ten-women-arrested-eight-sites-raided-in-prostitution-ring-probe/
»

▫️Police Bust Asian Massage Parlors for Promoting Prostitution in New Jersey
EVESHAM, NJ – The Evesham Police Investigative Bureau, following reports of prostitution and potential human trafficking, has conducted a detailed investigation of several massage establishments during November and December.
Authorities executed search warrants at both locations, resulting in the seizure of evidence related to prostitution and human trafficking. The operation led to the arrest of multiple individuals.
The investigations are ongoing, and the Evesham Police Department encourages anyone with information related to these crimes or similar activities at other establishments to contact them at 856-983-1116, the confidential tip line at 856-983-4699, or via email at Mahand@eveshampd.org.
https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2023/12/19/police-bust-asian-massage-parlors-for-promoting-prostitution-in-new-jersey/ 

▫️6 arrested in undercover prostitution sting in Los Angeles, one minor rescued
Los Angeles police have rescued a minor who was the victim of human trafficking and made six arrests as part of a prostitution crackdown, authorities announced Monday.
Six adults ranging in age from 21 to 68, all L.A. residents, were arrested and cited for engaging in an act of prostitution, solicitation for purposes of prostitution and pandering. Four have been released from custody.
The underage victim of human trafficking was provided with services and reunited with family, authorities said. Detectives added that the investigation into the people trafficking the minor remains ongoing.  
Anyone with information about these crimes or other types of these incidents is urged to contact LAPD’s Southeast Area Vice Detail at 213-972-1017.
The ongoing effort, police said, is to prevent the trafficking of women and minors in the area.  
» https://ktla.com/news/local-news/6-arrested-in-undercover-prostitution-sting-in-los-angeles/
» https://www.lapdonline.org/newsroom/six-arrested-one-rescued-in-prostitution-operations-nr23790rc/ 

▫️Texas police seek help finding 'armed and dangerous' sex offender
The Bastrop County sheriff's office is searching for a convicted child sex offender, who is known to be "armed and dangerous," and has failed to comply with the county's sex offender registry. Hassan Mohammed Saleh, 34, last known address is in Dale, southeast of Austin, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post Monday.
Court records show Saleh pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child, a second-degree felony, in January 2011.
Anyone with information about Saleh's whereabout is asked to call 911 or leave a tip with Bastrop County sheriff's Investigator Connor Brown at 512-549-5034 or conor.brown@co.bastrop.tx.us.
https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2023/12/18/bastrop-police-seek-help-finding-hassan-mohammed-saleh-armed-dangerous-sex-offender/71964380007/ 

▫️Truck driver arrested on rape, human trafficking charges in Plymouth
According to the victims, they had been picked up in a Southern state and traveled with Shabazz for one to two weeks.
During that time, Shabazz allegedly took their cell phones, barred them from contacting anyone, and threatened them. The women’s account provided probable cause to believe Shabazz was engaged in human trafficking.
Shabazz, who had fled the scene, was intercepted by Plymouth officers while driving the tractor-trailer. Shabazz was also wanted out of Lawrenceville, Georgia, for “Strongarm Rape.”
Facing multiple charges, Shabazz was taken into custody and charged with two counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude, two counts of assault and battery, two counts of larceny over $1,200, witness intimidation, and being a fugitive from justice.
https://www.newportdispatch.com/2023/12/18/truck-driver-arrested-on-rape-human-trafficking-charges-in-plymouth/ 

▫️Man pleads guilty to sexual assault of a child in Brazos County
COLLEGE STATION, Texas  - Allen Michael Lee, 29, of Webster was sentenced to 15 years in prison last week in Brazos County after pleading guilty to charges of sexual assault of a child and aggravated sexual assault of a child.
He was arrested in the summer of 2022 by College Station police who said Lee admitted sexually assaulting two underage girls at a motel on Texas Avenue.
https://www.kbtx.com/2023/12/18/man-pleads-guilty-sexual-assault-child-brazos-county/ 

▫️Foster care agency fires Texas man arrested on child porn charges
AMARILLO, Texas — A foster care agency fired a Texas man arrested on child porn charges. Luke Andrew Dyer, 37, is charged with possession of child pornography greater than or equal to 50 visual depictions or video and tampering with physical evidence.
Dyer previously worked for Child Protective Services.
https://fox17.com/news/nation-world/foster-care-agency-fires-texas-man-arrested-on-child-porn-charges-pampa-50-visual-depictions-video-saint-francis-ministries-employed-charges 

▫️Graphic Video: Deadly shootout between kidnapping suspect & Scottsdale police, one rescued
MESA, AZ  — The Scottsdale Police Department released new graphic photos and video of a deadly shooting involving a kidnapping suspect outside a restaurant in Mesa last month.
» https://breaking911.com/nsfw-kidnapping-suspect-had-automatic-rifle-bulletproof-vest-during-deadly-gunbattle-with-arizona-police/    (VIDEO)
 » https://www.azfamily.com/2023/12/18/graphic-new-photos-video-shows-deadly-shootout-between-kidnapping-suspect-scottsdale-police/    (VIDEO)
»

▫️Registered sex offender arrested in Ammon parking lot after he was seen viewing child porn (CSAM)
Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 50-year-old man in a parking lot Sunday after discovering a device containing child pornography.
The deputies, assigned to the Ammon Division, responded to a report of a man seen parked in a vehicle watching pornography in a parking lot off South 25th East, a sheriff’s office news release said. Deputies located the vehicle and identified the driver as Shawn Theron Peterson and learned Peterson was on felony parole.
Court records show Peterson is a registered sex offender who was convicted in 2014 in Bingham County for child sexual abuse of a minor under 16 years of age. He was sentenced to serve 10 to 15 years in prison. Idaho Department of Correction records show he was released on parole on Nov. 26, 2016.
https://www.postregister.com/news/crime_courts/registered-sex-offender-arrested-in-ammon-parking-lot-after-he-was-seen-viewing-child-porn/article_ecc48c9c-9dec-11ee-b8e2-9fccbb2f409b.amp.html 

▫️Predator Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Underage Girl In Woodbridge Home: Police
Aris Edgar Boror has been accused of entering the room of his underage victim at around 3 a.m. on Sunday morning and proceeding to sexually abuse her.
The girl was able to escape the room, contacted a family member, and was taken to an area hospital, where the police were contacted and the Woodbridge resident was arrested without further incident, according to the Prince William County Police Department.
https://dailyvoice.com/virginia/prince-william/predator-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-underage-girl-in-woodbridge-home-police/ 

▫️‘An idiot but not a sex predator’: Woodway woman gave man accused of sexually assaulting daughter the benefit of the doubt, affidavit states
WOODWAY, Texas  - Andrew Richard Aubry, 37, is charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child after an 11-year-old girl told a school counselor Aubry sexually assaulted her multiple times over a period of six years, a criminal complaint affidavit states.
The victim reported the alleged sexual assaults on Nov. 17, 2023, to a counselor at River Valley Elementary and the school alerted Child Protective Services.
https://www.kwtx.com/2023/12/18/an-idiot-not-sex-predator-woman-describes-man-accused-sexually-abusing-her-child-over-six-year-period/ 

Neo Nazi Child Exploit Cult
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force says the Bureau opened an investigation into Kalana Limkin in May 2023 who is accused of being an associate of the groups known as CVLT and “764” and the “founder of a splinter group, “Cultist.”
Limkin was arrested on Friday in Hawaii. A request for detention of Limkin filed by the prosecutors outlines the history of 764 stating, “That [764] group is a radical offshoot of a satanic anarchist group, The Order of Nine Angles (“O9A”), which espouses the belief that society must be destroyed from within.
» https://www.courtwatch.news/p/exclusive-fbi-arrests-head-of-neo
» https://thecrimereport.org/2023/12/18/head-of-neo-nazi-online-cult-targeting-children-for-abuse-arrested-in-hawaii/ 

▫️Podiatrist sexually abused patient during exam, OR cops say. There may be more victims
Brian M. Bowen, 49, is accused of fondling a female patient during a podiatry exam at Eastside Foot and Ankle in Portland in May 2022, according to a Dec. 18 news release by police. Eastside Foot and Ankle did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request Dec. 18 for comment.
Another woman came forward with allegations that Bowen sexually abused her in January, police said. On Dec. 6, Bowen was charged with three counts of sex abuse, officials said.
Police believe there are more victims and ask anyone with information to call 503-823-0838.
https://www.aol.com/podiatrist-sexually-abused-patient-during-222456889.html 

▫️Grand Rapids Man Pleads Guilty To Sex Trafficking Of A Child
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Torey Franklin, 29, of Grand Rapids, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a child.
Franklin admitted that in the spring and summer of 2022, he used online advertisements to offer the sexual services of a minor to prospective customers.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2023_1219_Torey_Franklin 

▫️Ex-Danbury teacher convicted of child sex abuse gets decades in prison
DANBURY — The former teacher convicted on 13 felony charges for allegedly committing years-long child sexual abuse was sentenced to decades in prison after a judge said he showed a lack of remorse.
Kenneth Gardner, 53, was sentenced Monday at state Superior Court in Danbury to 55 years imprisonment, suspended after 40 years — 20 of which are mandatory — plus 35 years probation. 
His sentencing followed a nine-day jury trial in September that resulted in his conviction on three counts of first-degree sexual assault, five counts of illegal sexual contact and two counts of third-degree sexual assault, as well as attempt to commit first-degree sexual assault, conspiracy to commit third-degree sexual assault and first-degree possession of child pornography.
https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/kenneth-gardner-danbury-sex-abuse-sentenced-18560728.php 

▫️GR firefighters identify human trafficking victim in Traverse City
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.  — Two Grand Rapids firefighters are being credited for finding a case of human trafficking while attending a conference in Traverse City. Battalion Chief Ed Brayman and Equipment Operator Nate Bazen were at an EMS instructor conference in March when they saw a woman who needed their help.  
They contacted the police department, which sent an officer to investigate.  “As we asked more questions, we got more information that didn’t get better. The more we heard the worse the scenario was getting probably got to a point where didn’t really ask very many questions anymore because it wasn’t going to help the situation,” Brayman said. 
Firefighters are trained to recognize human trafficking, and they say years of experience of working as a first responder was crucial.
» https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/gr-firefighters-identify-human-trafficking-victim-in-traverse-city/ 
»

▫️Five Life Sentences for Child Sex Predator
This afternoon, David Antonio Alvarenga Rodriguez was sentenced to life in prison for Lewd or Lascivious Molestation Child Less Than 12 Years of Age and also sentenced to life in prison on each of four counts of Familial or Custodial Sexual Battery.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for Lewd or Lascivious Molestation Child 12 Years of Age or Older but Less Than 16 Years of Age.
https://sao20.org/news-releases/five-life-sentences-for-child-sex-predator/ 

▫️Montgomery Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Child Sex Trafficking
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced 27-year-old Laporchie Howard, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, to 120 months in prison. Howard’s sentence follows her entering a guilty plea to the charge of sex trafficking a minor. 
According to her plea agreement and other court records, in early 2017, Howard resided with two co-defendants — D’Vonte Lockley and Tracey Shannon — in an apartment located in Montgomery. Sometime before May 4, 2017, a female runaway under the age of eighteen and an adult female were invited to live with Howard at her apartment. In her plea agreement, Howard acknowledged that she and her co-defendants knew that one of their new roommates was a minor. In return for food and housing, the two new residents engaged in commercial sex at a Montgomery hotel. Howard received the proceeds. In furtherance of the commercial sex trafficking enterprise, Howard sent various text messages to the other four residents and to customers directing some of the criminal activities.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdal/pr/montgomery-woman-sentenced-10-years-federal-prison-child-sex-trafficking 

▫️Albany Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For Sexual Exploitation Of Children
JOHNNY ROMAN was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for sexual exploitation of children and conspiring to sexually exploit children, including while incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.  On May 23, 2023, ROMAN pled guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children and two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken, who imposed today’s sentence.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/albany-man-sentenced-20-years-prison-sexual-exploitation-children 

▫️What was the lawsuit against Netflix over child pornography? Exploring the legal victory of the content giant
After Netflix released Cuties in September 2020, Lucas Babin, the D.A. in Tyler County, Texas, charged the streaming platform for “promotion of lewd visual material depicting a child.” 
Netflix took the case to a federal court, arguing that Lucas Babin is pursuing the case in bad faith and has no intention of obtaining a conviction. The Federal Court in November 2022 granted Netflix’s request for an injunction, saying the court was convinced that Cuties does not contain child pornography. 
Lucas Babin, a former actor best known for playing Spider in School of Rocks, then took his case to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. The said court gave a unanimous 3-0 ruling in favor of Netflix on Monday.
https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/what-was-the-lawsuit-against-netflix-over-child-pornography-exploring-the-legal-victory-of-the-content-giant-1266142 

▫️Texas governor signs bill that lets police arrest migrants who enter the US illegally
https://www.police1.com/border-patrol/texas-governor-signs-bill-that-lets-police-arrest-migrants-who-enter-the-us-illegally 

▫️Pamela Bolado Stepping Up To Set World Record To Illuminate The Shadows Of Human Trafficking And Modern-Day Slavery
» https://menafn.com/1107622263/Pamela-Bolado-Stepping-Up-To-Set-World-Record-To-Illuminate-The-Shadows-Of-Human-Trafficking-And-Modern-Day-Slavery
» https://who13.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/675972464/pamela-bolado-stepping-up-to-set-world-record-to-illuminate-the-shadows-of-human-trafficking-and-modern-day-slavery/ 
_

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Nashville private investigator accused of raping a child
NASHVILLE, Tenn.  - A Nashville private investigator is accused of raping a 12-year-old girl at his Ashland City home multiple times between November 2022 and December 2023, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. Police said 41-year-old James Searcy II was arrested and is jailed in lieu of a $260,000 bond for three counts of rape of a child.
Searcy, who works as a private investigator, is alleged to have sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions at his home on Ashland City Highway. He was arrested on Monday after officers executed a search warrant at his home. Police are asking anyone with information about James Searcy’s behavior around minors is asked to contact the Youth Services Division at 615-862-7417.
» https://www.wsmv.com/2023/12/19/nashville-private-investigator-accused-raping-child/    (VIDEO)
 » https://fox17.com/news/local/2023-nashville-tennesssee-crime-rape-of-child-abuse-metro-police-man-arrested-charged-sex-acts-aggravted-child-endangerment-davidson-county-middle-tn
» https://youtu.be/GeHpRKxIfbo

▫️Police: Denver child predator traveled to Fort Morgan seeking sex with 14-year-old
Fort Morgan police have apprehended a Denver man in relation to a child predator sting operation.
On Thursday, Dec. 14, John Custer, 38, of Denver drove to Fort Morgan believing he was going to have sex with a 14-year-old male. Upon his arrival in Fort Morgan, Custer was arrested on charges of enticement of a child, Internet luring of a child and attempted sexual assault on a child.
https://www.julesburgadvocate.com/2023/12/19/police-denver-child-predator-traveled-to-fort-morgan-seeking-sex-with-14-year-old/ 

▫️Man accused in Texas sex trafficking ring sent 600 messages while in custody
There are several new developments in the alleged sex trafficking operation dismantled last week in a quiet Plano neighborhood. Federal prosecutors revealed one of the alleged ring leaders, 40-year-old William McKinnley Garland, while in jail sent hundreds of messages to people involved in the case using a tablet provided to him. Garland appeared in U.S. District Court in Plano late Tuesday morning.
The Plano resident faces federal charges, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, and/or coercion and coercion.
Detectives believe others worked for or came across the criminal organization and urge them to contact the Plano Police Department at 972-941-2044.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/man-accused-in-collin-county-sex-trafficking-ring-sent-600-messages-while-in-custody-prosecutor/3415675/ 

▫️Atlanta man charged with trafficking of disabled adult
ATLANTA — Attorney General Chris Carr announced that Felipe Smith, 24, of Atlanta, has been indicted in Clayton County in a case that involves the trafficking of an adult female with a developmental disability. Specifically, the defendant is alleged to have transported and provided the victim to buyers at various hotels around metro-Atlanta for the purpose of performing commercial sex acts.
Smith is further alleged to have benefitted financially from the sale of the victim. These acts are alleged to have a connection to the defendant’s association with the criminal street gang PDE. This case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking and Gang Prosecution Units.
https://www.albanyherald.com/news/atlanta-man-charged-with-trafficking-of-disabled-adult/article_8e2c50d8-9dde-11ee-b31b-17a85188f716.html 

▫️Philadelphia LGBTQ+ activist Kendall Stephens charged in rape of two minor children: police
An LGBTQ+ activist in the Philadelphia community has been charged with raping two minors after previously being the victim of a violent assault in 2020, sources tell FOX 29.
Philadelphia police say Kendall Stephens, 37, was arrested Monday after an investigation into sexual assaults from September 2023.
She has been charged with two counts of Rape, Indecent Assault, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Corruption of Minors and related charges.
» https://www.fox29.com/news/philadelphia-lgbtq-activist-kendall-stephens-charged-in-rape-of-two-minor-children-police    (VIDEO) 
»

▫️Sex Offender Compliance Sweep Completed in Nevada County, During the December 13th operation:
• 2 felony arrests were made for out of compliance registrants.
• 3 other individuals were brought back into compliance.
• 1 probation arrest of an individual who was on pretrial release for a suspected 290 eligible crime and was in violation of the terms imposed by the Court.
https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/california/52405-sex-offender-compliance-sweep-completed-in-nevada-county 

▫️Cops: Shelton man caught in sting admitted having child pornography
SHELTON — A 72-year-old city man admitted to having child sexual abuse material on his phone after police responded to a complaint saying he was waiting at a Walmart to have sex with a young girl, according to a police report.
The arrest report for Anthony Grillo said officers responded to the Walmart on Bridgeport Avenue Sunday night after receiving a call from a complainant who was a member of "Predator Poachers," a non-governmental group involved with stings in hopes of catching adults involved with sex crimes, usually with minors. The group travels around the country for operations and has aided in arrests in 41 states, according to the organization.
Anthony Grillo gave the "poachers" and officers his phone passcode after revealing he had child sexual abuse material on it, the report said. It said Grillo had been talking to the person posing as a 13-year-old for a month before he decided to meet up with her. 
https://www.thehour.com/news/article/shelton-walmart-grillo-predator-poachers-arrested-18563434.php 

▫️Swift action by police, arrest at Sea-Tac Airport thwarts planned child sex offense
A coordinated effort by police departments across King County prevented a potential sexual assault earlier this week, according to a statement released on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. 
Officers from the Snoqualmie Police Department, led by Officer Marcus Sanchez, quickly identified the suspect as Hoven Lui, 47. With assistance from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Special Operations Unit and Special Assault Unit (Child Focus), a plan was formulated to locate and apprehend Lui before he could harm the child.
https://seatacblog.com/2023/12/19/swift-action-by-police-arrest-at-sea-tac-airport-thwarts-planned-child-sex-offense/ 

▫️9-year-old girl allegedly raped multiple times on Boston school bus, lawsuit alleges
The family of a 9-year-old girl who was allegedly raped multiple times by a boy on a Boston school bus has filed a lawsuit against Boston Public Schools for failing to protect the girl on her way home from school.
The girl, who is a student at the Match Charter Public School in Hyde Park, was sexually assaulted and raped multiple times by an 11-year-old student over the course of seven months during the 2022-2023 school year, according to WFXT.
» https://news.yahoo.com/haunted-trauma-girl-repeatedly-raped-210849419.html      (VIDEO)
» https://www.theblaze.com/news/9-year-old-girl-allegedly-raped-multiple-times-on-boston-school-bus-lawsuit-alleges 

▫️Lake Area School Cop’s Child Porn Crimes Spanned Three Years, Authorities Say [TIMELINE]
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — The investigation into a then-Camden County Deputy and School Resource Officer who was arrested for child porn (CSAM), on Dec. 18 began in June of this year, but court documents reveal a timeline that actually dates back to 2020.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested 49-year-old Darrin M. Skinner of Camdenton on Monday, Dec. 18 for 14 counts of child pornography crimes — for both possessing and sending the material. He is currently being held at the Camden County Jail with no bond.
» https://www.lakeexpo.com/news/crime/timeline-investigation-arrest-of-macks-creek-sro-charged-for-child-porn/article_640ca99c-9e88-11ee-9398-efb93136f39b.html
» https://www.ozarksfirst.com/top-stories/camden-county-school-resource-officer-charged-for-possessing-child-porn/ 

▫️School janitor previously charged with child sex abuse arrested on new charges
SANTAQUIN, Utah — An elementary school janitor in Utah County who had previously been charged with sexually abusing two students has been arrested on new charges in connection to a student at a different school.
Adrian Villar, 65, was taken into custody Monday and charged with one count each of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and lewdness involving a child.
https://www.fox13now.com/news/crime/school-janitor-previously-charged-with-child-sex-abuse-arrested-on-new-charges 

▫️Bucks Co. music teacher charged, had thousands of child porn images and videos, police claim
Police in Bucks County are investigating after, officials said, a music instructor for the Pennsbury School District surrendered to law enforcement officials on Tuesday after facing child pornography charges.
Christopher Bygott, 47, of Hamilton, N.J., surrendered to law enforcement officials after allegedly being found in possession of thousands of images and videos that depicted child pornography, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday.
https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/bucks-co-music-teacher-charged-had-thousands-of-child-porn-images-and-videos-police-claim/3725595/ 

▫️Seattle man arrested by Boise Police, charged with human trafficking and other offenses
After a human trafficking investigation conducted by the Boise Police Department (BPD), Freddie Mcclain, age 39 from Seattle, Washington, was arrested Monday, Dec. 18 around 10.30 p.m. He has been charged with felony domestic violence, felony attempted strangulation, felony human trafficking, felony prostitution (accept earnings of prostitute) and misdemeanor resisting or obstructing officers.
» https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-seattle-man-arrested-by-boise-police-charged-with-human-trafficking-and-other-offences/277-2d5368c5-7e7f-40f0-8ef3-9f46d330d8db    (VIDEO)
» https://www.cityofboise.org/news/police/2023/december/bpd-arrests-suspect-following-human-trafficking-investigation/
»

▫️Fort Myers Man Arrested By FDLE On 10-Counts Of Child Sexual Abuse Material
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) today arrested Cacildo Fernando Camargo, 67, of Fort Myers, on ten felony counts for possession of child sexual abuse material.
The investigation began when FDLE Fort Myers agents identified hundreds of electronic files containing the sexual abuse of children being downloaded via the internet. Through investigative and legal processes, Camargo was identified as the user downloading the illegal files.
https://www.tampafp.com/fort-myers-man-arrested-by-fdle-on-10-counts-of-child-sexual-abuse-material/ 

▫️Davenport elementary teacher arrested for indecent contact with a child
A Davenport elementary school teacher was arrested on Saturday, Dec. 16 after police say he engaged in indecent contact with a child.
According to court records, 35-year-old Julian Lira was charged with one count of indecent contact with a child, an aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in prison. According to court records, police say that Lira touched a child inappropriately during an October incident that took place at Credit Island Lodge.
https://www.wqad.com/article/news/crime/davenport-teacher-indecent-contact-with-a-child/526-efbbe595-6b03-4631-90db-afbdb115dae4at 

▫️$1,275,000 bond set for Walker man charged with child porn, animal sex abuse
LIVINGSTON PARISH, La.  — A man was charged with multiple counts of child porn after an investigation.
The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office said detectives began an investigation in November after getting a cyber tip. The suspect was identified as Kurt Browning, 44, of Walker.
Deputies said an investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible in the case.
» https://www.brproud.com/news/local-news/livingston-parish/1275000-bond-set-for-walker-man-charged-with-child-porn-animal-sex-abuse/
» https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/louisiana-man-booked-on-child-porn-sex-abuse-of-animals/article_8e5da4fa-9df5-11ee-a0da-a3ef0a418c1a.html 

▫️(UPDATE) Local attorney who plead guilty to child pornography possession sentencing postponed
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A local attorney who pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography had his sentencing, which was supposed to be held Monday, pushed back to January 11.
Michael Dolce, was an attorney from West Palm Beach who fought for child sexual abuse victims, he pleaded guilty in a federal court at the beginning of October.
CBS12 News reported on Dolce's, 54, arrest in March after it was found he had 1,997 images and five videos of child sexual abuse materials on his laptop.
Dolce faces up to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release and will have to pay a $250,000 fine.
https://cbs12.com/news/local/michael-dolce-54-west-palm-beach-attorney-sentencing-postponed-child-sexual-abuse-victims-florida-december-18-2023 

▫️Federal jury convicts former Mississippi teacher of multiple counts of child exploitation
GREENVILLE – A federal jury has convicted a former Amory High School teacher of sexually exploiting at least seven students over 10 years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Monday.
Toshemie Wilson, 48, of Wren, Mississippi, was found guilty of eight counts of using students to produce sexually explicit material  in exchange for money and drugs, using his position as an adviser for Technology Students of America to groom students.
https://mississippitoday.org/2023/12/18/ex-mississippi-teacher-convicted-of-child-exploitation/ 

▫️Man forced migrants to work on farms and raped 16-year-old he kidnapped twice, feds say
A man forced migrants from Guatemala to work on farms in New York and raped a 16-year-old Guatemalan migrant, whom he’s accused of abducting twice, federal prosecutors said.
Augusto Mateo Francisco, 32, of Dunkirk, is facing forced labor, sex trafficking and kidnapping charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York announced in a Dec. 15 news release.
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article283232493.html 

▫️Sallisaw man gets 10 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor
SALLISAW, Okla. — A Sallisaw man has been sentenced on enticement and sexual abuse of a minor charges, according to a news release from the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
Austin Jae Brown, 24, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Brown will be placed on a 15-year supervised release term following his release and will be required to register as a sex offender, the release said.
The release says the charges arose from investigations done by the FBI, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service and Adair County Sheriff’s Office.
https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/sallisaw-man-gets-10-years-in-prison-for-sexual-abuse-of-a-minor/ 

▫️Ubly man arrested in sex sting gets 40 months in prison
An Ubly man arrested in a July 2022 sex sting operation was sentenced to more than three years in prison Monday morning.
Judge Gerald M. Prill sentenced Jeremy J. Susalla, 41, in Huron County 52nd Circuit Court on Monday morning to three years, four months to 20 years on one count each of using a computer to commit a crime and child sexually abusive activity or material. 
https://www.michigansthumb.com/news/article/ubly-man-sex-sting-sentence-18561238.php 

▫️Man who served over 14 years in Georgia prison for child sex crimes sentenced to 18 more years
A Maryland man who has already served over 14 years in a Georgia prison for child sex crimes has been sentenced to 18 additional years for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
Samuel Charles Hardeman, 55, of Easton, Maryland was convicted in a 2002 case in the Northern District of Georgia for using a computer to entice a child to engage in sexual activity.
He was sentenced to 14 and a half years for that crime. On Wednesday, Dec. 13, Hardeman was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release.
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/georgia/man-who-served-over-14-years-georgia-prison-child-sex-crimes-sentenced-18-more-years/HDJFPCKQNRE2XHC65VM4R44CTY/ 

▫️Mexican National Sentenced 9 Years in Prison for Smuggling Migrants and Drugs to Santa Barbara County
A Mexican man was sentenced Monday to 110 months in federal prison for trafficking 11 undocumented individuals, as well as 45 pounds of methamphetamine, on a panga boat that landed on a Santa Barbara County beach.
Jorge Muñoz-Muñoz, 27, of Ensenada, Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer.
https://www.edhat.com/news/mexican-national-sentenced-9-years-in-prison-for-smuggling-migrants-and-drugs-to-santa-barbara-county/ 

▫️Arizona woman gets 11 years in human smuggling conspiracy
EL PASO, Texas  — The third member of a group charged in a human smuggling case was sentenced Tuesday, Dec. 19 in a federal court in El Paso to 11 years, 3 months in prison for her role in an ongoing conspiracy that resulted in the death of two migrants, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for West Texas said.
According to court documents, from on or about November 2019 through on or about August 2021, Guadalupe Quezada, 35, of Mesa, Arizona, along with co-defendants Veronica Quezada, 39, also of Mesa, and Elizabeth Miranda Lozano, 39, of Dallas, actively participated in an ongoing conspiracy to bring in, transport, and harbor undocumented immigrants into the United States from Mexico.
https://www.borderreport.com/regions/texas/arizona-woman-gets-11-years-in-human-smuggling-conspiracy/ 

▫️Louisiana had 75 human trafficking arrests in 3 years
Nearly 1,000 suspected or confirmed victims of human trafficking received help in Louisiana last year — yet state and local agencies made just 75 trafficking arrests in the past three years, officials said during a recent meeting of a state panel formed to address that issue.
Agency officials reported that, between January and November, State Police received 169 reports of alleged trafficking of juveniles, with 204 children impacted. Those reports came via a new referral program from the Department of Children & Family Services.
But a different state report suggests the true number of victims may be much higher: in 2022, the state collected data from service providers and found that 992 victims received services that year.
» https://www.nola.com/news/politics/louisiana-had-75-human-trafficking-arrests-in-3-years/article_137850f0-9eb3-11ee-af50-6f4c88654f54.html
» https://humantrafficking.la.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Human-Trafficking-Annual-Data-Report-2023-2022-Data.pdf 

▫️Omaha minister facing allegations of child sex abuse
An Omaha minister was arrested last week and is being held without bail on allegations that he repeatedly sexually abused a young boy over a period of three years.
Tre’Shawn Abram, 26, was arrested Friday on three counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.
» https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-courts/omaha-minister-facing-allegations-of-child-sex-abuse/article_9129e008-9dd8-11ee-ad74-777cff181737.html    (VIDEO)
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/12/omaha-minister-facing-allegations-of-child-sex-abuse/ 

▫️US archbishop secretly backed bid to free priest convicted of raping child
As he reached the end of his 41-year life, Kevin Portier had endured child rape at the hands of a southern Louisiana Catholic priest for whom he had served as an altar boy; a highly publicized trial that sent the clergyman to prison for the rest of his days; and the trauma associated with those experiences.
But one of Portier’s harshest ordeals came within his final two years alive. Representatives of the church that he had been raised to believe in approached him at his home, at his job and at a relative’s funeral to ask him to lend his support to efforts to secure an early release for his rapist, Robert Melancon.
Meanwhile, one of the attorneys who played a key role in the campaign to free Melancon, VM Wheeler III, would himself later be convicted of molesting a child – an act of abuse that occurred years before, but that was not reported to authorities until after he joined New Orleans’s Catholic clergy as a deacon.
» https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/18/new-orleans-archbishop-gregory-aymond-robert-melancon-catholic-church
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/12/us-archbishop-secretly-backed-bid-to-free-priest-convicted-of-raping-child/ 

▫️(UPDATE) Operation rescues at least a dozen in Nashville human trafficking bust
In a recent sting operation targeting a sex-trafficking ring, law enforcement successfully arrested Yilibeth Rivero De Caldera and rescued at least a dozen of victims.
https://youtu.be/BSUHBvgjlRw 

▫️Bankruptcy judge sets deadline for sexual abuse claims against Archdiocese of Baltimore
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michelle M. Harner on Monday indicated she would set May 31, a Friday, as the “bar date” by which survivors must file a claim form in order to receive a financial settlement from the Archdiocese.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese initially suggested a bar date in February, which the creditors committee representing abuse survivors opposed. The May 31 date is closest to the creditors’ suggested deadline of June 1.
“It’s better than February,” said Teresa Lancaster, an abuse survivor and lawyer who attended Monday’s hearing.
Still, there was never supposed to be a deadline for abuse survivors to come foward under the Child Victims Act, a landmark bill Maryland lawmakers passed last year to abolish the statute of limitations for civil claims over childhood sexual abuse.
https://thedailyrecord.com/?p=694002 

▫️Stop the Traffic 5K Run/Walk Charity Event, Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, Saturday, January 20th, 2024 @ 8.30 am
This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to come together as a community and raise awareness about this critical issue. Whether you're a seasoned runner or prefer a leisurely walk, everyone is welcome to participate.
By taking part in this event, you'll be supporting a local teen girl who had a very close call this past spring and decided to turn her trauma into a triumph by reaching out and speaking out about this right her in our local community! She chose to spotlight this very real problem by turning this into her senior Passion Project. As a result, all proceeds will support CALLED OUT, a local organization dedicated to stopping human trafficking and providing aid to survivors through education, prevention and awareness. as well as supporting other local organizations and local safe house.
https://www.vieravoice.com/calendar/stop-the-traffic-5k-run-walk-charity-event/event_dd7b4e16-9ea4-11ee-8c0e-1feabade8bc8.html 
_

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Mexico police arrest man accused of kidnapping Imperial County teenage girl
BRAWLEY, Calif.  - 13-year-old Raine Gonzalez and the alleged kidnapper, Lorenzo Guerrero, were found by Mexican authorities and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Both were found on Tuesday, December 19.
» https://youtu.be/rlvC4-rxdlc

▫️Teenage sex trafficking victim rescued in Portland Police sting, suspect apprehended
PORTLAND, Ore.  — On December 12, Portland Police say they found a teenage sex trafficking victim while conducting a buyer suppression mission.
Officials say a young woman was standing on the side of 82nd Avenue and moments later was picked up by a 28-year-old man. Police arrested Juan Cueller-Montoya. He was charged with purchasing sex with a minor.
https://katu.com/news/local/teenage-sex-trafficking-victim-rescued-in-portland-police-sting-suspect-apprehended 

 

▫️Sexual Predators Snared in FBI Sting, Slapped with Decade-Long Sentences in Marion, IL
In Southern Illinois, a sting operation has landed two men with a decade-long stint in federal prison for their crimes against children; each admitted to trying to lure a teen girl for sexual purposes, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Timmy Wayne Smith, 59, and Joseph Randall Edmaiston, 37, fell into the clutches of law enforcement when they each took the bait—an online profile of a 15-year-old that was in reality controlled by an undercover agent.
https://hoodline.com/2023/12/web-of-deceit-unraveled-sexual-predators-snared-in-fbi-sting-slapped-with-decade-long-sentences-in-marion-il/ 

▫️Former Memorial HS teacher Lawrence Johnson Jr. arrested, charged with having inappropriate relationship with student in 2016
HOUSTON, Texas - A former Spring Branch ISD high school teacher accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student for multiple years was arrested this week.
The district confirmed the former Memorial High School employee was taken into custody on Monday. Court records show 50-year-old Lawrence Johnson Jr. is charged with sexual assault of a child and improper relationship with a student.
https://abc13.com/memorial-high-school-inappropriate-student-relationship-teacher-charged-spring-branch-isd/14206379/ 

▫️US Navy Analyst Caught in Underage Sex Sting
US Navy data analyst, Douglas Engstrom, a 36-year-old divorced father of two, was apprehended in a sting operation after allegedly trying to engage in a sexual encounter with an undercover FBI agent posing as a 13-year-old girl on the social media app, Whisper. The operation, initiated by the FBI on December 6, led to Engstrom’s arrest in Long Island, New York.
https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/navy-data-analyst-arrested-in-fbi-sting-operation/ 

▫️Monrovia man charged with producing and distributing child porn, sexual abuse material
LOS ANGELES - A San Gabriel Valley man was charged with producing and distributing child sexual abuse material, depicting himself sexually abusing a toddler, the Justice Department announced today.
A federal grand jury charged David Lisandro Perez Figueroa of Monrovia in a two-count indictment: the production of child pornography and the distribution of child pornography.
The 22-year-old was arrested earlier this month after he allegedly coerced a 2-year-old child to engage in sexually explicit conduct with him for the purpose of making a visual depiction of the conduct.
https://www.foxla.com/news/monrovia-man-charged-with-producing-and-distributing-child-porn-sexual-abuse-material 

▫️New Castle man charged with attempting to rape child following sting operation
WHITE PLAINS – Following an investigation by Homeland Security Inspections and the Westchester District Attorney’s Office criminal investigators, Dustin Layme, 26, was arrested on December 14 and charged with attempted rape, attempted sexual abuse, three counts of possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child, and attempted predatory assault against a child.
He was arrested after attempting to enter a hotel room in Greenburgh where he believed the child and parent were waiting.
https://midhudsonnews.com/2023/12/21/new-castle-man-charged-with-attempting-to-rape-child-following-sting-operation/ 

▫️Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Exploiting Children in Laos
Michael Sebastian, 56, pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for March 28, 2024. Sebastian was arrested and charged in July 2020 following his return to the United States and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2020.
According to the charging documents, Sebastian taught English to impoverished children in Laos. While teaching children there, Sebastian allowed certain students to live with him in his apartment. Students who were unable to pay for their living expenses performed “chores” around the house to earn credit towards their rent payments. One of the “chores” eligible for rent credit was to give Sebastian massages, during which Sebastian would be naked. As part of these massages, Sebastian required some students to touch his genitals and masturbate him in lieu of rent payment.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/former-teacher-pleads-guilty-exploiting-children-lao 

▫️1 of 3 suspects sentenced for human trafficking scheme targeting underage runaways, foster children
On Tuesday, a judge sentenced 38-year-old Shana Bryant to serve life in prison for each count, the mandatory minimum for human trafficking of a minor. Investigators said Bryant, Tyrell Ponds, and Tracy Koger trafficked three girls- two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old- between February 2021 and July 2021 at multiple locations throughout Orange County.
» https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/12/20/orange-county-woman-gets-2-life-sentences-for-trafficking-runaways-from-foster-care/
» https://www.wftv.com/news/local/1-3-suspects-sentenced-human-trafficking-scheme-targeting-underage-runaways-foster-children/Z54QCUBFONDY3JCPWBI74LD5YY/ 

▫️Man pleads guilty to traveling from England to Huntsville to sexually abuse a child
A man from England pleaded guilty Wednesday to traveling to Alabama to engage in a sex act with a child younger than 12. Mark Anthony Bedwell, 53, of Lowestoft, England, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala to aggravated sexual abuse: crossing the state line with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a child under 12.
https://www.waaytv.com/news/alabama/man-pleads-guilty-to-traveling-from-england-to-huntsville-to-sexually-abuse-a-child/article_53ec067a-9f7d-11ee-aea7-7f4fc0c7f5e7.html 

▫️Berryville Man Sentenced to more than 41 Years in Federal Prison on Multiple Child Exploitation Offenses
FAYETTEVILLE – Ricky Gunter Hilburn, age 42, of Berryville was sentenced on December 18, 2023, to 500 months in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of Traveling with the Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Acts with two minor males and for Distributing Child Pornography. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdar/pr/berryville-man-sentenced-more-41-years-federal-prison-multiple-child-exploitation 

▫️Hopkins County Sheriff's Office Helps Take Another Predator Off The Streets
Darryl Wayne Wilkins, age 42, of Longview was picked up in Gregg County this week and transported back to the Hopkins County Jail. Wilkins is accussed of Online Solicitation of a Minor (Sexual Contact) which is a second-degree felony. His bond has been set at $100,000 on that charge.
https://www.ksstradio.com/2023/12/hopkins-county-sheriffs-office-helps-take-another-predator-off-the-streets/ 

▫️House of Secrets: 9 children hidden for years in Oklahoma home found after police tip
In August, Oklahoma City police got a tip that a man had multiple children with his stepdaughter. That report would unravel a family and shake an entire community. For the first time, and only on KOCO 5, hear from the adult children about life behind closed doors and the hero who would turn him in.
The cul-de-sac in southeastern Oklahoma City looks like any other, but inside the yellow house was a man with a secret. One woman, Doris Cole, would unearth the truth.
Both mom and dad were arrested. The father was charged with three counts of sexual abuse, five counts of child neglect and three counts of child abuse. His wife was charged with multiple counts of enabling neglect and sexual abuse.
» https://www.wbal.com/1102100-2/ 
»

▫️Missing Wichita child rescued in Florida, mother thought he was demon-possessed
SEBRING, Fla. - Sheriff’s deputies in Highlands County, Florida, rescued a nine-year-old Wichita boy on Tuesday. They said his mother and another man tried to burn him because they thought he was demon-possessed.
https://www.kwch.com/2023/12/21/missing-wichita-child-rescued-florida-mother-thought-he-was-demon-possessed/  

▫️Chesapeake Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking Minors
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in prison for sex trafficking two minors.
According to court documents, in September 2022, Denzel Akeem Loftin, 32, began chatting with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 17-year-old girl living in Pennsylvania. Loftin said he was a pimp and proposed that the girl come to Virginia to work for him. The next month, he posted advertisements for her on online sex trafficking sites. Then, in October 2022, the FBI learned of a 14-year-old missing child from Colorado who had been located in sex trafficking advertisements in the Hampton Roads area. Law enforcement set up a “date” for commercial sex with the 14-year-old and another juvenile. Loftin was observed with the girl and two other female individuals immediately before the “date.” One of the other individuals was identified as a missing 17-year-old from Missouri. A review of seized electronic devices revealed that Loftin not only sex-trafficked the minor, but himself engaged in a sex act with the 17-year-old.  The 14-year-old also reported witnessing Loftin inflict physical violence on the 17-year-old, including hitting her in the mouth for “talking back.”
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/chesapeake-man-sentenced-sex-trafficking-minors 

▫️Oakland human trafficking case thrown out over 'lack of cooperating witness'
OAKLAND — Prosecutors here have dismissed a human trafficking case against a 22-year-old man who was accused of pimping a teen girl, court records show.
Jeremiah Means, of Oakland, was charged in August with human trafficking, pimping, and pandering. But two months later, in late October, prosecutors in Alameda County moved to dismiss the case due to a “lack of cooperating witness,” according to a minute order from the hearing where the charges were dropped.
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2023/12/20/oakland-human-trafficking-case-thrown-out-over-lack-of-cooperating-witness/ 

▫️Sanctuary city mayor fumes over migrants arriving
Democrat Brandon Johnson, speaking on Monday, accused Texas Governor Greg Abbott of ‘attacking our country’ by sending migrants on buses to his sanctuary city,
https://rumble.com/v42bkl8-sanctuary-city-mayor-fumes-over-migrants-arriving.html 

▫️Taunton man settles with Fall River diocese over priest sexual abuse
TAUNTON — A Taunton man who says he survived childhood sexual abuse by a former Taunton priest came forward publicly for the first time after years of anonymity and litigation to recount his trauma and discuss the settlement he recently reached with the Diocese of Fall River.
“I don’t want a child going through 40 years of spiritual turmoil and hell, feeling ashamed to seek out the help they need,” Daniel Lewis of Taunton said Wednesday. 
“He’s an example of never being too late to come forward and report sexual abuse,” said Lewis's attorney, Mitchell Garabedian. Garabedian said he has represented many victims of sexual abuse by clergy over two decades. One victim is Claude LeBoeuf, who was present at Wednesday’s press conference outside St. Paul’s, in support of Lewis.
The abuser, James Porter, pleaded guilty in 1993 to molesting 28 children throughout the 1960s and 1970s, while he was a priest with Fall River Diocese. Porter died in 2005. Garabedian said he got a five-figure settlement for LeBoeuf with the Fall River Diocese.
https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/12/21/taunton-ma-priest-edward-byington-sexual-abuse-fall-river-diocese-settlement/71977039007/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/12/spiritual-turmoil-and-hell-taunton-man-says-priest-abused-him-as-child-at-lake-sabbatia/ 

▫️Elderly youth ministry volunteer to spend 10 to 20 years in prison for possessing images of child sexual abuse
BISBEE — An elderly youth ministry volunteer from Sierra Vista will be sentenced to between 10 and 20 years in prison after pleading guilty last week to two felonies related to possession of images depicting the sexual abuse of children. 
Jay Herbert Anderson was ordered during the Dec. 15 change of plea proceedings to submit himself to the Cochise County jail no later than 4 p.m. on Dec. 29 to await sentencing.
https://www.myheraldreview.com/news/courts_and_crime/elderly-youth-ministry-volunteer-to-spend-10-to-20-years-in-prison-for-possessing-images/article_5d06b2c2-a019-11ee-899e-dbb0e9c460b8.html 

▫️Sexual Abuse in Schools Is a Hidden Epidemic
https://www.businessinsider.com/sexual-abuse-schools-inappropriate-student-teacher-relationship-predators-2023-12 

▫️Denton County Sheriff's Office arrest 11 in human trafficking operation, 12 survivors
The Denton County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that it arrested 11 men for solicitation of prostitution as part of a two-day human trafficking operation.
As a result of the operation, 12 people were identified as possible victims and accepted the services offered from Refuge for Women, Unbound Now, Bob’s House of Hope and Kainos International.
» https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2023/12/21/denton-county-sheriffs-office-arrest-11-in-human-trafficking-operation/
» http://www.irvingweekly.com/s/6774/Denton-County-Crackdown:-Two-Day-Operation-Targets-Human-Trafficking-Results-in-Arrests-and-Rescue-of-Potential-Victims.php 

▫️Five human trafficking victims freed in League City prostitution sting, DPS says
A two-day investigation led by the Texas Department of Public Safety this week resulted in 11 men being charged with solicitation and two with promotion of prostitution in a sting that also led to the rescue of five women law officers said were human trafficking victims.
https://www.galvnews.com/news/five-human-trafficking-victims-freed-in-league-city-prostitution-sting-dps-says/article_50e9e0ba-2f41-5200-84c6-66115863bc22.html 

▫️Boise Police Bust Human Trafficker from Seattle and Rescue Victim
The man now faces multiple charges, including Domestic Violence, Attempted Strangulation, Human Trafficking, Prostitution-related offenses, and Arrests & Seizures – Resisting or Obstructing Officers, according to the recent press release from the Boise Police Department.
Thankfully, the victim called for help and the suspect is now in custody at the Ada County Jail.
» https://kidotalkradio.com/boise-police-arrest-human-trafficker-from-seattle/
» https://www.cityofboise.org/news/police/2023/december/bpd-arrests-suspect-following-human-trafficking-investigation/ 

▫️Portland Police Bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit Conducts Anti-Trafficking Operations, six survivors
Portland, Ore. — During the month of December, the Portland Police Bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) engaged in proactive anti-trafficking initiatives, collaborating with various precincts, support units, and external agencies.
16 men charged with Unlawful Prostitution Procurement Activities. Additionally, Juan Cuellar-Montoya, 28, Hillsboro, was arrested for Purchasing a Minor. Six women were contacted, offered services, and provided ongoing advocacy assistance.
» https://www.kxl.com/portland-police-bureaus-human-trafficking-unit-conducts-anti-trafficking-operations/
» https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/read.cfm?id=523224 

▫️ERO Los Angeles arrests 26 convicted sexual predators in local two-day operation | ICE
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations Los Angeles announced today the arrest of 26 unlawfully present foreign nationals during a local enforcement operation that began on Dec. 18, and concluded on Dec. 20.
ERO officers focused enforcement efforts on removable noncitizens — specifically, those identified as having criminal convictions for sex offenses and pose a serious threat to public safety.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-los-angeles-arrests-26-convicted-sexual-predators-local-two-day-operation 

▫️Lockport man accused of possessing child porn connected to global sex trafficking network
BUFFALO, N.Y.  — A Lockport man has been arrested and charged with being a recipient of child pornography connected to a global sex trafficking network.
57-year-old Richard Greer is accused of having significant communication with a person operating a child sex trafficking network in the Philippines, including around 31,000 messages, over 3,000 calls and over 200 media files. The U.S. Attorney said that Greer received many images and videos of child pornography during those communications.
» https://www.wivb.com/news/crime/lockport-man-accused-of-possessing-child-porn-connected-to-global-sex-trafficking-network/
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/lockport-man-connected-global-sex-trafficking-network-charged-receipt-child 

▫️Owner of Arlington horse ranch arrested, accused of child sex abuse
ARLINGTON — Deputies arrested a former Arlington horse ranch owner Wednesday for investigation of sexually abusing three girls over the past decade.
Robert Blessing, 36, was accused of a total of 12 total counts of sex crimes, including third-degree rape of a child, third-degree child molestation, sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography and communication with a minor for immoral purposes, all felonies.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/owner-of-arlington-horse-ranch-arrested-accused-of-child-sex-abuse/ 

▫️SFPS Teacher Arrested in Undercover Child Porn Investigation
Detectives from the Santa Fe Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit arrested Ortiz Middle School Teacher Pablo Angeles-Guaderrama, 34, at his home in Santa Fe, charging him with felony criminal solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of children Thursday morning.
Within an hour of Angeles-Guaderrama’s arrest, SFPD notified Santa Fe Public Schools of the arrest and charges. SFPS placed the teacher on leave immediately
» https://www.sfreporter.com/news/2023/12/21/sfps-teacher-arrested-in-undercover-child-porn-investigation/
» https://www.yahoo.com/news/middle-school-teacher-charged-seeking-003500628.html 

▫️Former Bucks County, Pennsylvania child care worker charged with child sexual abuse
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania - A former Bucks County child care worker has been charged with sexually abusing at least four boys decades ago and prosecutors fear there could be more victims.
Middletown Township police charged 41-year-old Gerald Spoto with sexual assault that dates back to the 1990s when police say he was working for an after-school program.
» https://6abc.com/gerald-spoto-arrested-sexual-assault-charges-neshaminy-kids-club-bucks-county-childcare-worker/14212372/
»

▫️DOJ: Man who lived at residential daycare in West Bridgewater arrested on child porn charge
WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — Authorities arrested a man accused of owning several pornographic images and videos involving children while renting a room at a daycare on Wednesday morning. Juan Levano, 23, of West Bridgewater, is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography.
Federal investigators say an internet-based communications application made for the use of trafficking child pornography identified Levano as a user of the platform. He allegedly belonged to at least two groups where child pornography was disseminated.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/doj-man-who-lived-residential-daycare-west-bridgewater-arrested-child-porn-charge/U6NNS7YXFVAA3KEDJRAZLYLE2E/ 

▫️Ohio Valley man allegedly found with videos of a toddler screaming while being raped by adult men
MARIETTA, Ohio — An Ohio Valley man has been arrested after he was allegedly found with videos of a toddler being raped by adult men. According to Chief Deputy Mark A. Warden, Agents with the Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Michael James Barber, charging him with a 2nd-degree felony.
https://www.wtrf.com/ohio-valley/ohio-valley-man-allegedly-found-with-videos-of-a-toddler-screaming-while-being-raped-by-adult-men/ 

▫️Ex-Klein ISD teacher accused of sexual contact with a child
KLEIN, Texas — Another Houston-area teacher has been arrested and accused of sexually abusing a student. The latest case involves a Klein ISD teacher who was fired following an investigation.
Matthew Stegeman Sr., 52, was arrested Monday and charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/klein-isd-teacher-inappropriate-contact-with-a-child/285-c14719cc-65c1-43fa-b966-9106316cadb5  

▫️Former Army officer from Cooper City pleads guilty to possessing child sex abuse videos
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A former U.S. Army lieutenant colonel faces up to two decades behind bars after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material in Fort Lauderdale federal court Wednesday, according to prosecutors.
Edgar Ali Cerda, 49, of Cooper City, was arrested in 2021 after a tip from messaging app Kik that he was sharing child sexual abuse videos on the platform, according to a federal criminal complaint.
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/12/21/former-army-officer-from-cooper-city-pleads-guilty-to-possessing-child-sex-abuse-videos/ 

▫️Former Texas Police Lieutenant Sentenced To Nearly 13 Years In Federal Prison For Attempting To Entice 11-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Seth Estes Vanover (52, Diana, TX) to 12 years and 11 months in federal prison for attempting to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity using an online social messaging app.
Vanover described in graphic detail the sexual acts that he (Vanover) intended to perform on the “child,” and he directed the UC agent to talk to and prepare the “child” for the intended sexual activity.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/former-texas-police-lieutenant-sentenced-nearly-13-years-federal-prison-attempting  

▫️Ex-New Haven police officer pleads not guilty in sexual assault case
A former New Haven police officer accused of sexually assaulting a teenager he met though a police-run youth program appeared in state Superior Court Thursday.
Jeremie Elliott, now 41, of Glastonbury, is facing a charge of second-degree sexual assault for sexual intercourse with someone he had a position of power or influence over who was under the age of 18.
https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/new-haven-police-jeremie-elliott-sexul-assault-18568448.php  

▫️Former LI elementary teacher arrested, sexual abuse students
The Special Victims Section detectives with Suffolk County PD began an investigation after the two former students accused Thomas Bernagozzi, 75, of sexual abuse.
Bernagozzi, of Babylon, was charged with first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child and first-degree sodomy, police said. This news comes weeks after 45 former elementary school students filed separate lawsuits against the Bay Shore School District, with each lawsuit accusing the district of failing to protect them from Bernagozzi’s sexual abuse, according to court documents obtained by Newsday.
» https://www.audacy.com/1010wins/news/former-li-elementary-teacher-arrested-sexual-abuse-students
» https://www.newsday.com/long-island/investigations/long-island-sex-abuse-lawsuits-sd0b2n4p
» https://abc7ny.com/teacher-arrested-child-sexual-abuse-sex-students-abused/14215424/ 

▫️DHS offers record $40 million to settle lawsuit from abused foster children
The Oregon Department of Human Services has agreed to pay $40 million to settle a lawsuit filed by four former foster children who were sexually and physically abused in a foster home, court records show. 
The agency’s settlement offer marks the culmination of a five-year court battle that scrutinized the harsh treatment of children in Oregon’s foster care system and exposed the agency’s efforts to cover up the abuse of the children in a Marion County foster home in Keizer. In a court filing submitted on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Eugene, the children’s attorneys said their clients have accepted the state’s offer of $40 million – the largest in an Oregon state foster care lawsuit.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/12/21/dhs-offers-record-40-million-to-settle-lawsuit-from-abused-foster-children/ 

▫️Carr: Final Defendant Pleads Guilty in 10-Person Sex Trafficking Case in Fulton County
ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Devin Smith, 38, of Riverdale, has pleaded guilty in Fulton County in a case that involves the trafficking of a 17-year-old female. The victim was recovered from a hotel during “Operation Not Forgotten.” Following her recovery, Smith was indicted in January 2022 along with 9 other men, for a total of one seller and nine buyers. All 10 have now pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison.
https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2023-12-21/carr-final-defendant-pleads-guilty-10-person-sex-trafficking-case-fulton 

▫️Attorney General Moody's OSP Secures 19-Year Prison Sentence for Human Trafficker
Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution has successfully obtained a 19-year prison sentence for Brandon Gutman, a human trafficker who forced a woman and teenage girl into the sex trade. Gutman, from Boca Raton, pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges related to his involvement in a human trafficking operation that spanned several years.
https://legalnewsline.com/stories/653227154-attorney-general-moody-s-osp-secures-19-year-prison-sentence-for-human-trafficker 

▫️Aaron Mora, Oxnard High School Coach, Sentenced To Prison For Sexual Crimes Involving Students
A former Oxnard high school track coach identified as Aaron Mora, 25, has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of sex crimes involving students.
Ventura County officials are saying that the former teacher as been sentenced to two years in prison and must register as a sex offender for life. Aaron Mora pled guilty to one felony count of sending harmful material to a child.
https://www.carrillofirm.com/aaron-mora-oxnard-high-school-coach-sentenced-to-prison-for-sexual-crimes-involving-students/ 

▫️Human Trafficking Conference Set For January 20th In Columbia
It’s a problem most people discount because it just can’t happen here in the lake area and mid-Missouri…the problems of human trafficking.
All next month is designated as, both, National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and Missouri Sex Trafficking Awareness Month. It’s also the main reason behind an event taking place on the 20th in Columbia.
The conference will focus on the signs of trafficking, prevention, available support and other activities. The conference is taking place at the REDI Hub on East Walnut in Columbia.
https://www.krmsradio.com/human-trafficking-conference-set-for-january-20th-in-columbia/ 

▫️Human Trafficking Informational Session Tickets, Wed, Dec 27, 2023 at 12:00 PM
In partnership with the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center and the Coachella Valley Coalition to End Human Trafficking, this Trending Topics event will provide critical information in helping the general public understand human trafficking, common targets of trafficking and what supports are available for victims.
Trending Topics is a monthly series featuring expert speakers on a variety of topics. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/human-trafficking-informational-session-tickets-773920355617?aff=erellivmlt 

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Month Training & Conference, Crossroads Church and Ministries, US Highway 27 North, Marshall, MI, USA, January 18 2024
Join us for an in-person event at Crossroads Church and Ministries in Marshall, MI, USA as we raise awareness about the pressing issue of human trafficking. This event aims to educate and equip individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to combat this global problem. During an afternoon hearing from subject matter experts, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of human trafficking and learn how they can make a difference in their communities. Together, let's fight against this injustice and create a safer world for everyone.
https://allevents.in/marshall/human-trafficking-awareness-month-training-and-conference/10000777017067967  
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Shawn Myers, Grove City, PA councilman accused of having sexual relations with child: PSP
GROVE CITY, Pa. - A Grove City councilman is accused of having sexual relations with a child, according to a criminal complaint. Pennsylvania State Police said that Shawn Myers faces four felony counts that include involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, disseminating explicit sexual material with a minor, endangering the welfare of a child, and corruption of minors.
According to police, the victim, who is under the age of 10, described specific and disturbing details regarding acts Myers forced them to do. Myers was re-elected for another four-year term as councilman in November.
» https://www.wfmj.com/story/50259810/grove-city-councilman-charged-with-sex-crimes-against-9yearold     (VIDEO)
» https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/grove-city-councilman-charged-child-sexual-abuse/
» https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/grove-city-news/city-councilman-accused-of-having-sexual-relations-with-child-psp/ 

▫️Two men arrested for child sex crimes in Bossier Parish
BOSSIER PARISH, La.  - Two men have been arrested for a slew of sex crimes involving children and animals. Back in November, the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office began investigating a man named Clint Arnouville, 30, of Bossier City. The investigation started after the mother of one of the juvenile victims came forward accusing Arnouville of rape.
While further investigating Arnouville, detectives learned of another person reportedly involved in the case. Alan Byrd, 40, of Lafayette, was identified as a suspect. In mid-December, detectives went to Lafayette to search for Byrd. A search warrant was executed as his home, where detectives reportedly found a cell phone believed to have been used by Byrd to transfer child porn images to Arnouville. Byrd was subsequently arrested. Arnouville was booked into Bossier Max, where his bond was set at nearly $3 million ($2,845,000).
» https://www.ksla.com/2023/12/22/2-men-arrested-child-sex-trafficking-rape-bossier-parish/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.ktalnews.com/news/crime/louisiana-men-arrested-in-child-sex-trafficking-investigation/     (VIDEO)
» https://bossierpress.com/bossier-sheriffs-detectives-arrest-two-men-for-offenses-against-children/
»

▫️Child sex crimes fugitive arrested in SE OKC
OKLAHOMA CITY  – The Oklahoma City Police Department says a man wanted for numerous crimes dating back to 2021, including child sexual abuse and rape, was arrested this week on the city’s southeast side.
According to police, 48-year old Joshua Jay O’Daniel was arrested after he failed to appear in court on a case from 2021 where he’s facing 13-counts of child sexual abuse, 4-counts of rape by instrumentation, and 2-counts of rape in the first degree.
» https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/midwest/child-sex-crimes-fugitive-arrested-in-oklahoma/   (VIDEO)
» https://kfor.com/news/local/child-sex-crimes-fugitive-arrested-in-se-okc/ 

▫️SLO man arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting 2 children
A San Luis Obispo man was arrested and charged with multiple child sexual assault felonies Thursday, the San Luis Obispo Police Department said in a news release. Josue Perez Rosales, 46, is accused of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy.
» https://ca.news.yahoo.com/slo-man-arrested-suspicion-sexually-180429144.html
» https://keyt.com/news/san-luis-obispo-county/2023/12/22/san-luis-obispo-man-arrested-in-connection-with-two-sexual-assaults-in-last-ten-years-on-thursday/ 

▫️Colorado Springs man sentenced for sex crimes against foster and adopted children
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - A man was sentenced for sex crimes against children in Colorado Springs this week.
The investigation started in December of 2020. In 2021, additional victims were identified and interviewed about their sexual abuse in a Colorado Springs foster home. The suspect, Joel Longshore who was 46 at the time police arrested him, was taken into custody for multiple counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust in March of 2021.
Longshore was reportedly a foster father at the time of the abuse. According to online court records, Longshore was found guilty of 10 counts including multiple counts of child sex assault with a pattern of abuse.
Longshore was sentenced on Thursday to 15 years to life in prison with parole of 20 years to life, according to the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
https://www.kktv.com/2023/12/22/colorado-springs-man-sentenced-sex-crimes-against-foster-adtoped-children/    (VIDEO) 

▫️Brazoswood High School teacher faces 12 indictments in 2007 child sex assault case
BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas – A Brazoswood High School teacher has been indicted and charged in connection to a child sexual assault case from 2007.
According to court documents, Brandyn Hargrove was indicted on six counts of sexual assault of a child, four counts of indecency with a child by contact, and two counts of indecency with a child by exposure. She was arrested on Thursday. She has since posted a $240,000 bond and been released from the Brazoria County Jail, according to jail records.
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/12/22/brazoswood-high-school-teacher-faces-12-indictments-in-2007-child-sex-assault-case/     (VIDEO) 

▫️Man arrested for murder of boy, 2, also charged with child abuse and sexual abuse
ROY, Utah  — A Roy man was arrested Thursday in connection with the death of a 2-year-old boy. Court documents state that Dunn was babysitting the children at the time.
According to a statement posted on the Roy City Police Department Facebook page, Jonathan Dunn, 36, was arrested and booked into the Weber County Jail. He has been charged with one count of aggravated murder and two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, both first-degree felonies, plus one count of aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony.
Dunn told police he provided them with Tylenol “because he knew they would have a headache,” the affidavit says. He also gave the boy children’s cough medicine and the girl a children’s sleep aid, police said.
» https://gephardtdaily.com/local/police-roy-man-subjected-toddlers-to-repeated-abuse-leading-to-boys-death/
» https://www.standard.net/police-fire/2023/dec/22/man-arrested-for-murder-of-boy-2-also-charged-with-child-abuse-and-sexual-abuse/ 

▫️'I have no words:' Pa. neighborhood left shaken after toddler found murdered
Oil City, Pa – An Oil City neighborhood is reeling Friday night after the body of a two-year-old boy was found in his home. The toddler’s body was found Wednesday hidden in the basement of the home on North Street. Friday evening, the boyfriend of the child’s mother is behind bars in Venango County Jail in connection with his death.
A horrific discovery in the basement of this house at 610 North Street in Oil City Wednesday. The dead body of a two-year-old boy who lived there was found by police hidden in a canvas bag from an air mattress under a makeshift table. 24-year-old Trevaughn Stribling-Jackson who lived in the house with the child’s mother has been charged with criminal homicide.
Stribling-Jackson also faces charges of aggravated assault and abuse of a corpse.
https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania/i-have-no-words-pa-neighborhood-left-shaken-after-toddler-found-murdered/amp/    (VIDEO) 

▫️Apparent attempted child abduction under investigation in Chesterfield
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Police are investigating "a suspicious incident that appears to be an attempted abduction," a Chesterifeld Police spokesperson wrote in an email.
A 12-year-old boy reported a man in a red truck chased him in a Chesterfield neighborhood. The driver exited the truck and chased the juvenile on foot for a short distance.
Police described the suspect is described as a white male, about 40 years old, with short hair; he was wearing a blue sweatshirt. Police described the truck as an older-model, two-door, red pickup truck with rust near the wheels.
Anyone with information was asked to call Chesterfield Police at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.
» https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/newgate-road=attempted-abduction-dec-22-2023 
» https://youtu.be/2KebC09pKEQ

▫️'Horrific crimes against children': Kansas deputy helps take down Snapchat child predator
TOPEKA – A Wabaunsee County sheriff’s deputy is being commended for finding a child sex predator after an Alma girl was solicited for sex on Snapchat. The undersheriff said the actions of Cpl. Jon Sumner led officers to find the man had been harassing dozens of underage girls, including one he was eventually convicted of raping.
More information uncovered by the Colorado Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) team led to the revelation there were an additional 24 underage girls tied to the case. 
25-year-old Miles McGough was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison by a U.S. District Court Judge on Dec. 7, 2023, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). McGough had previously plead guilty to enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. Law enforcement in Colorado is still waiting for sentencing to come down on 22 felony sex crimes, the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office said. This could potentially put McGough into the Colorado State Prison for an additional 15-20 years after he has served his time at the federal level.
https://www.ksnt.com/news/crime/kansas-deputy-uncovers-dozens-of-child-snapchat-victims/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Sugar Land man charged for sexual abuse against 3 girls
HOUSTON - On Dec. 18, 51-year-old Jose Florentino Ortiz from Sugar Land was sentenced to prison for sexual abuse against children. According to the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office, Ortiz will serve a total of 57 years after a jury found him guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a young child and two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Fort Bend County child abuse prosecutors Alycia Curtis and Craig Priesmeyer revealed evidence showing Ortiz began sexually abusing a 5-year-old child in the mid-1990s.
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/sugar-land-man-charged-for-sexual-abuse-against-3-girls 

▫️BPD: 53-year-old man arrested on charges of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in east Bakersfield
The Bakersfield Police Department says on December 22nd, around 7 a.m., officers and personnel from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service, and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation conducted an investigation at a residence in the 6000 block of East Brundage Lane regarding child sexual abuse material.
Police said the suspect, 53-year-old Toby Lemons of Bakersfield was arrested for charges associated with possession of child sexual abuse material following a search of his residence pursuant to a search warrant.
https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/bpd-53-year-old-man-arrested-on-charges-of-child-sexual-abuse-material-in-east-bakersfield 

▫️Racine man convicted of dozens of sex crimes sentenced to over 40 years behind bars
RACINE, Wis. - A man found guilty of more than 200 sex crimes in Racine and beyond was sentenced on Friday, Dec. 22. He will virtually spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Shane Stanger, who was charged with over 70 sex crimes involving women and children, will spend over 40 years behind bars.
"With respect to the counts of one through six, the court is going to sentence Mr. Stanger to the Wisconsin state prison system for a period of 35 years," said Judge Timothy Boyle.
This case lasted about three years in Racine, and now finally has come to an end. The judge gave time for 45 charges against Stanger, adding up to 43 years and nine months in a cell.
» https://www.cbs58.com/news/racine-man-convicted-of-200-sex-crimes-sentenced-to-over-40-years-behind-bars    (VIDEO)
» https://www.fox6now.com/news/wisconsin-sex-assaults-shane-stanger-sentence    (VIDEO)
»

▫️Yolo County prosecutors praise group using AI to fool predators
YOLO COUNTY, Calif. — A Yolo County jury convicted a 45-year-old man of trying to meet a minor for sex. Jayson Proctor, an unhoused person from Sacramento, was convicted on Thursday of one count of communicating with a minor with the intent to commit an illegal sex act and one count of arranging a meeting with a minor to engage in lewd and lascivious behavior, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office said.
He was arrested in the parking of a Carl’s Jr. in West Sacramento on Sept. 16 while trying to meet who he thought was a 15-year-old boy for sex. The meeting followed 10 days of online conversations on a dating app between Proctor and someone affiliated with the online organization “People v. Preds,” the Yolo County DA’s office said.
» https://www.kcra.com/article/yolo-county-jury-convicts-man-caught-in-child-predator-sting-operation/46212783    (VIDEO)
»

▫️Local man heads to prison for sex trafficking teenager
HOUSTON – A federal jury convicted 32-year-old Giovanny Xavier Limon aka Ace or Ace One July 31 following a four-day trial. U.S. District Judge David Hittner has now ordered Limon to serve 40 years in federal prison to be immediately followed by 10 years of supervised release. “Boy I’ve been waiting for this day,” the victim said. “To spit on you how you spit on me. My past does not and will not define me or my future, and after today I will not let you be in my shadow no longer. You took my life but I'm still breathing to live another day.”
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/local-man-heads-prison-sex-trafficking-teenager-0 

▫️HSI RGV, USBP secure the conviction of a Chinese national for possessing multiple child pornography videos | ICE
MCALLEN, Texas — A Chinese national was convicted Dec. 20 for transporting child sexual abuse material following an investigation worked by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol (USBP).
Tong Sun, 45, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis, who accepted his plea for possessing child sexual abuse material via his cell phone.
According to court documents, on or about May 8, Sun attempted to illegally enter the country in an area near Roma. Law enforcement took him into custody, at which time they discovered several videos that constituted child sexual abuse material on his phone. One of the videos depicted a child who appeared to be younger than 5 years of age.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/hsi-rgv-usbp-secure-conviction-chinese-national-possessing-multiple-child-pornography 

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST!!

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Former corrections officer, current Walt Disney World employee faces child porn charges
HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – A former corrections officer and current Walt Disney World employee is accused of possessing child pornography, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Michael Foster, 47, was arrested Wednesday after detectives carried out a search warrant at his Brooksville home.
Foster was identified by the sheriff’s office as a former corrections officer in Citrus County and a current overnight mechanic at Walt Disney World. Foster faces 32 counts of possession of child pornography and was given a bond of $320,000 at his first appearance in court Thursday.
Additional charges are pending further analysis of all devices seized from Foster’s residence, the sheriff’s office said.
» https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/12/22/former-corrections-officer-current-walt-disney-world-employee-faces-child-porn-charges/
» https://internewscast.com/news/us/disney-world-employee-michael-foster-charged-with-32-counts-of-child-pornography-sheriff/
» https://insidethemagic.net/2023/12/disney-employee-arrested-on-possession-of-child-pornography-emd1/
» https://www.theblaze.com/news/florida-man-disney-employee-child-porn 

▫️Georgia woman planned to take 2 children to New York to let man assault them, investigators say
COLUMBUS, Ga. — Two people have been arrested in connection with an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children. On Dec. 15, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Special Operation Unit began their investigation and discovered that a woman named Chanda Smith of Columbus, Ga. was asking for money from a man, later identified as Craig Livingston of Cortland, N.Y., for pictures of underage children.
The sheriff’s office says Smith and Livingston were negotiating about her bringing the children to New York on New Year’s Day. Both Smith and Livingston are charged with two counts of felony human trafficking for sexual servitude, two counts of felony sexual exploitation of a child, and two counts of felony use of a communication facility to commit a felony.
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/georgia/georgia-woman-planned-take-2-children-new-york-let-man-assault-them-investigators-say/OC7BWTU27ZFRBGLY7CBRJ6L5QY/ 

▫️Box Elder man guilty of sexual exploitation of minor
RAPID CITY, S.D.  — A jury has convicted a 42-year-old Box Elder man of several charges, according to the United States Attorney’s Office District of South Dakota.
Vincent Alberto Barrios was found guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor using the internet, attempted enticement of a minor using the internet, receipt of child pornography and attempted receipt of child pornography.
https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/box-elder-man-guilty-of-sexual-exploitation-of-minor/ 

▫️Grand jury indicts Hilo teen who allegedly created online group promoting child porn, self-harm
HONOLULU - A federal grand jury indicted the Hilo teen who claims to be the founder of an online group that promotes child sexual abuse and self-harm Thursday.
The FBI says Kalana Limkin admitted to creating the online group “Cultist,” which promotes child porn and self-harm. Agents arrested the 18-year-old last week.
Court documents say Limkin uploaded pictures of child porn and admitted to asking underage girls for nude photos, which were found on his phone. He faces a 20-year sentence if convicted.
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/12/25/grand-jury-indicts-hilo-teen-who-allegedly-created-online-group-promoting-child-porn-self-harm/ 

▫️Elementary school janitor arrested again on child sexual abuse charges in Utah County
UTAH COUNTY, Utah  — Another victim has come forward in a Utah County child sexual abuse case involving an elementary school janitor during the 2017-2018 school year.
The suspect, Adrian Villar, 65, was arrested and charged in 2018 for allegedly sexually abusing two boys ages 8 and 11 at Sierra Bonita Elementary School the year prior. The sexual abuse allegations were similar to the one recently received by Santaquin police. Investigators say Villar worked as a custodian at Sierra Bonita before moving to Santaquin Elementary School.
Villar, whose trial had been delayed several times since 2020, was on pre-trial release when he was arrested on Monday facing additional charges.
https://www.newsnationnow.com/crime/janitor-arrested-sexual-abuse/ 

▫️Missing Colorado girl found in sex-trafficking bust by federal agents
A Virginia man was sentenced to 25 years in prison Tuesday for sex trafficking two minors, including a missing 14-year-old girl from Colorado.
In June, 32-year-old Denzel Akeem Loftin of Chesapeake, Virginia pleaded guilty to the felony charge of sex trafficking a minor under a plea deal, according to court documents.
The deal dropped four other felony charges from his case, including sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; attempted sex trafficking of a minor; production of a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit content; and obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation.
https://www.denverpost.com/2023/12/22/sex-trafficking-colorado-virginia-missing-girl/ 

▫️Chimayó man accused of raping child
A Chimayó man faces five felony counts after police accused him of raping a 6-year-old girl.
Gilbert Martinez, 52, had not been taken into custody by Española police as of Saturday afternoon, but police are looking for him, said Chief Mizel Garcia.
https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/chimay-man-charged-with-raping-a-child/article_e2eab3c0-a1e5-11ee-acd2-278ebe0f641f.html  

▫️Santa Fe school teacher arrested for child solicitation
SANTA FE, N.M. — Police arrested two suspects who allegedly sent child sexual abuse material to undercover detectives.
The arrests were made on Tuesday, Dec. 19, and Thursday, Dec. 21, respectively. Police arrested 21-year-old Orlando Perea first in Santa Fe County. The next arrest was 34-year-old Pablo Angeles-Guaderrama, who was teaching math classes at Ortiz Middle School for Santa Fe Public Schools. The school district was made aware of the charges by city police.
Both men face two charges: Criminal solicitation and sexual exploitation of children.
https://www.koat.com/article/school-teacher-arrested-child-sex-crimes-santa-fe/46203752# 

▫️Marion County man sentenced to 62 years for child sex abuse
MARION COUNTY, Oregon — On Tuesday, a Marion County man was found guilty on child sexual abuse charges and was sentenced to over 62 years by Marion County Circuit Court Judge Courtland Geyer, according to the Marion County Attorney's Office. Charles Thomas Dougherty was convicted of seven separate incidents of child sexual abuse. The abuse against the victim started when the child was under the age of 12 and carried on until she was 16, said the Marion County Attorney's Office.
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/crime/marion-county-charles-dougherty-convicted-child-sexual-abuse-prison/283-c91ce006-dd65-413e-8c13-36e7e545a5ce  

▫️Mercer County man pleads guilty to child sexual exploitation charge in federal court
According to a press release, 22-year-old Hank Fisher distributed images and videos depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Fisher also possessed thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
https://www.wfmj.com/story/50277187/mercer-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-child-sexual-exploitation-charge-in-federal-court  

▫️Douglas County investigation leads to three arrests for drugs, rape and kidnapping
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Mo. — An investigation in Douglas County has resulted in the arrests of three people for drug, rape and kidnapping charges. With the help of the Multijurisdictional Task Force, law enforcement searched the home of Orval D. Merriman and found 35.5 grams of amphetamines in 17 individual plastic baggies.
During the investigation of Merriman, deputies determined that another man and woman related to the investigation were meeting women via online dating apps and bringing them to Douglas County, where they would rape and extort the women. According to online court documents, 36-year-old Brandon Wayne Williams and 26-year-old Bailey Abercrombie, both of Ava, are each charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping, one count of first-degree rape and one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
https://www.ozarksfirst.com/top-stories/douglas-county-investigation-leads-to-three-arrests-for-drugs-rape-and-kidnapping/ 

▫️Pontiac man charged with having ‘disgusting’ child sexually abusive videos, images
An Oakland County man was charged over the weekend with multiple criminal counts following a lengthy investigation that uncovered a “large quantity” of child pornographic images and video, authorities said Sunday. Justin Robert Newton, 43, was arraigned Saturday before a magistrate in 52 District Court. He was ordered held without bond in the Oakland County Jail.
Investigators presented the case to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office where, prosecutors authorized five counts of aggravated possession of child sexually explicit material and five counts of using a computer in the commission of a crime.
https://www.macombdaily.com/2023/12/24/pontiac-man-charged-with-having-disgusting-child-sexually-abusive-videos-images/ 

▫️Man charged with sexual abuse of 2 children in Lincoln County is employed by Pattonville Schools
LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. - Lincoln County prosecutors on Wednesday charged a man, who is also a Pattonville School District staff member, with three felony sexual crimes involving two children. Michael C. Johannes was arrested Wednesday and is charged with one count of sexual misconduct involving a child under 15 and two counts of second-degree child molestation of a child less than 12 years old.
Court documents show the victims are six and eight years old and Johannes came into contact with them after befriending a woman at a St. Charles County church who was a babysitter for the victims. None of the charges allege the abuse happened on school grounds or involve students.
https://www.firstalert4.com/2023/12/25/man-charged-with-sexual-abuse-2-children-lincoln-county-is-employed-by-pattonville-schools/ 

▫️Sex offender arrested after San Joaquin County high-speed chase
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, Calif. — A sex offender was arrested after nearly crashing into a San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle during a chase Sunday. Deputies say the unidentified driver had an outstanding warrant for felony failure to register as a sex offender and felony domestic violence. He was arrested and booked on suspicion of felony evading, felony assault with a vehicle and assault on a peace officer.
https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/san-joaquin-county-high-speed-chase-ends-in-crash/103-b1a4f845-33a1-4a30-9dd4-c89fa0a7b8f1 

▫️More child sex abuse charges for Rayne man
For the third time, a Rayne man has been booked on child sex abuse charges.
The arrest this week of Julian "Trey" Aucoin III is the third during an ongoing investigation by the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit. Aucoin, 40, was booked this week into the Acadia Parish jail on a warrant accusing him of first-degree rape, oral sexual battery, sexual battery of a child younger than 13 years, molestation of a juvenile and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.
Records at the Acadia jail show he posted $360,000 bond and was released.
» https://www.katc.com/news/around-acadiana/acadia-parish/more-child-sex-abuse-charges-for-rayne-man
» https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/crime_police/third-arrest-on-child-sex-abuse-charges-for-rayne-man/article_1c93fddc-a283-11ee-ba1e-5b23136c0ef9.html 

▫️Yonkers Woman and Male Accomplice Plead Guilty to Child Pornography Charges
In a disturbing case involving the production and distribution of child pornography, Dilicia Aguirre-Orellana, a 23-year-old woman from Yonkers, and Jonathan Rivera, a 34-year-old Brooklyn man, have recently entered guilty pleas. The pair’s arrest occurred in February 2022, with legal proceedings set to unfold in the coming months.
Aguirre-Orellana is scheduled for sentencing in July 2024, while Rivera is due to face sentencing this April. The charges against them, announced by Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, include the production, receipt, and distribution of child pornography.
https://www.theyonkersledger.com/news/yonkers-woman-and-male-accomplice-plead-guilty-to-child-pornography-charges/30712/ 

▫️More New Maryland Catholic Predators Exposed
Virtually every single time somebody puts forth some effort and spends some time on Google, names turn up that SHOULD be but are NOT on the official church sex offender list.
In this case, our appreciation goes out to the Baltimore Sun, which has (in its own words) “built the largest and only searchable database in Maryland, publishing a list of 309 people with ties to the church who were accused of child sexual abuse or misconduct and lived or worked anywhere in the state.” 
The new names include a caregiver, a deacon, and a nun. It includes a few seminarians, coaches, teachers, and dozens of priests. Several of them are apparently on no list anywhere, secular or religious. 
» https://www.adamhorowitzlaw.com/blog/2023/12/breaking-news-more-new-maryland-catholic-predators-exposed/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/12/breaking-news-more-new-maryland-catholic-predators-exposed/
» https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/12/15/maryland-catholic-church-abuse-expands-list-accused/
» https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/12/15/maryland-catholic-church-abuse-database/   (database) 

▫️Former Lancaster pastor pleads guilty to 1 count of sexual abuse of child
LANCASTER, Ky. — A former Lancaster pastor last week agreed to a plea deal to drop 12 charges of sexual abuse of children in exchange for pleading guilty to one charge.
Thomas Wall on Dec. 8 pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a child, according to Garrard County court records. His plea agreement states that for his guilty plea to the one count, his other 12 charges of sexual abuse involving children are dismissed.
https://www.wtvq.com/former-lancaster-pastor-pleads-guilty-to-1-count-of-sexual-abuse-of-child/ 

▫️Priest sex assault lawsuit aims to set precedent in Michigan
The Michigan Supreme Court is set to review a case that could set a precedent for victims of childhood sexual abuse. Attorney Ven Johnson, with Ven Johnson Law, says his client, Brian McLain, was sexually abused by a Roman Catholic priest in 1999 when he was a minor attending W.J. Maxey Boys Training School in Whitmore Lake.
Father Richard Lobert, the priest in question, has connections to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Archdiocese of Lansing, and Father Gabriel Richard Catholic High School in Ann Arbor.
Local 4 obtained a release dated January 2021, stating that Father Lobert had been removed from all of his priestly duties following an investigation. The state Supreme Court will have to decide if the 2018 change to the statute of limitations applies in this case.
» https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/12/19/priest-sex-assault-lawsuit-aims-to-set-precedent-in-michigan/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/12/priest-sex-assault-lawsuit-aims-to-set-precedent-in-michigan/ 

▫️Church fires lead pastor after ‘shock’ arrest
Board members of the Mount Hope Christian Church in Fayette County, West Virginia, say they have fired their lead pastor, Elbert Eugene Goins, popularly known as "Buddy Goins," a day after he was arrested for allegedly patronizing a minor victimized by sexual servitude. They said the incident has left them "shocked."
https://www.christianpost.com/news/church-fires-lead-pastor-after-shock-arrest.html 

▫️Texas gov sends private plane full of migrants to Chicago   (VIDEO)
https://rumble.com/v42ka2n-texas-gov-sends-private-plane-full-of-migrants-to-chicago.html 

▫️Hundreds alleged assault by youth detention workers. Years later, most suspects face no charges
At least 356 lawsuits have been filed by plaintiffs who allege sexual assault and have yet to turn 40. Not all of them identify alleged perpetrators by name, but the 242 who do accuse dozens of staffers, nearly all of them at the youth center but some at group homes and residential treatment centers with state contracts. At least a dozen more turned 40 this year, putting their cases out of range for criminal charges.
» https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/hundreds-alleged-assault-by-youth-detention-workers-years-later-most-suspects-face-no-charges/article_643584f2-a018-11ee-847c-eb1ac7c1b43c.html
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-12890113/Hundreds-alleged-assault-youth-detention-workers-Years-later-suspects-face-no-charges.html 

▫️Judge certifies class in child sex abuse case against porn giant
A group of child sex abuse survivors can proceed as a class in a lawsuit accusing Pornhub parent MindGeek of profiting from the spread of child sexual abuse material, an Alabama federal judge said.
U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler on Tuesday granted a motion filed by the anonymous lead plaintiff in the lawsuit to certify a class of people who were under 18 when they appeared in a video or photo of a sex act on a website operated by MindGeek or its affiliated entities. The class period covers February 2011 to present day.
Coogler said the concerns of the lead plaintiff Jane Doe that the content capturing her abuse could appear online at any time, mirror those of everyone in the class.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/judge-certifies-class-child-sex-abuse-case-against-porn-giant-2023-12-20/ 

▫️Clinton Aide Imprisoned on Child Rape Charges
A former top Clinton aide and senior Democratic official has been sentenced after pleading guilty to a sickening slew of child rape charges. Gerald Steven “Steve” Pigeon, the former chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party, received a prison sentence for the rape of a 9-year-old girl, the Erie District Attorney’s Office announced on Friday.
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 63-year-old Gerald Steven Pigeon, also known as Steve Pigeon, of Niagara Falls was sentenced this morning before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller to 364 days in jail.
» https://thepeoplesvoice.tv/clinton-aide-imprisoned-on-child-rape-charges/
» https://www4.erie.gov/da/press/former-political-party-chairman-sentenced-sexually-abuse-child 
_

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Winthrop police officer charged with child rape
A Winthrop police lieutenant pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning to three felony charges of sexually assaulting a child. Court records show James Anthony Feeley, 56, faces one charge of raping a child and two for indecent assault of a child under 14.
» https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/12/27/winthrop-police-officer-child-rape-james-feeley» 

▫️Police Search for Felon Accused of Molesting Girl
A Chimayó man faces five felony counts after police accused him of raping a 6-year-old girl. Gilbert Martinez, 52, had not been taken into custody by Española police as of Saturday afternoon, but police are looking for him, said Chief Mizel Garcia.
An affidavit for an arrest warrant for Martinez, filed Friday in Rio Arriba County Magistrate Court, states the victim underwent a sexual assault examination and an interview during which the child described the attack, police wrote. The abuse was reported by an employee at the victim's elementary school, according the affidavit.
» https://www.riograndesun.com/news/police-search-for-felon-accused-of-molesting-girl/article_151cc636-a4e2-11ee-a704-e7cad8a40e13.html
» https://tarrant.tx.networkofcare.org/dv/news-article-detail.aspx?id=149224 

▫️Man, woman arrested on suspicion of sex trafficking, kidnap of a minor
A man and a woman are facing charges of kidnapping, sex trafficking and child abuse after a female minor was allegedly held against her will for prostitution in a hotel room at The Strat. Mark Johnson, 23, and Donnesha Ellis, 21, were handcuffed and walked out of the hotel-casino at 9 a.m. on Dec. 20, several hours after the Metropolitan Police Department received a call about a girl forced to remain at a guest room registered to Johnson, police said in an arrest report.
Johnson and Ellis each are facing two counts of sex trafficking of a minor under 18, two counts of first-degree kidnapping of a minor, two counts of child abuse or neglect and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/sex-crimes/man-woman-face-charges-in-alleged-sex-trafficking-at-las-vegas-hotel-2971793/ 

▫️MCSO arrests Columbus woman and New York man for alleged planned delivery of minors with intent to sexually assault
MUSCOGEE COUNTY, Ga.  – MCSO announced the successful arrest of a Columbus woman and a New York man after investigators discovered both were working to deliver minors to New York with the intention to sexually abuse the children on New Year’s Day.
MCSO says on Dec. 15, the sheriff’s office Special Operation Unit initiated an investigation into the sexual exploitation of a child.
https://www.wrbl.com/news/crime/mcso-arrests-columbus-woman-and-new-york-man-for-alleged-planned-delivery-of-minors-with-intent-to-sexually-assault/ 

▫️Work of online predator catchers leads to arrest of Liberty Township resident
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Predator Catchers Incorporated is at it again. The group's mission is to expose online child predators.
This time, video provided to WLWT by PCI features 27-year-old Alice (Aaron) Clark, of Liberty Township, who drove 70 miles to the Winchester, Indiana, Walmart last month.
Winchester police showed up at the Walmart and arrested Clark. They identified the 27-year-old as Aaron Clark of Liberty Township, Ohio. A family member who answered the door at Clark's home told WLWT that Clark identifies as a female and goes by the name Alice. Clark remains in the Randolph County, Indiana, jail and charged with two felonies, including attempted child molesting and child solicitation.
» https://www.wlwt.com/article/liberty-township-clark-arrest-indiana-ohio/46237843# 
»

▫️Whitehouse Station Man Arrested for Distribution of Child Abuse Material
WHITEHOUSE STATION, NJ – Kyle J. Andrews, 30, from Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, was arrested on charges related to the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson.
Andrews faces charges of Distribution of CSAM, a second-degree crime, and Possession of CSAM, a third-degree crime, under New Jersey law.
https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2023/12/26/whitehouse-station-man-arrested-for-distribution-of-child-abuse-material/ 

▫️ERO Los Angeles removes Romanian national wanted in home country for human trafficking | ICE
LOS ANGELES — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Los Angeles field office removed a Romanian national wanted in his home country for involvement in human trafficking.
Marius Caldararu, 25, was removed to Romania on Dec. 12 and turned over to proper authorities to face related charges.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-los-angeles-removes-romanian-national-wanted-home-country-human-trafficking 

▫️Box Elder Man Found Guilty of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Vincent Alberto Barrios, age 42, of Box Elder, South Dakota, of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on December 21, 2023. Barrios was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2023.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/box-elder-man-found-guilty-sexual-exploitation-minor 

▫️Russellville man charged with human trafficking, sexual abuse
RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. – A Russellville man is facing multiple charges related to human trafficking and sexual abuse involving a minor. According to a release by the Russellville Police Department, officers arrested 33-year-old Ricky Holder Jr. on Friday.
Further details are limited at this time. Police say this is an ongoing investigation.
If you have information about this case, you are urged to call Logan County dispatch at 270-726-4911 or the Russellville Police Department at 270-726-7669.
» https://www.wnky.com/russellville-man-charged-with-human-trafficking-sexual-abuse/
»  https://www.wkrn.com/news/kentucky/russellville-police-arrest-man-on-multiple-human-trafficking-charges-involving-teen-girl/
»

▫️Police officer assigned as school resource officer accused of sexually assaulting 3 child victims
MALVERN, Pa.  — A young police officer is facing charges of sexually assaulting three child victims over a period of eight years. Authorities outside Philadelphia announced the arrest of Tyler Humphreys earlier this month.
The 21-year-old was working full-time as an officer in Sharon Hill, Pa., assigned as a school resource officer. Humphreys also served part-time in nearby Folcroft.
The allegations stretch as recently as last year but the investigation only started last month when a mandated reporter, such as a teacher, reached out to Pennsylvania State Police about “an ongoing course of sexual assaults from 2014 to 2018.”
https://kfoxtv.com/news/news-now/police-officer-assigned-tyler-humphries-charged-rape-child-statutory-sexual-assault-aggravated-indecent-assault-involuntary-deviate-intercourse-school-resource-accused-pennsylvania-child-victims-sharon-hill-folcroft-chester-county 

▫️Sex offender arrested for exposing himself to child for third time this month
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A sex offender from Canandaigua has been arrested for exposing himself to child for the third time this month. Ontario County Sheriff’s deputies say Paul Goodrell, 54, was most recently arrested for public lewdness and endangering the welfare of a child on Friday. 
Goodrell has been arrested on public lewdness charges at least nine times since 1989 and has spent several years in state prison.
» https://www.whec.com/top-news/sex-offender-arrested-for-exposing-himself-to-child-for-third-time-this-month/
» https://themessenger.com/news/registered-sex-offender-paul-goodrell-arrested-new-york-police-third-time-single-month 

▫️Ross County man charged with child sex crimes after operation "Juice Box"
JACKSON COUNTY, Ohio — In a recent law enforcement action against child predators, a man from Ross County, has been apprehended and charged with child sex crimes for attempting to engage in sexual activities with an underage child in West Virginia.
Dustin Anderson, 25, a resident of Stoutsville, OH, faces one count of soliciting a minor using a computer, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. This arrest is part of an ongoing, targeted effort by local authorities to combat child predators within the region.
https://sciotovalleyguardian.com/2023/12/27/ross-county-man-charged-with-child-sex-crimes-after-operation-juice-box/ 

▫️Hildebrandt in plea document admits to abuse, child torture in near copy of Ruby Franke's
ST. GEORGE, Utah  — Court documents released just after Jodi Hildebrandt pled guilty Wednesday reveal specific details of what Hildebrandt admits she did to the two child abuse victims. In the document Hildebrandt officially pleads guilty to the 4 charges of aggravated child abuse. In the agreement, the statement from Hildebrandt describing the abuse is almost word-for-word identical to what was submitted in Ruby Franke's plea agreement.
» https://kutv.com/news/8-passengers-case/hildebrandt-plea-document-reveals-details-of-abuse 
»

▫️Vicksburg man charged with three counts of Sexual Battery of a Child under 14
A Vicksburg man has been arrested on three counts of Sexual Battery of a Child Under the age of 14. 31-year-old Malcolm Ward was arrested by Investigator Stacy Rollison on Wednesday. He appeared before Justice Court Judge Randy Lewis who denied bond last week
Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace mentioned that this case will be presented to the next grand jury. If convicted, Ward faces three consecutive life sentences.
» https://vicksburgnews.com/vicksburg-man-charged-with-three-counts-of-sexual-battery-of-a-child-under-14/ 
»

▫️28 accused of soliciting prostitutes in Massachusetts sex ring could be identified in court
When the brothel bust was first announced, U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy would not identify the alleged clients, only claiming that they include high-powered elected officials, doctors, lawyers, accountants and more. Cambridge police are seeking criminal charges against 28 alleged clients of a highly publicized sex ring under federal investigation, and the public will be have some access to information that comes from the proceedings. Typically, these probable cause hearings are private. But due to media requests, a clerk magistrate will grant the press access, meaning the "johns" could be identified soon.
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/massachusetts-brothel-arrests-johns/ 

▫️Rays star Wander Franco not found in home raids amid investigation of alleged relationship with minor
Authorities in the Dominican Republic reportedly conducted two home raids in search of Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco, but he was not found in either. Dominican investigators announced in late August they were looking into multiple claims against Franco.
According to newspaper Listin Diario, the All-Star shortstop did not turn up as police searched Franco's home and his mother's on Tuesday. Franco was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 22 as MLB investigated his alleged relationships with underage girls.
» https://www.foxnews.com/sports/rays-star-wander-franco-not-found-home-raids-investigation-alleged-relationship-minor-repor
» https://nypost.com/2023/12/26/sports/wander-franco-homes-searched-by-dominican-authorities-amid-allegations/
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/mlb/article-12902581/Wander-Francos-homes-RAIDED-police-Dominican-Republic-MLB.html 

▫️UPDATE: Thousands of migrants headed to El Paso
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Thousands of migrants spent Christmas Eve in camps and shelters in south and central Chihuahua. Many of them are now on the move toward Juarez and the U.S. border, Mexican media reported.
» https://rumble.com/v43srdv-thousands-of-immigrants-en-route-to-us-mexico-border.html
» https://www.borderreport.com/immigration/reports-thousands-of-migrants-headed-to-el-paso/ 

▫️Taylor & Ring Secures $25 Million Sexual Abuse Verdict Against Santa Barbara Unified School District
On December 11th, Taylor and Ring secured a $25 million award verdict against Santa Barbara Unified School District for the sexual abuse committed against a victim referred to as John Doe #2. The convicted abuser was former security guard and assistant football coach Justin Sell at Dos Pueblos High School.
The school district knew of the inappropriate behavior (including sexual and physical assault) that Mr. Sell was accused of against more than just one student, and neglected to report the incidents to the police as is required by state law.
https://www.taylorring.com/blog/taylor-ring-secures-25-million-sexual-abuse-verdict-against-santa-barbara-unified-school-district/ 

▫️Kershaw County Man charged with possessing and distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material*
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Damiean Vincent Hall, 22, of  Elgin, S.C., on seven charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Hall was arrested on December 20, 2023. He is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree and five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree.
https://legalnewsline.com/stories/653374815-kershaw-county-man-charged-with-possessing-and-distributing-child-sexual-abuse-material 

▫️Cleveland Senior Pastor found with 100 images of child sex abuse
Detectives with the Cleveland Police Department started an investigation into a Cleveland man after a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children over child sexual abuse material activity online.
The investigation led to a search warrant at the home of Richard Sentell in Cleveland, TN. Sentell's personal laptop was found to contain a large amount of images depicting child sexual abuse. A Bradley County Grand Jury has indicted Sentell for sexual exploitation of a minor, over 100 images.
https://www.local3news.com/local-news/cleveland-senior-pastor-found-with-100-images-of-child-sex-abuse/article_89eb1ba2-a4f6-11ee-b036-1b38fc7325c7.html 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News

▫️Filing alleges JCPD officers took thousands of dollars from accused rapist - New lawsuit filing alleges JCPD payoffs to protect alleged rapist Sean Williams
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — A new filing in the federal lawsuit brought by victims of alleged sexual assault makes the most specific and powerful allegations yet – including bribery and conspiracy – about the involvement of some members of the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) in the rape and drug charges against downtown resident Sean Williams.
Three additional Johnson City Police Department investigators were identified in the new documents, which also included 13 unnamed officers.
» https://www.wate.com/news/tennessee/new-lawsuit-filing-alleges-jcpd-payoffs-to-protect-alleged-rapist-sean-williams/
»

▫️“It’s sick:” 10 men arrested for preying on minors online in sting operation
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - Fairfax County arrested ten men for seeking illicit encounters with minors last week, according to officials. The ten adult men were caught in a three-day sting operation, according to FCPD. 
"They thought they were interacting with 13- and 14-year-old kids, they were actually interacting with Fairfax County police detectives. And they thought that they were going to meet a 13- or 14-year-old and engage in illegal sexual activities," said Chief Kevin Davis to FOX 5 DC.
» https://www.fox5dc.com/news/its-sick-10-men-arrested-for-online-predatory-behavior-in-fairfax-county    (VIDEO)
» https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/10-men-arrested-fairfax-county-alleged-child-predators/65-9941364d-a426-48db-a352-05a7b292a69a  (VIDEO)
» https://wjla.com/news/local/ten-arrest-predators-fairfax-county-sting-operation-adc-express-two-holidays-felonies-internet-solicitation-detectives-sexual-illicit-conversations-interactions-jail-accused-alleged-charged-virginia-winchester-vienna-herndon-arlington-qatar-indecent    (VIDEO) 

▫️Carr's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit secures new indictment - 2 indicted for sex trafficking minors, Georgia AG says
Attorney General Chris Carr announced that Denorris Hutchinson and Natasha Bridges have been indicted in Fulton County on charges of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude.
This incident stems from the case of a 17-year-old victim who was rescued from a hotel in Fulton County after Hutchinson and Bridges allegedly trafficked her. Following the 17-year-old's rescue, law enforcement identified a second 15-year-old trafficking victim linked to Hutchinson and Bridges.
13 people, who have all pleaded guilty, have been charged for their alleged involvement in the trafficking of the 17-year-old victim, officials say.
» https://www.local3news.com/local-news/carrs-human-trafficking-prosecution-unit-secures-new-indictment/article_b153557e-a5e6-11ee-82e3-effec552e8ea.html
» https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/12/28/2-indicted-sex-trafficking-minors-georgia-ag-says/ 

▫️Pinson man arrested for child solicitation online, in multi-agency operation
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala.  — A Pinson man was arrested after authorities said he is accused of arranging to meet with who he believed was a teen girl at a hotel.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said 39-year-old Christopher W. Card was charged with 'child solicitation by computer' and 'traveling to meet a child for unlawful sex acts.'
The sheriff's office said the arrest was the result of an operation conducted by it, the FBI and United States Secret Service in conjunction with the Millen Police Department in Millen, Georgia.
» https://abc3340.com/newsletter-daily/alabama-jefferson-county-pinson-man-christopher-w-card-arrested-for-child-solicitation-online-in-joint-local-and-federal-operation-fultondale-hotel
» https://jeffcosheriffal.com/pinson-man-arrested-for-child-solicitation-by-computer/ 

▫️Chicago teen breaks free from kidnapping attempt
» https://fr.news.yahoo.com/video/chicago-teen-breaks-free-kidnapping-220507566.html    (VIDEO)
»  

▫️Former Kennewick Mayor won't be charged after massage parlor investigation
KENNEWICK, Wash.-The Pierce County Prosecutor's Office will not file charges against former Kennewick Mayor Bill McKay after a human trafficking investigation at local massage parlors. McKay resigned from the Kennewick City Council on Nov. 7.
Public records reveal that McKay was interviewed by Kennewick Police Detectives in March of 2023 and admitted to visiting massage parlors as part of an ongoing independent investigation into alleged sexual services being offered at the establishments.
» https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/former-kennewick-mayor-wont-be-charged-after-massage-parlor-investigation/article_c6cb003c-a4fb-11ee-8237-bb801a0884fb.html    (VIDEO)
» https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/dec/28/what-we-know-about-ex-kennewick-mayor-bill-mckays-massage-parlor-scandal/ 

▫️Houston police sergeant relieved of duty after prostitution-related arrest
A Houston police sergeant has been relieved of duty following his arrest Wednesday for soliciting prostitution, according to the police department.
Cesar Antonio Beltran, 57, has been charged with solicitation of prostitution in connection with an incident on Dec. 18, according to Harris County court records. The filing alleges that Beltran agreed to pay to have sex with a victim of human trafficking and that he’d negotiated a threesome with her along with another member of her family.
Court filings allege Beltran had an ongoing arrangement with the woman.
» https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/crime/article/houston-police-sergeant-relieved-duty-18577913.php
»

▫️Elgin police officer accused of possessing child porn resigns from department
ELGIN, Ill. —  An Elgin police officer charged with possession of child pornography has resigned, the city announced Thursday.
Earlier this month, Jordan Collins, a 33-year-old Kirkland resident and five-year member of the Elgin Police Department, was charged with eight counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of reproduction of child pornography.
https://wgntv.com/news/northwest-suburbs/elgin-police-officer-accused-of-possessing-child-porn-resigns-from-department/ 

▫️Man wanted for sexual assault caught in Abernathy, TAG says
ABERNATHY, Texas — The Texas Anti-Gang Center on Thursday conducted a fugitive operation in the 500 block of Avenue M in Abernathy. The fugitive, Manuel Rios Hernandez, was wanted for Sexual Assault and located at his residence, according to the Texas Anti-Gang Center. He was taken into custody without incident.
» https://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/local-news/man-wanted-for-sexual-assault-caught-in-abernathy-tag-says/ 
»

▫️PA Sex Offender Shot Dead By US Marshals Trying To Serve Warrant For Rape: DA
Shane Robert Kelec, 38 of the 1700 block of Stone Mill Road, Lancaster was wanted on rape and aggravated assault, among other changes for the terrifying incident that happened in the 900 block of Hedgewyck Lane, Elizabethtown, as detailed in the DA's original release.
https://dailyvoice.com/pennsylvania/lancaster/pa-suspect-shot-dead-when-us-marshals-attempted-to-serve-warrant-da/ 

▫️Man arrested after police found missing teen in trap door
LINCOLN COUNTY, Ky.  - A Kentucky man is facing a long list of charges after deputies say a missing teen was found inside a hidden trap door at his home.
According to an arrest citation, Lincoln County deputies were called on Christmas to a home in the 1400 block of Robertstown Road for an altercation between the caller’s son, 34-year-old Zackary Jones, and his “girlfriend.”
Jones is facing several charges, including assault, strangulation, unlawful transaction with a minor - illegal sex act, unlawful transaction with a minor - illegal controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.
https://www.wlbt.com/2023/12/29/man-arrested-after-police-found-missing-teen-trap-door/ 

▫️Southfield music teacher charged with sex abuse of 5 students
A former Southfield music teacher has been charged with sexually abusing five children, according to court records.
Lamar Willis, 41, was charged last week in Southfield’s district court with four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of accosting a child for immoral purposes. 
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/12/28/southfield-music-teacher-charged-with-sex-abuse-of-5-students/72049441007/ 

▫️Middle District Of Florida Prosecutes 1,500 Individuals For Child Exploitation Offenses As Part Of Project Safe Childhood
In May 2006, the Department of Justice launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
“From the beginning of Project Safe Childhood in 2006 through the present day, the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida has been a national leader in aggressively prosecuting those sexual predators who seek to use the internet to harm and exploit children,” said United States Attorney Handberg. 
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/middle-district-florida-prosecutes-1500-individuals-child-exploitation-offenses-part 

▫️Former family nonprofit official convicted of sexually abusing 2 girls in Santa Rosa
A former Santa Rosa nonprofit program manager may find out in January when he is to be sentenced following his conviction last week on charges of sexually abusing two girls during a span of several years.
On Dec. 19, a Sonoma County jury found Victor Magallon guilty of two counts of sexual abuse of a child and one count of assault on a minor, according to the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office. Magallon was a parent educator and court referral programs manager for Child Parent Institute, a Santa Rosa agency specializing in family education and mental health.
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/former-family-nonprofit-official-convicted-of-sexually-abusing-girls-in-san/ 

▫️Palestine man arrested on charges of sexual assault of a child
A Palestine man was arrested on charges of sexual assault of a child after an outcry was made Tuesday, Dec. 26. According to Chief Mark Harcrow, the Palestine Police Department received a complaint Tuesday of ongoing sexual abuse of a child, spanning a period of several years.
Harcow said the PPD Criminal Investigation Division expedited an investigation, and Detective K. Winebrenner secured two warrants for the arrest of Joseph Lee Zeleny, 50, both on the second degree felony charges of sexual assault of a child.
https://www.palestineherald.com/news/palestine-man-arrested-on-charges-of-sexual-assault-of-a-child/article_57970b84-a5c3-11ee-905f-3b9858ea9809.html 

▫️Man gets 23 years in prison for child sex abuse, assault
A Bartlett man has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexual crimes against children. Ronald C. Jurek, 25, was sentenced Dec. 22 to 18 years for two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, according to a spokesman for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Jurek also was sentenced to five years each on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, to be served concurrently but consecutive to the sentences on the assault charges.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20231228/crime/man-gets-23-years-in-prison-for-child-sex-abuse-assault/ 

▫️Independent lawyers begin prosecuting cases of sexual assault and other crimes in the US military
WASHINGTON  — The U.S. military on Thursday opened a new chapter in how it investigates and prosecutes cases of sexual assault and other major crimes, putting independent lawyers in charge of those decisions and sidelining commanders after years of pressure from Congress.
The change, long resisted by Pentagon leaders, was finally forced by frustrated members of Congress who believed that too often commanders would fail to take victims’ complaints seriously or would try to protect alleged perpetrators in their units.
The new law was fueled by a persistent increase in sexual assaults and harassment across the military.
» https://youtu.be/PCChQau98co

 

 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST ...

Hermaphrodite from Wyoming Drives to CO to Pick up a 13 Year Old Girl but GETS ARRESTED INSTEAD

 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Operation Fail Festival in Nassau County nets eight arrest
NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA, Fla. — Eight people in Nassau County have been arrested for failing to comply with sexual offender requirements over several months, the sheriff's office said in a social media post Friday. There is also an outstanding warrant for Kevin Smith. Sheriff Bill Leeper, who referred to the arrested as "sick," said there is reason to believe Smith is in California.
» https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/sick-individuals-nassau-county-sheriffs-office-sends-community-update-operation-fail-festival/57INIQGNGFCY3HO7DLQG5VWT3E/      (VIDEO)
» https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/crime/nassau-county-sheriffs-office-eight-arrests-for-operation-fail-festival-campaign/77-85e62fd3-ec3c-444f-9b50-464ac4c09bcf 

▫️San Jose Police Dismantle Illegal Casino and Brothel, Arrest Five, Multiple Survivors
Two days after Christmas, San Jose police raided a nondescript one-story commercial building in the Berryessa neighborhood of East San Jose and broke up a brothel and gambling operation, seizing drugs, weapons, ammunition and cash, freeing sex workers and arresting three men and two women accused of running the illegal operations.
The month-long investigation culminated on December 27, when law enforcement descended on the site, believed to be a front for a gambling den, drug sales, and prostitution. Adding a human angle to the sordid affair, authorities also discovered adult female survivors at the location. These individuals were provided immediate resources and information about their rights, an act of support in a situation where exploitation often leaves its victims voiceless and resourceless.
This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about this case or similar cases is asked to contact Officer Ells #4592 of the San José Police METRO Unit via email 4592@sanjoseca.gov.
» https://hoodline.com/2023/12/san-jose-police-dismantle-illegal-casino-and-brothel-arrest-five-and-seize-weapons-and-drugs/
» https://www.sjpd.org/Home/Components/News/News/1527/262 

▫️District 12 employee arrested for sexual assault on a child, may be more victims
COLORADO SPRINGS — An employee at Cheyenne Mountain High School has been arrested for sexual assault on a child, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department. On Dec. 15, the department started an investigation into that report involving 48-year-old Marco Lara. They say that the investigation revealed that Lara engaged in a sexual relationship with someone who was under the age of consent.
Lara was arrested Thursday, and he is being charged with sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, as well as aggravated incest.
Investigators believe that there may be other victims in this incident. If you have any information regarding this case, you are asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719)444-7000.
» https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/district-12-employee-arrested-for-sexual-assault-on-a-child-may-be-more-victims 
» https://youtu.be/ZaqEKd9t5Gs

▫️ERO Baltimore arrests Salvadoran national convicted of sex trafficking charges in Maryland
SILVER SPRING, Md. — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Baltimore apprehended a 49-year-old undocumented noncitizen who has been convicted of prostitution charges. Deportation officers from ERO Baltimore’s Criminal Apprehensions Program arrested the unlawfully present Salvadoran national Dec. 18 near her residence in Silver Spring, Maryland.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-baltimore-arrests-salvadoran-national-convicted-sex-trafficking-charges-maryland 

▫️Southern California carnival worker arrested for alleged child sex abuse
More possible victims are being sought after a carnival worker was arrested for child sex abuse in Southern California. The suspect was identified as James Donnelly, 60, by the San Bernardino Police Department.
The investigation began on Oct. 25 when a victim reported Donnelly had sexually assaulted her. Authorities later discovered two more victims, both male and female, who had also accused the suspect of sexual abuse. The victims were around 10 years old when the abuse started. The abuse continued for another seven years, police said.
Over the past 30 years, Donnelly has worked for traveling carnivals that visited multiple states including California, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Colorado. The alleged abuse period spans from 2015-2023.
Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact the San Bernardino Police Detective A. Madrigal at 909-384- 5631 or email madrigal_ap@sbcity.org.
» https://www.yahoo.com/news/southern-california-carnival-worker-arrested-035050742.html
»  https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/san-bernardino-police-seeking-additional-victims-of-sexual-assault-suspect/
»

▫️Georgia man caught in Miami with girl, 15, thought to be ‘groomed’ for trafficking, cops say
Miami police say they arrested a suburban Atlanta man late Thursday night after a car chase, crash and foot pursuit after he brought a 15-year-old girl from the Peach State to South Florida — after having likely “groomed” her for sex trafficking.
According to the Miami Police Department, the teenager was in the car with 39-year-old Sterling Henderson and “severely injured” when he wrecked it in the city’s Edgewater neighborhood. An MPD arrest report states that Henderson, of Decatur, Georgia, insinuated in a police interview that he may have raped the victim at one point.
» https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/12/29/georgia-man-caught-in-miami-with-girl-15-thought-to-be-groomed-for-trafficking-cops-say/
» https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/dekalb-county/dekalb-man-arrested-miami-after-grooming-minor-trafficking-police-say/WNNQZ4GB5VAZLA5XTDESY4FZEA/ 

▫️Multi-Time Convicted Sex Offender Arrested Again in Wausau
WAUSAU, WI  — A Wausau man with a history of sex-related offenses was arrested this week after a girl says he broke into her bedroom, punched her, and touched her inappropriately. James Begay appeared in court on Thursday for three felony counts including sexual assault of a child and child abuse for the incident.
https://wsau.com/2023/12/29/multi-time-convicted-sex-offender-arrested-again-in-wausau/ 

▫️Honolulu human trafficking: Commercial sex arrests double
The Honolulu Police Commission chair said the numbers show that authorities are going after human traffickers instead of targeting sex workers. HPD’s crime dashboard shows 17 arrests for commercial sex acts in 2023, compared to seven in 2022.
» https://www.khon2.com/local-news/honolulu-human-trafficking-commercial-sex-arrests-double/ 
»

Second-degree felony child pornography charges
Joshua Wayne Offenberger, age 40, of Washington County was charged with a second-degree felony for pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor.
» https://www.wtap.com/2023/12/28/waterford-man-charged-with-second-degree-felony-child-pornography-charges/     (VIDEO)
 » https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/local-news/2023/12/waterford-man-arrested-on-child-pornography-charges/
»

▫️Texas Educators Charged With Sex Crimes Against Students
Texas teachers continue to be arrested for sex crimes in alarming numbers. Last year, Texas Scorecard reported on more than a dozen Texas teachers charged with sex crimes, most involving students.
In 2023, the number of educator sex-crime stories exploded. At least 100 Texas teachers made headlines for everything from sexually abusing students to creating child pornography.
» https://texasscorecard.com/state/texas-educators-charged-with-sex-crimes-against-students/
» https://texasscorecard.com/state/number-of-texas-teachers-charged-with-sex-crimes-continues-to-grow/ 

▫️North Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty To Multiple Child Sex Trafficking Charges And Witness Tampering
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in April 2017 through December 2017, Jacques Anton Lanier, also known as “John Dupree,” coerced and solicited nine girls under the age of 18 years old to engage in sexual activities with him for money and drugs. Lanier engaged in commercial sex acts with at least four of the girls.
Lanier pleaded guilty to four counts of coercion and enticement; four counts of sex trafficking of children; one count of sexual exploitation of children; and one count of tampering with a witness, victim or informant.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-nv/pr/north-las-vegas-man-pleads-guilty-multiple-child-sex-trafficking-charges-and-witness 

▫️Former CBP officer indicted on charges of smuggling migrants into South Texas
Emanuel Celedon, 36, was scheduled to make an initial appearance Friday in Laredo on the new charges which accuse him of illegally smuggling four undocumented migrants from Mexico across the border into the United States.
https://www.borderreport.com/news/top-stories/former-cbp-officer-indicted-on-charges-of-smuggling-migrants-into-south-texas/ 

▫️Former Dent County Fire Chief Bradley Nash charged with child sex crimes
DENT COUNTY, Mo. – At the end of November, the Dent County Fire Chief, 47-year-old Bradley J. Nash of Salem, resigned from his role amidst an investigation into his conduct after an allegation of sexual abuse.
A month later, on December 29, Bradley Nash was charged by the Dent County Prosecutor with two counts of 1st-degree statutory sodomy and one count of 2nd-degree child molestation. Nash also served as the Mayor of Salme, Mo. from 2016-2021.
The investigation began six weeks ago in mid-November when two children alleged that Nash had sexually abused them. A search warrant was executed at Nash’s residence and another residence where he was known to frequently reside on December 28.
» https://www.ky3.com/2023/12/29/former-salem-mayor-dent-county-fire-chief-emergency-manager-charged-with-sodomy-molestation/     (VIDEO)
» https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/local-news/former-dent-county-fire-chief-charged-with-child-sex-crimes/     (VIDEO)
»

▫️Former Colorado child caseworker arrested on 99 charges
Former Larimer County child welfare caseworker Sandra Spraker faces 99 counts including forgery, embezzlement and official misconduct
» https://www.9news.com/article/news/crime/former-larimer-county-child-caseworker-arrested/73-eb10bbea-899a-448f-ad78-d9905522c0c9
»

▫️School administrator Daniel McInnis charged with child sex crime
On December 8, Burlington Police launched an investigation after being alerted to potential misconduct with a student on school property.
As a result of this, administrator Daniel McInnis from Eastlawn Elementary School has been charged with felony statutory sex offense. Alamance-Burlington School System was told that an employee was the focus of an investigation and did fully cooperate with police.
Burlington Police are actively seeking out anyone with any further details into this case.
» https://www.wxii12.com/article/burlington-school-administrator-charged-child-sex-crime-eastlawn-elementary-north-carolina/46252536     (VIDEO)
» https://abc45.com/news/local/burlington-elementary-school-administrator-charged-with-felony-sexual-offense-against-student-truecrime-northcarolina-active-investigation
»

▫️Bly man arrested on 24 counts of child sex abuse
BLY, Ore. - A 24-year-old Bly man was is in Klamath County Jail today on 23 counts related to child sex abuse. 
According to documents from the Klamath County Sheriff's Office, Bradley Austin Keyworth was arrested in Salt Lake County in Utah. 
Keyworth is facing 18 counts of first-degree encouraging child sex abuse, two counts of second-degree encouraging child sex abuse, two counts of luring a minor, one count of first-degree possession of materials depicting sexually explicit conduct of a child and one count of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct.
This is a developing story. NewsWatch 12 will update this article as more information comes out.
» https://www.kdrv.com/news/crimewatch/bly-man-arrested-on-several-counts-of-child-sex-abuse/article_a5803d76-a67b-11ee-a511-87bfe506ba70.html
»

▫️Alabama man Michael Butts facing child sex charges in Bay County
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – An Alabama man is in the Bay County Jail facing child sex charges.
The suspect identified as 54-year-old, Michael Butts charged with lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12 years old. Butts is a registered sex predator out of Florida.
According to the Springfield Police Department, earlier this month, the victim revealed that Butts had touched her inappropriately. The incident occurred back in October at the victim’s home in Springfield.
Butts also molested the victim’s mother when she was 7 years old, police said.
Butts is being held on a $500,000 bond and ordered to have zero contact with the victim.
» https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/local-news/bay-county/panama-city/alabama-man-facing-child-sex-charges-in-bay-county/» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCOt3ckES9
»

▫️First on 4: Educators face judge over abuse charges
GREENSBURG, Pa. — Greensburg police provided an update Friday on the arrests of two Nicely Elementary school staff members charged with child endangerment.
The district attorney's office said Thursday that Brooke Alicia Stanko and Teri Kepchia, both of Greenburg, are charged with endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, failure to report or refer, and false imprisonment of a minor.
» https://www.wtae.com/article/nicely-elementary-teacher-aide-charged/46252528#details     (VIDEO) 
»

▫️Indy man sentenced to thirty years in prison for raping child and recording it
INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man will spend the next thirty years in prison for raping a child and recording it.
Devon Shane Mitchell, 37, pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a child and was sentenced to thirty years in federal prison. According to court documents, an investigation into Mitchell began in February 2023 for criminal activity unrelated to child abuse.
During the investigation, police found multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse on Mitchell's cell phone, The videos showed Mitchell raping a child under four years old, who is crying during the attack.
https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/indy-man-sentenced-to-thirty-years-in-prison-for-raping-child-and-recording-it 

▫️FGCU grads create tool to hunt down human traffickers
When you think of people taking down human traffickers, you might picture uniformed agents with decades of training, but FGCU graduates took matters into their own hands, scraping the web for bad guys. Before Netspider, homeland security agents and others sat on a computer and manually reviewed each website and post. This new tool scans multiple posts at a time and multiple sites instantaneously.
https://winknews.com/2023/12/29/fgcu-grads-create-tool-hunt-human-traffickers/     (VIDEO) 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?
📢 Human Trafficking Awareness 🕊

▫️TRAFFICKED FOR SLAVERY: The Ugly Side of Japa to Oman
She was promised a nursing job in a hospital, but upon arrival, she was taken to a house where she was forced to work as a domestic servant. She was subjected to physical and emotional abuse and was not allowed to leave the house.
With the help of NACAT Initiative, Modupe was rescued and returned to her home country. She now works with NACAT Initiative to raise awareness about human trafficking and help others.

▫️FIA’ media awareness-raising campaigns to counter ‘human trafficking’: Director
ISLAMABAD, Dec 28 (APP):Director Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Israr Ahmed Khan Thursday said that his department was taking revolutionary step towards warding off the menace of ‘human trafficking’ in all its forms and raising mass media drives to prevent vulnerable persons from becoming victims where they will be encouraged to report these cases actively. Talking to a Private news channel, he said that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had recently launched the National Trafficking in Person (TIP) Hotline for the registration of complaints against human trafficking.
https://www.app.com.pk/national/fia-media-awareness-raising-campaigns-to-counter-human-trafficking-director/ 

▫️ACC Held Workshop To Educate Jordan's Sectors Of Human Trafficking Dangers
Amman, Dec.30 (Petra) -Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC), in cooperation with Ministry of Justice and Jordan Judicial Council (JJC), organized a training workshop on combating human trafficking.
According to an ACC statement on Saturday, the workshop aimed to introduce the human trafficking crime in Jordanian law and international agreements and the measures taken at the national level to help victims.
The statement added that the event sought to clarify role of Jordan's concerned authorities in national efforts to prevent this crime and educate the private, commercial and service sectors about its seriousness.
https://menafn.com/1107670193/ACC-Held-Workshop-To-Educate-Jordans-Sectors-Of-Human-Trafficking-Dangers 

▫️HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND THE STATISTICS | Discussing the Global Issue and Ways You Can Help to Identify

📢 Human Trafficking Awareness 🕊

▫️Canvas of the Heart Episode 12 - Free Arts' Successes of 2023, and Looking Towards 2024
Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona is a nonprofit organization that uses the power of the arts to help children who have experienced the trauma of abuse, neglect, and homelessness. Free Arts’ research-based program model, Art + Mentors = Resilience, helps children build the resilience they need to overcome trauma by connecting them with caring adults and creative activities that develop their skills and sense of self. Free Arts believes that healthy connections with adults create change. Through partnerships with local child welfare agencies, Free Arts is able to provide this intervention to children free of cost to program participants.

▫️Ep. 31 Human Trafficking Awareness
Did you know that January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month? In this episode, in recognition of this awareness, Joe is joined by Det. Jessica Barriel, from the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Human Trafficking Task Force.  They discuss what is Human Trafficking and the various forms such as sexual servitude and labor trafficking.  They talk about some signs to look out for as well as some resources available to report Human Trafficking and where get help. 

▫️Stop child abuse!!!! stop child labour!!!! stop child work!!!!! (children's performance)

▫️End Year Dance Performance ( Campaign Against Child Abuse ) | BRING A SMILE END YEAR EVENT

 

▫️Where to Find January Anti-Human Trafficking Walks
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.  By joining a walk not only will you be doing your part to raise awareness, you will also meet people you can partner with in this fight.  

▫️January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Did you know human trafficking is often a crime that is hidden in plain sight and is only visible to those who know the signs and indicators? There are also many myths regarding trafficking, which is why educating ourselves is critical. Many believe traffickers are usually strangers to the victim when, in fact, that’s the most uncommon situation.
Current statistics show that around 42 percent of trafficking victims were brought into trafficking by a member of their own families, and 39 percent were recruited via an intimate partner or a marriage proposition.
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a presidentially designated observance designed to educate the public about human trafficking and the role it can play in preventing and responding to human trafficking.
The theme for Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2024 is 'Activate Connections to Prevent Human Trafficking.'
https://www.southtahoenow.com/story/12/29/2023/january-human-trafficking-prevention-month 

▫️Alabaster Jar Project to hold Virtual Human Trafficking Awareness Event, all invited to attend
The Alabaster Jar Project, a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, recently announced a way to get involved in the fight against human trafficking. At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, live on Zoom, AJP will host a Virtual Human Trafficking Awareness Event which will share with participants how they can help bring an end to human trafficking.
Speakers include Jessica Kim, MSW, Keelin Washington, national public speaker and prominent expert in human trafficking, Amanda Moon Ellevis, author and educator, and more. Alabaster Jar Project invites everyone to learn more about the truths behind human trafficking and ways you can get involved in your community of San Diego.
» https://www.delmartimes.net/lifestyle/events/story/2023-12-30/alabaster-jar-project-to-hold-virtual-human-trafficking-awareness-event-all-invited-to-attend
» https://www.encinitasadvocate.com/lifestyle/events/story/2023-12-30/alabaster-jar-project-to-hold-virtual-human-trafficking-awareness-event-all-invited-to-attend
» https://www.ranchosantafereview.com/news/events/story/2023-12-30/alabaster-jar-project-to-hold-virtual-human-trafficking-awareness-event-all-invited-to-attend 

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Forum, Santa Maria Country Club, January 19 2024
The Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force, a program within the County District Attorney’s office, has created a strategic plan to address human trafficking across the county. Come hear the DA share the County’s perspective on this issue, the Deputy DA discuss his field experience in human trafficking, and the Task Force chair share details of the County’s goals, plan, and action items. Also included will be a presentation by the Santa Maria Police Department and a survivor sharing her story of being trafficked, and her human trafficking awareness recommendations for community members, parents, teachers, and medical professionals.
https://allevents.in/santa maria/human-trafficking-awareness-forum/10000777483904287 

▫️Jan 16 | End Human Trafficking: An Underground New England Community Forum | Wallingford, CT Patch
The Underground New England's panel discussion on human trafficking will share what it looks like, awareness and prevention strategies, the prevalence of trafficking in Connecticut and what you can do to help. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the presentation. No registration is required to attend
https://patch.com/connecticut/wallingford/calendar/event/20240116/0e9beb6d-0963-4955-9bb2-60711d37a88e/end-human-trafficking-an-underground-new-england-community-forum 

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Walk - Jan 27, 2024
Featured guest speaker (TBD) will speak at 10:30 am and the Walk will commence at about 11 am. Information booths welcome from organizations. We will walk from the church to Sunset Drive and back, a distance of 1-1/2 miles. Water and STOP TRAFFICKING signs will be provided. Registration is free. ($10 Donation requested but not required.) PLEASE JOIN US. Dogs and children welcome!
» https://business.vistachamber.org/events/details/human-trafficking-awareness-walk-01-27-2024-25478
» https://www.thevistapress.com/supervisor-desmond-to-speak-at-human-trafficking-awareness-event-walk/ 

▫️SCI Virtual Programming: Human Trafficking Awareness – Houston Young Professionals
One in six males and one in four females are trafficked in their lifetime. This presentation covers the basics of human trafficking including what is human trafficking, important trafficking terms to be aware of, trafficking trends near you, the growth of human trafficking due to the Internet, an overview of the grooming process, signs of trafficking, and how you can get involved in the fight against human trafficking.
https://houstonyoungprofessionals.com/event/sci-virtual-programming-human-trafficking-awareness/ 

▫️The Junior League of Tampa is proud to present a powerful evening of awareness and action with a free public screening of the documentary "Blind Eyes Opened" at the historic Tampa Theatre on January 25th, 2024.
 Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the film beginning promptly at 7:00 PM. Following the screening, a thought-provoking panel talk-back session will provide attendees with a platform to engage in discussions on combating human trafficking in our community.
Panelists include Blind Eyes Opened producer Geoff Rogers and Natasha Nascimento of Redefining Refuge. 
https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/calendar/?evPage=11#!/details/FREE-Human-Trafficking-Awareness-Screening-of-Blind-Eyes-Opened-/12925605/2024-01-25T18 

▫️Empowerment through Education: Ignite Hope’s Initiative against Human Trafficking in the Ohio Valley
Ignite Hope will host their charity event on Saturday, January 13, from 6-9 p.m. at Wheeling Park’s White Palace.
» https://www.wtrf.com/top-stories/empowerment-through-education-ignite-hopes-initiative-against-human-trafficking-in-the-ohio-valley/ 
»

▫️FVCC, Soroptimist of Whitefish partner for human trafficking awareness presentation on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.
Flathead Valley Community College’s Mask and Hammer Theatre Club and Soroptimist International of Whitefish present an evening spotlighting Human Trafficking Awareness Month on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend the event taking place in the Joe Legate Black Box Theatre in FVCC’s Arts and Technology Building.
Following the staged reading, Soroptimist International is offering an informational question-and-answer session with a panel of professionals who champion the ongoing fight against human trafficking.
https://whitefishpilot.com/news/2023/dec/27/fvcc-soroptimist-of-whitefish-partner-for-human-trafficking-awareness-presentation/ 

▫️January 12, 2024 4th Annual Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Conference
This in-person event will take place on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 9:00AM in the Guerrieri Student Union, Nanticoke Room. Join us for the 4th Annual Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Conference, where we come together to shed light on this important issue. This conference will bring together experts, activists and individuals passionate about combating human trafficking. Through engaging discussions, and informative and impactful presentations, we will explore the various aspects of this global problem.
https://www.salisbury.edu/events/?eventid=584431&event=2024-01-12:4th+Annual+Anti-Human+Trafficking+Awareness+Conference 

▫️Lunch Hour Virtual Human Trafficking 101 | Project Mona's House |  Jan 31, 2024, 12:00 PM – 12:40 PM -  Zoom
Join our team in this vital class in understanding how trafficking works. You will leave knowing what human trafficking is, how to spot it, how to stop it, and how to join the fight in a holistic way.
https://www.projectmonashouse.com/events-1/lunch-hour-virtual-human-trafficking-101-2024-01-31-12-00 

▫️National Human Trafficking Awareness Day – January 11th

▫️From Awareness to Action: Recognizing and Reporting Human Trafficking | Norse AFA
Join the fight to combat human trafficking. On January 10, 2024, experts from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign will discuss how to best recognize and report potential cases, and how you can get involved in raising awareness within your communities. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the link to join the webinar.
https://norseafa.org/event-calendar/awareness-action-recognizing-and-reporting-human-trafficking 

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Workshop (Documentary and Dialogue) - Saturday, January 27, 2024 , 11:00am-2:00pm, Guthrie Memorial Library, 2 Library Place, Hanover, PA
UYM, In., the PA State Police, and the Hanover Area Diversity Alliance collaborate to bring a human trafficking awareness workshop.
https://www.abc27.com/community-calendar/?_escaped_fragment_=/show/?ser=McVeytown PA#!/details/Human-Trafficking-Awareness-Workshop-Documentary-and-Dialogue-/12827441/2024-01-27T11 

▫️2024 Calendar: List of Important National, International Days and Dates | India
» https://www.thehansindia.com/life-style/2024-calendar-important-national-international-days-and-dates-847842?infinitescroll=1
» https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/calendar-2024-list-of-important-national-international-days-and-dates-8718590.html 

 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News

▫️Wisconsin police save abducted 11-year-old girl, arrest 3
On Saturday, the Iowa County Communications Center was notified that a vehicle at Kwik Trip in Barneveld was involved in an Indiana Silver Alert for an abduction of an 11-year-old female in that state, and the people in the vehicle might be armed, Sheriff Michael Peterson said in a statement.
Dodgeville police and the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office stopped the vehicle, removed the 11-year-old girl and arrested three people from South Dakota – a 27-year-old from Edgemont, and a 24-year-old and a 23-year-old from Rapid City, all on warrants for kidnapping of a minor out of Wells County, Indiana, Peterson said.
No other details were released due to the ongoing investigation.
https://lacrossetribune.com/news/state-regional/crime-courts/wisconsin-police-abduction-girl-arrest-indiana/article_b8d1be57-a3f2-5d30-b5a6-54b1af9ffdb3.html 

▫️Davis County Sheriff’s latest online child sex predator busts prompt warnings
DAVIS COUNTY, Utah — The latest arrests of online predators attempting to entice minors into sex has provoked the Davis County Sheriff‘s Office to reach out to parents.
“This year, detectives with the Davis County Sheriff’s Office have arrested 12 people who came to Davis County with the specific intent to commit unlawful sexual assaults against minors,” the office said in a Friday press release.
“In the past 24 hours, our investigators have arrested two individuals from out of state who traveled here to sexually assault children they met online.”
All of the cases originated through contact made using very common social media apps and it’s happening every day online, the sheriff’s office said in an impassioned plea for parents to get involved.
» https://gephardtdaily.com/local/davis-county-sheriffs-latest-online-child-sex-predator-busts-prompt-warnings/ 
»

▫️Foreign exchange student, 17, missing in Utah as parents receive ransom note in China: police - Kai Zhuang: Police in Utah fear Chinese exchange student was kidnapped
Police in the US are searching for a teenage Chinese exchange student they fear has been kidnapped. Kai Zhuang, 17, was last seen on Wednesday at his home in the town of Riverdale in Utah.
Police said it is possible he is being held against his will and is in danger. Riverdale Police Department Chief Casey Warren said officers are working with the FBI in the US and authorities in China and that "several investigative efforts are underway" to find him.
Anyone with information about Zhuang’s whereabouts may call the Riverdale Police Department at 801-394-6616 or Weber County dispatch at 801-395-8221.
(UPDATE) Missing foreign exchange student located in Brigham City Canyon area
https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/missing-foreign-exchange-student-located-in-brigham-city-canyon-area
(UPDATES:) https://www.abc4.com/news/northern-utah/utah-exchange-student-possibly-kidnapped-police-seek-answers/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.aol.com/kai-zhuang-police-utah-chinese-105513042.html 
» https://nypost.com/2023/12/30/news/chinese-foreign-exchange-student-kai-zhuang-missing-in-utah-as-parents-receive-ransom-note/
» https://www.foxnews.com/us/teenage-foreign-exchange-student-from-china-forcefully-abducted-in-utah-police
https://youtu.be/flTTT-80vpA

▫️Man accused of attempting to kidnap 4-year-old child at Walmart
LEE COUNTY, Fla. - Florida authorities say a man is under arrest after an attempted kidnapping at a Walmart on Friday.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a Walmart in the Lehigh Acres area about an attempted kidnapping.
According to deputies, the man, later identified as Pablo Pintueles Hernandez, attempted to take a 4-year-old child away from his family while at the store.
» https://www.wymt.com/2023/12/30/man-accused-attempting-kidnap-4-year-old-child-walmart/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/video/2023/12/30/florida-man-accused-attempting-kidnap-child-walmart/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Former LBUSD teacher convicted of sex crimes against students is being sued by victims
A former teacher previously sentenced to 80 years to life in state prison on sex-related charges has been sued along with his wife and Long Beach Unified by seven plaintiffs who allege they were molested by the teacher with the help of his spouse, who taught in the same district.
Mark Anthony Santo, 54, was convicted June 5 in Long Beach Superior Court of two counts of lewd act on a child under 14 and one count each of forcible sexual penetration, forcible oral copulation, assault with intent to commit forcible oral copulation and assault with intent to commit forcible penetration—the latter two of which were vacated because they involved the same conduct as the more serious charges.
The Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit alleges sexual abuse and battery, sex trafficking, negligence, conspiracy and public entity liability for failure to perform a mandatory duty. The plaintiffs seek unspecified compensatory damages against the district and punitive damages against both Santo and his wife, Jennifer Santo.
https://sigtrib.com/former-lbusd-teacher-convicted-of-sex-crimes-against-students-is-being-sued-by-victims/ 

▫️Honolulu Police seeking man accused of sexual assault of minor
Honolulu police are asking the public to help locate a suspect in a child abuse case.
CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department are looking for Sani Jennings, who is wanted for a $100,000 grand jury bench warrant for alleged continuous sexual assault of a minor under the age of 14. Jennings, 55, is 5-feet, 8-inches, 197 pounds, has gray hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300. Anonymous tips can be sent to www.honolulucrimestoppers.org or via the P3 Tips app.
» https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/12/30/breaking-news/suspect-sought-in-sexual-assault-of-minor/
» https://news.yahoo.com/police-seeking-man-accused-sexual-223200775.html?ref=upstract.com 

▫️Central Florida Woman Sentenced for Human Trafficking of Girls
38-year-old Shana Bryant received two life sentences for her part in a human trafficking scheme involving underaged victims.
This month, an Orange County jury convicted Bryant on two counts of Human Trafficking. Bryant was charged with using juvenile victims, who were runaways from foster care, to commit sexual acts for money.
https://westorlandonews.com/central-florida-woman-sentenced-for-human-trafficking-of-girls/ 

▫️Colorado mother suspected of killing her 2 children and wounding a third arrested in United Kingdom
A Colorado mother suspected of killing two of her young children and injuring a third was arrested Saturday in the United Kingdom, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department. Kimberlee Singler’s 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son were found dead on Dec. 19 when police responded to a report of a burglary at their home. 
Singler, 35, initially cooperated with police but disappeared during the investigation, said Ira Cronin, spokesperson for the Colorado Springs Police Department. Authorities were unable to apprehend her after obtaining an arrest warrant Tuesday on charges of murder and attempted murder, among other allegations.
» https://fox40.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-colorado-mother-suspected-of-killing-her-2-children-and-wounding-a-third-arrested-in-united-kingdom/ 
»

»  

▫️January 17 • 6.30 PM Woodland Park Campus - Human Trafficking, Recognize the signs. Create awareness. Prevent the spread.
Speaker: Gina Cavallo, NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Survivor Consultant
https://berkeleycollege.edu/events/2024/01/nj-coalition-against-human-trafficking.html 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️(UPDATE) Teen found camping in mountains was victim of 'cyber kidnapping'
A missing foreign exchange student from China was found safe inside a tent on a Utah mountainside following a dayslong search in what police called a case of "cyber kidnapping." 
Kai Zhuang, 17, was reported missing Thursday night by his high school, according to the Riverdale Police Department. The teen's parents told school officials that they received a photograph of Zhuang from his alleged kidnappers indicating he had been abducted, police said.
The victim did not disclose to police or his host parents at the time that cyber kidnappers were controlling him, Riverdale police said. Riverdale police urged anyone who has become the target of cyber kidnapping to discontinue contact with the suspects and not send them money, and to contact their local police department immediately.
» https://breaking911.com/missing-foreign-exchange-student-found-very-cold-and-scared-in-utah-mountains-after-suspected-cyber-kidnapping/
»  https://abc7ny.com/teen-found-camping-in-mountains-was-victim-of-cyber-kidnapping-p/14258331/
»

▫️Violent Transgender Sex Offender Alleges Civil Rights Violation After Being Denied Women's Undergarments
A violent transgender sex offender has launched multiple lawsuits against over 20 members of staff at the St. Francois County Jail and South Missouri Mental Health Center after reportedly being denied female undergarments. Kelly McSean, a violent rapist and pedophile, is awaiting trial after escaping jail while in custody for attacking sex offender treatment program staff.
As previously reported by Reduxx, McSean, born Larry Bemboom, has an extremely long and depraved criminal history.
https://reduxx.info/violent-transgender-sex-offender-alleges-civil-rights-violation-after-being-denied-womens-undergarments 

▫️Former associate kid’s minister hired in Moore despite sexual assault allegations in Arkansas
A years-long case continues involving Patrick Stephen Miller, a former First Moore Baptist children’s ministries employee who was alleged to have sexually assaulted two young girls in a different church. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported on the case out of Arkansas that spread into Oklahoma when Miller decided to leave one church job for another.
Miller worked as Associate Children’s Ministry Director for Immanuel Baptist located in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Gazette showed he worked there from 2014 – 2016. During his time in that position, allegations came about that Miller had played a game of “hide-and-seek” with young kids in his class. He allegedly had them come into a dark closet where the victim response statements say he touched them inappropriately. These events were alleged to have occurred in 2015.
» https://kfor.com/news/local/former-associate-kids-minister-hired-in-moore-despite-sexual-assault-allegations-in-arkansas/    (VIDEO)
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/12/former-associate-kids-minister-hired-in-moore-despite-sexual-assault-allegations-in-arkansas/ 

▫️Crockett Police arrest man wanted for sexual assault of a child after search
CROCKETT, Texas – The Crockett Police Department said they arrested a man wanted for sexual assault of a child on Sunday. Crockett PD’s K9 unit was sent out with a drone which then found Vunterrious Leonard, 25, from above, according to a press release. Leonard then reportedly began to cooperate and was taken to Houston County Jail for a charge of evading arrest and sexual assault of a child.
https://www.ketk.com/news/crime-public-safety/crockett-police-arrest-man-wanted-for-sexual-assault-of-a-child-after-search/

▫️Clarkston: Human Trafficking Basics (presentation) – Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP)
Presentation by Dawn Ames – Executive Director, MAP, January 28 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Location: Clarkston United Methodist Church, 6600 Waldon Rd., Clarkston, MI 48346
https://michiganabolitionistproject.org/event/human-trafficking-basics-clarkston/ 

▫️Educational Program About Human Trafficking To Be Held In January
(Iowa City, IA) -- The Johnson County Human Trafficking Coalition will be having an education program about Human Trafficking next month.
The event, "Human Trafficking Comes in Many Forms, It Happens Here, Too", will raise awareness about the several types of human trafficking.
The event will take place on Saturday, January 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Iowa City Public Library located on 123 South Linn Street.
https://whoradio.iheart.com/content/2024-01-01-educational-program-about-human-trafficking-to-be-held-in-january/ 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Kidnapped Indiana Pre-Teen Found With Her Captors At Gas Station 350 Miles Away From Home
A girl from Indiana abducted on Saturday was found with her captors over 300 miles away, after being spotted at a gas station in Wisconsin hours later.
Natalia “Jasper” Connett, 11, was reported missing Dec. 30 from the Stoney Creek trailer park in Zanesville, Indiana and a "silver alert" was issued by Wells County Sheriff's Office. Zachary Delozier, 27 of Edgemont, Sara Gaudino, 23 of Rapid City and Isaiah Schryvers, 24 of Rapid City, were all detained on suspicion of kidnapping a minor.
» https://www.21alivenews.com/2023/12/31/missing-11-year-old-zanesville-girl-found-wisconsin-3-arrested-kidnapping/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.newsbreak.com/zanesville-in/3284312989125-kidnapped-indiana-pre-teen-found-with-her-captors-at-gas-station-350-miles-away-from-home   (VIDEO) 

▫️Operation Fail Festival nets unregistered sex offenders in Nassau County
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper announced Operation Fail Festival, which resulted in the arrest of several people in the county for their failure to register, or re-register, as a sexual offender.
https://www.fbnewsleader.com/local-regional-newsletter/operation-fail-festival-nets-unregistered-sex-offenders-nassau-county 

▫️Jackson County man arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting minors
LANSING, Mich.  — Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schuette said his office arrested Bobby Jo Joiner, 44, on multiple sex crime felonies. Joiner’s charges, according to the sheriff, include Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 1st Degree (multiple variables) and Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 2nd Degree with a person under 13.
If anyone else has further information reference Bobby Joiner, please contact Detective Kelley Ebersole at 517-768-7932.
» https://www.wilx.com/video/2024/01/02/jackson-county-man-arrested-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-minors/    (VIDEO)
» https://www.wlns.com/news/man-arrested-charged-with-multiple-sex-crimes-in-jackson-county/ 

▫️Nebraska teen now faces 48 new charges, including human trafficking and child porn
HALL COUNTY, Neb. — A Doniphan teen already facing a dozen charges related to sex trafficking two teen girls is now facing nearly 50 additional charges.
Cody Holum, 17, faces 48 additional charges that consist of 14 counts of human trafficking of a minor, 16 counts of possession of child pornography, 10 counts of visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct, four counts of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of third-degree sexual assault, one count of child abuse and one count of terroristic threats.
https://nebraska.tv/news/crime/teen-from-doniphan-faces-48-new-charges-including-human-trafficking-and-child-porn-cody-holum 

▫️Former Montgomery Co. teacher facing new child sexual abuse charge after previous conviction vacated
SILVER SPRING, Md. - A hearing is scheduled Tuesday for a former Montgomery County Public Schools teacher who is facing a new charge of sexual abuse involving the inappropriate touching of a student.
In 2017, John Vigna was sentenced to 48 years behind bars after being convicted of child sexual abuse charges. He was 50 years old at the time.
» https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1389374    (VIDEO)
» https://www.fox5dc.com/news/former-montgomery-co-teacher-facing-new-child-sexual-abuse-charge-after-previous-conviction-vacated    (VIDEO) 

▫️Another “Se Busca Información” criminal target arrested | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector has confirmed the arrest of another “Se Busca Información” target this weekend as result of information provided to the “Se Busca Información” tip-line.
On Dec. 31, the Fiscalía General del Estado de Chihuahua (FGE) – Chihuahua’s State Attorney General’s Office confirmed the capture of “EP1,” a 39-year-old Mexican national with an alias of “El Pitufo.”  Gallegos has an extensive criminal history including aggravated homicide. 
This arrest will be the third apprehension made from the current “Se Busca Información” target list.
The “Se Busca Información” initiative, which means to look for information in English, identifies ten individuals associated with transnational criminal organizations, wanted for crimes by both the U.S. and Mexican law enforcement. These crimes range from human smuggling, narcotics, weapons trafficking, and murder. 
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/another-se-busca-informaci-n-criminal-target-arrested 

▫️Lancaster Co. man arrested for crimes against children
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — The Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department (NLCRPD) announced the arrest of a man after it was revealed that he had allegedly committed crimes against children.
Wesley Kilpatrick, 27 of Lititz, was arrested after the NLCRPD detective division received a report of alleged sexual abuse against an underage victim in July 2023.
https://www.fox43.com/article/news/crime/lancaster-county-man-arrested-for-crimes-against-children-fox43/521-1786e050-d43d-4366-9338-443031528b80 

▫️Genesee Co. sheriff’s message on billboards brings awareness to human trafficking
MID-MICHIGAN – A message from the Genesee County Sheriff is displayed on 62 billboards as part of an effort to bring awareness and an end to human trafficking.
“Awareness. It’s part of the whole algorithm to try to end this horrible, tragic, criminal enterprise that’s the fastest growing in the world,” said Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
https://www.wnem.com/2024/01/03/genesee-co-sheriffs-message-billboards-brings-awareness-human-trafficking/    (VIDEO) 

▫️"Furry" Activist Pleads Guilty To Sex Trafficking Woman and Minor In Fetish OnlyFans Scheme
A “furry” activist has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking after a lengthy investigation which found he had held a woman hostage and forced her to produce OnlyFans content for other “furry” fetishists as well as sexually exploited a minor girl for the same reasons. Austin Taylor Koeckeritz, of River Falls, Wisconsin, faces up to life in prison.
According to documents submitted by the Federal Defender Service on behalf of Koeckertiz in February of 2023, Koeckertiz and the victim are said to have initially met as business partners. The two launched an entity called The Boring Company, taking the same name as the entity owned by X CEO Elon Musk.
https://reduxx.info/furry-trans-activist-pleads-guilty-to-sex-trafficking-woman-and-minor-in-fetish-onlyfans-scheme/  

▫️MSP, truck drivers to highlight red flags of human trafficking
LANSING, Mich. — January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and state troopers are joining forces with commercial truckers to educate the public.
Michigan State Police (MSP) says their motor carrier officers and Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) will highlight red flags associated with human trafficking from Jan. 8–12. Meanwhile, they will increase enforcement of laws designed to curb trafficking.
We’re told the goal behind the program is to inform those who may be able to detect human trafficking while on the job. People in those roles include commercial drivers, employees at rest areas or truck stops, and public transportation personnel.
» https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/michigan/msp-truck-drivers-to-highlight-red-flags-of-human-trafficking
» https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2024/01/02/msp-truckers-join-forces-to-educate-about-human-trafficking/
» https://www.wilx.com/2024/01/02/michigan-state-police-join-organization-fight-human-trafficking/ 

▫️Video shows how human traffickers lure in their next victim
Heads up parents and guardians, this one is for you:
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office released a video that shows how predators and human traffickers try to lure in their victims. “Human traffickers lure their victims by using charm, lies and deception, promising a better life and opportunities to make money,” said the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. “These promises are always false.”
https://kmph.com/news/local/video-shows-how-human-traffickers-lure-in-their-next-victim    (VIDEO)  

▫️Human Trafficking Education and Awareness Fair San Antonio, TX -  January 18, 2024, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm Central
Whether you are new to this issue, or a long-time warrior, the event will offer new perspectives as well as opportunities to network with organizations providing direct services to those exploited by trafficking in and around the broader regional community. 
Learn what is happening in your local community. Meet those working on the front lines. Engage in the fight against all forms of human trafficking.
https://ovc.ojp.gov/events/human-trafficking-education-and-awareness-fair 

▫️Upcoming Webinar on Human Trafficking Prevention | Wyoming State Library - January 25, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
This webinar will examine human trafficking prevention strategies within the context of libraries. Participants will learn about human trafficking and exploitation, become familiar with what contributes to the risk of exploitation, identify red flags, and learn how to address exploitation before it starts.
The presenter will be Terri Markham, Executive Director of Uprising, an organization based in Sheridan, WY, that empowers communities to shed light upon and stand up to the issues of human trafficking and exploitation through awareness, education, and outreach.
https://library.wyo.gov/upcoming-webinar-on-human-trafficking-prevention/ 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Mother and uncle of a US serviceman are rescued from Gaza in a secret operation
The mother and American uncle of a U.S. service member were safe outside of Gaza after being rescued from the fighting in a secret operation coordinated by the U.S., Israel, Egypt and others, a U.S. official told The Associated Press on Wednesday.  The mother and American uncle of a U.S. service member were safe outside of Gaza after being rescued from the fighting in a secret operation coordinated by the U.S., Israel, Egypt and others, a U.S. official told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
» https://www.whas11.com/article/news/nation-world/israel-hamas-conflict/us-servicemans-family-rescued-gaza/507-8c0793ce-bac5-479d-beeb-af4948462f37
» https://torontosun.com/news/world/mother-and-uncle-of-a-u-s-serviceman-are-rescued-from-gaza-in-a-secret-operation
» https://www.huffpost.com/entry/israel-palestinian-americans-in-gaza_n_6596881ee4b0f27b6e366665
» https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/us-works-with-israel-and-egypt-to-get-the-mother-18588016.php 

▫️Bond raised for officer charged with solicitation of prostitution
HOUSTON — A Houston Police Department sergeant who's been charged with solicitation of prostitution made an appearance in court on Wednesday.
Cesar Beltran, 57, was relieved of duty during the investigation. He was arrested last Wednesday.
According to court documents, Beltran had an ongoing arrangement with the victim in the case. Officials said he paid the woman for sex while knowing that she was a human trafficking victim.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/hpd-sergeant-solicitation-of-prostitution/285-f6523407-ba09-494f-98ec-d7e6233695ad     (VIDEO) 

▫️Girl lured into prostitution after leaving family at Strip hotel
A convicted felon is facing seven charges after a female juvenile who left her family at a casino to take a walk on the Strip was allegedly lured into prostitution and then kidnapped in a motel room, according to Las Vegas police.
Corey Canton, 36, was arrested Tuesday at his east Las Vegas residence and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on suspicion of sexual assault, two counts of sex trafficking of a minor under 18, assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of kidnapping of a minor and owning a gun by a prohibited person, Las Vegas Justice Court records show. The girl did not know what “quick buck” meant but agreed to go along with the other minor, and they made it to the Days Inn motel at 5075 Koval Lane, where the second girl introduced her to her boyfriend, later identified as Canton, according to the report.
https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/sex-crimes/girl-leaves-family-at-hotel-lured-into-prostitution-on-strip-police-say-2976044/ 

▫️'A threat to children has been removed:' Columbia County man arrested after investigation
LAKE CITY, Fla — Reports from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office state that 27-year-old Randy Cook was arrested yesterday afternoon after detectives concluded a month’s long investigation for possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). 
https://www.wokv.com/news/local/a-threat-children-has-been-removed-columbia-county-man-arrested-after-investigation/V57J46BQ4BFPHJK22TEN2BVIPE/ 

▫️Dothan man charged with human trafficking in Panama City Beach
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.  — A trespassing case led police to a man they described as a human trafficker.
On January 2, Panama City Beach Police responded to a call involving a trespassing at the Baymont by Wyndham. Upon arrival, police located a woman hiding in the front lobby. They gathered her information and uncovered that she was a possible human trafficking victim, police wrote.
The victim said she was brought to Panama City Beach by the suspect and that during the drive, he made a statement to her that “he owns” her now. Police added that Chad Cornelius Seymore of Dothan, Alabama, threatened to kill the woman and forced her to engage in sex acts. Panama City Beach police say Chad Cornelius Seymore was arrested in Dothan, Alabama on Wednesday with the help of Alabama law enforcement and taken into custody.
» https://www.wdhn.com/news/local-news/houston-county/city-of-dothan/new-charges-brought-another-arrested-in-child-sex-investigation/    (VIDEO)
 » https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/local-news/bay-county/panama-city-beach/dothan-man-charged-with-human-trafficking-in-panama-city-beach/
»

▫️Additional Charges in Child Sex Crime Case – Dothan Police Department
It was discovered that 31-year-old Raynia Eugenia Cooper of Dothan had directed a child to participate in sexual activity which resulted in Cooper being charged with one count of Directing a Child to Engage in Sodomy. December 29, 2023, investigators charged 30-year-old Edwin Angel Medina, of Dothan, with one count of Sodomy First Degree. 
As additional evidence continued to come to light, on January 3, 2024, investigators added the following charges for Cooper:  Two additional counts of Directing a Child to Engage in Sodomy, four counts of Directing a Child to Engage in Sexual Contact, one count of Human Trafficking First Degree, and one count of Enticing a Child for Immoral Purposes. She currently has no bond.
Also on January 3, 2024, investigators added the following charges for Medina:  Four counts of Sodomy First Degree, four counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child less than 12 years old, one count of Human Trafficking First Degree, and one count of Enticing a Child for Immoral Purposes. He currently has no bond.
» https://www.dothanpd.org/2024/01/03/additional-charges-in-child-sex-crime-case/ 
»

▫️Walker County Man Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of Children
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit arrested and charged Sean Ferguson, age 41, of Walker County, Georgia, with three counts of sexual exploitation of children.
The GBI CEACC Unit began an investigation into Ferguson’s online activity after receiving a Cyber Tipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the possible online possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
» https://fetchyournews.com/featured-stories/walker-county-man-arrested-for-sexual-exploitation-of-children/
» https://www.local3news.com/local-news/walker-co-man-arrested-for-sexual-exploitation-of-children/article_74e0c68e-aa6a-11ee-a6aa-a7c55fd93603.html 

▫️Staunton man pleads guilty to bestiality, possessing child pornography
STAUNTON — A man caught with child pornography, some of it showing bestiality involving a child, is headed to prison following guilty pleas to numerous felony charges Wednesday in Staunton Circuit Court.
Police arrested Corey R. Griffith, 29, of Staunton, in August after a West Virginia man alerted authorities to his online activity after receiving Facebook videos from Griffith showing children involved in sex acts, according to Staunton Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Joseph Perry.
https://www.newsleader.com/story/news/local/2024/01/03/staunton-man-pleads-guilty-to-bestiality-possessing-child-pornography/72097158007/ 

▫️Wanted: Accused Child Sexual Abuser Edward Massey Jr. Sought By PA State Police
Troopers said the 49-year-old is wanted on charges of indecent assault on a person under 13, felony corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of a child. 
Anyone with information is asked to call PSP Stroudsburg at 570-619-6800 or submit an anonymous tip through Crimewatch. 
https://dailyvoice.com/pennsylvania/northampton/wanted-accused-child-sexual-abuser-sought-by-pa-state-police/ 

▫️Absecon man held in sexual assaults of three girls
An Absecon man accused of sexual assaults of three underage girls was ordered held in jail during a detention hearing Wednesday.
Alfonso Chavez, 42, allegedly began assaulting a female relative when she was 5 years old, the now-13-year-old girl told police. The assaults continued weekly and sometimes daily for years, minus an approximate two-year “break” from 2020 through 2021, the girl said, according to the affidavit of probable cause obtained by BreakingAC. Two other girls told police they were molested when they slept at the victim’s home.
https://breakingac.com/2024/01/absecon-man-held-in-sexual-assaults-of-three-girls/ 

▫️3 brothers accuse Saint John’s High teacher of child sex abuse in the 1960s
The claims stem from several encounters the three men say they had with lay religion teacher Richard “Dick” Doyle, who they allege sexually abused them between the mid- to late-1960s when the men were 15, 16 and 9 years old.
» https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/01/3-brothers-accuse-saint-johns-high-teacher-of-child-sex-abuse-in-the-1960s.html
» https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2024/01/03/saint-john-s-high-school-facing-sexual-abuse-claims-from-1960s 

▫️ICE investigation prompts federal judge’s denaturalization of convicted serial child rapist | ICE
RALEIGH, N.C. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations officers in Raleigh initiated an investigation that led to the denaturalization of a convicted sex offender.
The court held that defendant Lecompte, a native of Canada and convicted serial child rapist, illegally procured his U.S. citizenship by fraudulently concealing numerous sexual offenses when he applied for naturalization.
On Aug. 1, 2011, in the Superior Court of North Carolina in Forsyth County, Lecompte was convicted of 52 felony offenses, including statutory rape, first degree sex offense with a child, indecent liberties with a child, and dissemination of obscene materials to a minor. Lecompte was sentenced to a life term of imprisonment. He confessed to having committed the offenses against five different child victims between 1991 and 2005. Lecompte was not arrested until after he naturalized, thus immigration officials were unaware of his crimes.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-investigation-prompts-federal-judges-denaturalization-convicted-serial-child 

▫️Wander Franco's alleged victim was just 14 when their relationship started and he paid her mother over $1,500-a-month in hush money, say Dominican prosecutors as Rays star faces court date on Friday
Dominican prosecutors on Wednesday accused Wander Franco of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering following allegations that the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop had a relationship with a minor whose mother also faces the same charges.
Prosecutors requested that a judge hold Franco on a RD$5million ($86,000 USD) bond, bar him from leaving the Dominican Republic and place him under house arrest. They noted the money laundering charges stems from allegations that Franco made payments to the minor's mother.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/mlb/article-12925031/wander-franco-1500-mother-14-year-old-victim.html
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-12923959/Prosecutors-file-evidence-against-Rays-shortstop-Wander-Franco-Dominican-Republic-probe.html
» https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/world/article/prosecutors-file-evidence-against-rays-shortstop-18587770.php 

▫️Gypsy Rose Blanchard Accused a Relative of Sexual Abuse. His Response Was Shocking (Exclusive)
Gypsy Rose claims in an upcoming Lifetime docuseries that she was molested as a child. The claim is made in Lifetime's The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, which premieres Jan. 5.
» https://people.com/gypsy-rose-blanchard-accuses-grandfather-sexual-abuse-8422002
» https://nypost.com/2023/12/28/news/gypsy-rose-blanchard-released-from-prison-on-parole/ 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Grandparent saves girl from kidnapping, police say
FRESNO, Calif.  – The Fresno Police Department is praising the actions of a grandparent, who investigators say helped rescue their 12-year-old granddaughter who had been kidnapped and sexually assaulted.
The suspect has been identified as 51-year-old James Ellis from Oregon who now faces several charges. Detectives say at some point, one of the victim’s grandparents tracked the girl’s whereabouts through her cell phone and confronted Ellis in the parking lot.
» https://www.kdrv.com/news/crimewatch/eagle-point-man-arrested-for-kidnapping-sexually-assaulting-12-year-old/article_6a9bf350-ab56-11ee-9f93-4f7a3fb31b7e.html    (VIDEO)
 » https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/grandparent-saves-girl-from-kidnapping-police-say/
»

▫️Walnut Creek lawyer charged with 26 counts of child molestation, $22 million bail 
MARTINEZ — A longtime Walnut Creek real estate attorney has been arrested and charged with molesting three girls with alleged incidents dating back to 2014, court records show.
Jonathan Dean Bishop, 48, was charged with 26 counts related to alleged child molestation and one count of possessing more than 600 images of child pornography. He faces a life sentence if convicted.
Bishop remains jailed in lieu of $22 million bail.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/01/04/walnut-creek-lawyer-charged-with-26-counts-of-child-molestation-allegedly-kept-itemized-files-of-child-pornography/ 

▫️BDS teacher arrested and charged with multiple sex offenses against a child
PANAMA CITY, Fla.  - The Bay County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 38-year-old Lindsey Robert Stuart of Panama City and charged him with multiple sex offenses against a child.
The BCSO Criminal Investigations Divisions said they began an investigation on January 2 into allegations regarding Stuart having a romantic relationship with a student while he was employed at a local high school.
https://www.wjhg.com/2024/01/04/bds-teacher-arrested-charged-with-multiple-sex-offenses-against-child/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Osceola County sheriff: Man visiting Florida facing human trafficking charges
A man is now facing human trafficking charges. The Osceola County sheriff said 24-year-old Javaris Johnson, who was visiting Central Florida, was first arrested Wednesday for a domestic battery incident that happened on Traverse Way in Kissimmee. 
After being taken in, a woman he came down here with from Atlanta spoke with detectives about being sexually trafficked by Johnson. She allegedly made claims that he put her up in a hotel for a number of days, forced her to do sexual acts and made her give him the profit.
The sheriff said after interviews and reviewing evidence, Johnson has also been charged with human trafficking.
» https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/osceola-county-sheriff-man-visiting-florida-facing-human-trafficking-charges/ar-AA1mtJpA
»

▫️'Boss Lady' human smuggler pleads guilty in massive trafficking scheme
A Texas woman who led a human smuggling operation that trafficked hundreds of foreign nationals into the United States pleaded guilty to conspiracy and money laundering charges Thursday, the Justice Department said.
Erminia Serrano Piedra, also known as Irma and "Boss Lady," is accused of harboring and concealing migrants from Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia from U.S. authorities, the Justice Department said in a statement.
In her plea agreement, Piedra boasted she had been doing this "for a lifetime already," and that she had made a lot of money from smuggling humans and had no plans to retire. She also said she planned to make a lot more money in the years to come.
» https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/01/04/boss-lady-guilty-human-trafficking/6231704416241/ 
»

▫️Fort Walton Beach man arrested for allegedly sexually abusing 11-year-old
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.  — A Fort Walton Beach man has been arrested after a 13-year-old girl disclosed that she had been sexually abused since she was 11 years old, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Esau Matul Hernandez, of Fort Walton Beach, was charged with sexual battery on a victim under the age of 12.
https://www.wkrg.com/northwest-florida/okaloosa-county/fort-walton-beach-man-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-abusing-11-year-old/ 

▫️Thomas Ebersole arrested after World of Warcraft leads Fla. cops to missing girl
A Florida creep allegedly traveled across state lines to pick up a 16-year-old he wanted to marry before he was arrested with the help of a popular video game Wednesday, authorities said.
Thomas Ebersole, 31, was taken into custody and the missing teen girl was found inside his house after investigators discovered the young victim signed into her World of Warcraft account Wednesday at the suspect’s Sunshine State home, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said.
https://nypost.com/2024/01/04/news/thomas-ebersole-arrested-after-world-of-warcraft-leads-fl-cops-to-missing-girl/ 

▫️Repeat Sex Offender Arrested Outside BK Synagogue: U.S. Attorney
WILLIAMSBURG, NY — A repeat sex offender accused of luring a teenager with gifts was arrested outside a Borough Park synagogue Wednesday evening, according to prosecutors.
Joseph Grunwald, of Williamsburg, stands accused of molesting a 14-year-old between April and June 2023 — the latest of a slew of similar crimes committed by the 31-year-old man, according to U.S. Attorney Breon Peace's office. The attack was followed by relentless threats to the teen that Grunwald would physically harm him and tell his mother and young brother, according to Peace.
https://patch.com/new-york/brooklyn/repeat-sex-offender-arrested-outside-bk-synagogue-u-s-attorney 

▫️Ex-Auburn school police officer sentenced for sexual abuse
AUBURN — A young woman who was sexually abused by a former city police officer addressed her abuser in court on Thursday. The victim read a statement in Cayuga County Court prior to the sentencing that morning of William Morrissey III, 34, a former member of the Auburn Police Department who was a school resource officer at Auburn High School.
Morrissey was then sentenced by Judge Thomas Leone to two years in state prison followed by 10 years of post-release supervision for the charge of first-degree sexual abuse (a class D felony) and one to three years in prison for disseminating indecent material to a minor (also a class D felony). For the misdemeanors of endangering the welfare of a child and official misconduct, Morrissey was sentenced to 364 days in the Cayuga County Jail, with that time merging with his other sentences.
https://auburnpub.com/news/local/crime-courts/ex-auburn-school-police-officer-sentenced-for-sexually-abusing-minor/article_620dcd98-ab25-11ee-ba5e-4bf25f2b3ac0.html 

▫️Man convicted of using dark web to traffic child pornography
ASHEVILLE, N.C.  - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina said a man was recently convicted of crimes involving child pornography and sexual abuse.
Officials said 44-year-old Brandon Hardy of Bremen, Indiana, was convicted by a federal jury in Asheville of distribution and transportation of child pornography and making notice of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
According to material from the trial, Hardy used chatrooms on the dark web to traffic child sexual abuse material and solicit sexual activity with a minor.
https://www.foxcarolina.com/2024/01/05/man-convicted-using-dark-web-traffic-child-pornography-abuse-minors/ 

▫️Douglas County man faces 29 sex crime felonies involving children
AVA, Mo.  - Douglas County prosecutors accuse a man of several sex crimes involving children.
Joel Garner, 55, faces 29 felonies, including child molestation, sexual abuse, endangering the welfare of a child, and failing to register as a sex offender. A judge ordered him held without bond.
https://www.ky3.com/2024/01/05/douglas-county-man-faces-29-sex-crime-felonies-involving-children/ 

▫️20-year-old faces charges of human trafficking, child exploitation
WINCHESTER, Ind.  — An online threat to shoot someone led investigators to a man who admitted to police he promoted human trafficking and child exploitation, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday night.
Louis Galligan, 20, of Winchester, was arrested Thursday and placed in the county jail, a news release from the sheriff’s office says. The release says Galligan faces these preliminary felony charges: two counts of promotion of child sexual trafficking, a count of promotion of human sexual trafficking, a count of child exploitation/child pornography, and a count of intimidation.
» https://www.wishtv.com/news/crime-watch-8/20-year-old-faces-charges-of-human-trafficking-child-exploitation/
» https://fox59.com/indiana-news/indiana-man-charged-with-promoting-child-sex-trafficking-intimidation-with-an-ak-47/ 

▫️A ride-along with deputies as they combat sex trafficking in Sacramento County
FOX40 News went on an exclusive ride-along with Sacramento County Sheriff's detectives who patrol the streets working to arrest sex traffickers, especially those who are trafficking minors.

▫️LAPD closes 2023 with 5 arrests in prostitution ring
Five people were arrested as part of the Los Angeles Police Department’s last prostitution sting operation of 2023. In 2023, officers made 367 arrests along the Figueroa Corridor and surrounding area. Additionally, officers rescued 14 minors who were identified as victims of human trafficking.
» https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/5-arrested-during-prostitution-sting-operation-in-south-la/
» https://www.lapdonline.org/newsroom/five-arrested-in-prostitution-sting-operation-fourteen-rescued-in-2023-nr24006cm-dm/ 

▫️Saraland man arrested in connection to regional child exploitation ring
MOBILE, Ala.  — A Saraland man is in jail after a Louisiana Police Department found him to allegedly be connected to a two-state child exploitation ring, according to a Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook post. John Edward Allday, 49, is accused of communicating with Michael George, 67, of Vidalia, Louisiana, and Gloria Naquin Santos-Hernandez, 56, of Lafayette, Louisiana, via text message about plans to rape, kidnap and sexually abuse children under the age of 12.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are working to identify victims. Those with information on the three people who have been arrested can reach out to CPSO detective Stephen Lipscomb at 318-437-0740 Ext. 409.
https://www.wkrg.com/crime/saraland-man-arrested-in-connection-to-regional-child-exploitation-ring/ 

▫️Man Charged With Sex Trafficking of a Minor in Chicago Suburb
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted a man on sex trafficking charges for allegedly enticing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act in a Chicago suburb.
The two-count federal indictment charges KENNARD CAMERON, 38, of Chicago, with sex trafficking of a minor and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor.  According to the indictment, Cameron recruited and enticed the minor to engage in a commercial sex act in Lansing, Ill., on March 17, 2023.
Cameron was arrested last week.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/man-charged-sex-trafficking-minor-chicago-suburb 

▫️Human Trafficking/Sex Slaves: AMERICA TONIGHT, AJAM

▫️Jury Awards $25 Million Verdict to Sexual Abuse Survivor
In December 2023, following a three-week trial, a jury awarded $25 million in a lawsuit against the Santa Barbara Unified School District. John Doe 2, now in his twenties, is one of three former students who have sued the school district over claims that Dos Pueblos High School failed to prevent a pattern of sexual harassment and abuse by football coach and security guard Justin Sell. The jury found that the school district was 80% responsible for the sexual abuse committed by Sell.
The jury award of $25 million in John Doe 2’s lawsuit followed a three-week trial ending on December 8, 2023. The lawsuits filed by John Does 1 and 3 are ongoing.
https://www.expertinstitute.com/resources/insights/jury-awards-25-million-verdict-to-sexual-abuse-survivor/ 

▫️Day Care Worker Caught on Video Abusing Multiple Infants: Police
Nicole Cabrera, 21, of Collins, Georgia, was arrested last week and charged with nine felony counts of first-degree cruelty to children and one count of misdemeanor battery, court records obtained by local media outlets show.
Cabrera was employed by Step by Step Childcare & Learning Center in Lyons, Georgia, when the abuse occurred, Lyons Police Chief Wesley Walker told outlet Southeast Georgia Today.
https://patabook.com/news/2024/01/03/day-care-worker-caught-on-video-abusing-multiple-infants-police/ 

▫️Decatur child sex predator gets 80 years
DECATUR — Convicted sex predator Jonathan S. Dean — who repeatedly raped an 11-year-old girl — was sent to prison for 80 years on Thursday.
Dean, 36, had been found guilty of four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault at a Macon County Circuit Court jury trial in November.
https://herald-review.com/news/local/crime-courts/decatur-child-sex-predator-gets-80-years/article_0d28c772-ab4a-11ee-9709-33ba1b05adf5.html 

▫️Appellate Court Allows Child Sexual Abuse Survivor's Lawsuit Against XVideos to Proceed
WASHINGTON, DC  – In a new decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, a child sexual abuse survivor won her appeal (Jane Doe v. WebGroup Czech Republic et al) against XVideos and its parent company, WebGroup Czech Republic (WGCZ), with a finding by the Court that Jane Doe had sufficiently alleged facts to establish U.S. jurisdiction against the foreign based WGCZ. According to her lawsuit, videos of her childhood sexual abuse were sold, published, and distributed on websites owned and operated by XVideos who distributed these images to U.S. audiences for profit. 
https://endsexualexploitation.org/articles/appellate-court-allows-child-sexual-abuse-survivors-lawsuit-against-xvideos-to-proceed/ 

▫️Undercover FBI Agent Details Decades Of Human Trafficking Stings
For years, former FBI Special Agent Nikki Badolato led the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force targeting some of the most heinous criminals. Now she wants Americans to know the truth about underage sex crimes.
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/fbi-agent-undercover-human-trafficking-stings-nikki-badolato-1234923666/ 

▫️AHA releases digital toolkit for National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January 11th is designated as National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness, and January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The purpose of this toolkit is to raise awareness on the various types of human trafficking and to provide hospitals and health systems with resources to combat human trafficking in health care settings. With videos, graphics and posts in both English and Spanish, this toolkit is a resource for AHA members and all organizations in the fight against human trafficking.
https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2024-01-04-aha-releases-digital-toolkit-national-human-trafficking-awareness-month 

▫️The Franciscan Friars of California filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy after 94 sex abuse lawsuits were made against the religious organization
A Roman Catholic organization in California that is devoted to serving the poor has filed for bankruptcy as it faces nearly 100 lawsuits related to sex abuse claims stretching as far back as the 1940s.
The Franciscan Friars of California said in a Tuesday statement that it filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on Dec. 31 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Oakland.
» https://www.foxnews.com/us/catholic-friars-california-files-bankruptcy-nearly-100-sex-abuse-claims
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/catholic-friars-of-california-files-for-bankruptcy-amid-nearly-100-sex-abuse-claims/
» https://english.elpais.com/usa/2024-01-03/california-friars-file-for-bankruptcy-in-wake-of-nearly-100-cases-of-child-sex-abuse.html 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News

▫️15 arrested during prostitution sting operation in LA
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Southeast Area Vice Unit is announcing the arrest of ten suspects believed to be involved in prostitution related crimes that occurred in South Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Police Department's Southeast Area Vice Unit also arrested five individuals linked to the online solicitation of prostitution. 
» https://ktla.com/news/local-news/10-busted-in-south-l-a-prostitution-sting-lapd-says/
» https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/5-arrested-during-prostitution-sting-operation-in-south-la/
» https://www.lapdonline.org/newsroom/ten-arrested-in-prostitution-sting-operation-nr24007cm-dm/
» https://www.lapdonline.org/newsroom/five-arrested-in-prostitution-sting-operation-fourteen-rescued-in-2023-nr24006cm-dm/ 

▫️FBI: Former Galleria employee allegedly recorded sexual assault of toddler in mall restroom
HOUSTON – A former Galleria employee is in federal custody for allegedly recording videos of himself sexually assaulting at least two toddlers. The details in the complaint are graphic and disturbing.
According to a federal criminal complaint obtained by KPRC 2, 29-year-old Arthur Hector Fernandez III may have recorded one of those videos in a public bathroom at the shopping center. The victims were believed to be between 2 to 3 years old.
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2024/01/06/fbi-former-galleria-employee-allegedly-recorded-sexual-assault-of-toddler-in-mall-restroom/ 

▫️Nationally awarded foster dad is charged with 20 counts of sexually abusing children in 'model' father's care and accused of kicking a child off the roof for misbehaving
An award-winning Wyoming foster dad hailed as a 'model father' has been accused of sexually abusing children in his care and kicking one off the roof for misbehaving.
Steven Marler, 48, is charged with 20 counts of child sex abuse against four children between 2014 and 2021 as well as battery and child endangerment charges. 
Marler and his wife Kristen have been fostering since 2008, adopting six children and hosting dozens more in their Casper home over the years. In 2014, the couple were invited to the White House and honored with an Adoption Excellence Award.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12930377/foster-dad-steven-marler-casper-charged-sexual-abuse.html 

▫️Port Allen man arrested, accused of solicitation, indecent behavior, trying to get child porn
WEST BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana State Police and FBI worked together to investigate a report of a juvenile being exploited on social media. Their work led to the arrest of a Port Allen man. According to a release from state police, Shane Cooper, 29, of Port Allen, was arrested after investigators reportedly determined that he was sexually exploiting a 15-year-old on social media.
On Jan. 4, 2024, Cooper was transported to the Ascension Parish Jail and booked on charges of computer-aided solicitation of a minor, indecent behavior with juveniles and attempted possession of pornography involving juveniles, according to police. This is an ongoing investigation. 
» https://www.brproud.com/news/local-news/crime/port-allen-man-arrested-accused-of-solicitation-indecent-behavior-trying-to-get-child-porn/
» https://www.lsp.org/community-outreach/news/port-allen-man-arrested-for-solicitation-of-a-minor/ 

▫️Boston brothel bust: Probable cause hearings announced for alleged clients
Dates have been set for probable cause hearings in the cases against 28 people accused of paying for sex in a high-end brothel network alleged to have been operating in Massachusetts and Virginia.
The names of the accused have yet to be released, but the hearings will be open to the public after requests from NBC10 Boston and other news outlets. The hearings are set for Jan. 18, Jan. 19 and Jan. 22 in Cambridge District Court, starting at 10 a.m. each morning.
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/probable-cause-hearings-announced-for-alleged-clients-in-mass-brothel-bust-case/3237248/ 

▫️Baldwin County man arrested at Pelham motel tried to have sex with child, police say
A Baldwin County man was arrested at a motel in Pelham, where he was visiting with the intent to have sex with a child, police said Friday. Within eight hours after Pelham police received the tip, a suspect, identified as 46-year-old Bay Minette resident William Guy Long, was arrested at an unnamed Pelham motel.
Long is being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond on charges of first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act, police said.
https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2024/01/baldwin-county-man-arrested-at-pelham-motel-tried-to-have-sex-with-child-police-say.html 

▫️Mason County couple indicted for human trafficking, sexual servitude
MASON COUNTY, WV – A man and woman accused of human trafficking in Mason County, West Virginia, have been indicted by a grand jury. 
According to the Mason County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Timothy L. Pearson, 56, and Kimberly D. Meadows, 35, both of Gallipolis Ferry were indicted Jan. 3, 2024 on charges stemming from their arrests on Oct. 31, 2023. According to a criminal complaint, Pearson and his girlfriend, Meadows, would offer women who are “vulnerable,” on drugs or without a home a place to stay. Pearson and Meadows would also lock the victims inside their house and make them have no communication outside of the house, the complaint alleges.
https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/mason-county-wv/mason-county-couple-indicted-for-human-trafficking-sexual-servitude/ 

▫️Louisiana man accused of trafficking girl in Waco
ALouisiana man was indicted Thursday, more than a year after authorities say he trafficked a 16-year-old girl from Corpus Christi to Waco and sexually assaulted her.
Christepher Dell Menson, 60, was initially arrested Nov. 11, 2022, and a McLennan County grand jury indictment him Thursday on four second-degree felony counts of sexual assault of a child and one first-degree felony count of trafficking of a person.
https://wacotrib.com/news/local/crime-courts/louisiana-man-accused-of-trafficking-sexually-assaulting-girl-in-waco/article_647e8328-ac0c-11ee-be1b-afbfd359c2eb.html 

▫️Geraldine man accused of sexually assaulting 6-year-old
MARSHALL CO., Ala. - A 48-year-old Geraldine man was arrested on Thursday and booked on multiple child sex abuse charges.
Officials say that on Dec. 28, deputies with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home new Swearengin where they made contact with a 6-year-old and their parents.
The child had told their parents that a visiting family member, identified as Billy Lee, had engaged in sexual nature with them. At the time deputies were told by relatives that Lee was highly intoxicated and was “passed out” in the home.
https://www.waff.com/2024/01/05/geraldine-man-accused-sexually-assaulting-6-year-old/   (VIDEO) 

▫️ERO New York City arrests Guatemalan citizen convicted of sexually abusing a child | ICE
NEW YORK — On Jan. 3, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New York City’s Newburgh suboffice arrested an unlawfully present citizen of Guatemala convicted by Rockland County Court of first-degree sex abuse: sexual contact with individual less than 11 years old.
Fugitive Operations Officers arrested the 22-year-old noncitizen without incident in Spring Valley, New York, and transported him to the Newburgh suboffice for processing. He was served a notice to appear and charged with violating the Immigration and Nationality Act by entering without inspection and being convicted of a crime of moral turpitude. He will remain in custody without bond pending removal proceedings.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-new-york-city-arrests-guatemalan-citizen-convicted-sexually-abusing-child 

▫️ERO Baltimore arrests noncitizen convicted of sexual abuse of a Maryland minor | ICE
BALTIMORE — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Baltimore arrested a 48-year-old unlawfully present noncitizen convicted of sexual crimes against a Maryland minor. Deportation officers from ERO Baltimore’s Fugitive Operations Team apprehended the Colombian national Dec. 19 at his residence in Gaithersburg. He will remain in custody pending his removal from the United States.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-baltimore-arrests-noncitizen-convicted-sexual-abuse-maryland-minor 

▫️Kennewick Man and Woman Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison for Child Abuse
Richland, Washington – On January 4, 2023, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Bret Michael Emineth, age 41, to 30 years in federal prison for engaging in years-long sexual abuse of a minor victim and recording images depicting the abuse.  The Court also sentenced Emineth’s codefendant, Malesa Hale, age 37, to 28 years in federal prison for conspiring with Emineth to abuse the victim and record the abuse. 
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwa/pr/kennewick-man-and-woman-sentenced-decades-federal-prison-child-abuse 

▫️Women locked in garage for years in Harris County, forced to take drugs
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - A woman in Harris County is pressing charges after she was kidnapped and kept in a garage for at least four years, court records say. Lee Carter, 52, is charged with Aggravated Kidnapping after court documents stated he held a woman against her will at a home near South Union at 5251 Perry Street. He was arrested on Thursday at a motel, says HPD Commander Michael Collins.
In one instance, court documents state the woman texted police through the Text Now app, who took her to a hospital and then released her back to Carter. Sources confirm with FOX 26 that Carter is a Houston rap artist known as "Viper". The artist has several music videos on YouTube.
Police say they're unsure where the woman victim is now, or what happened to the possible baby involved in the case.
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/women-kidnapped-locked-in-garage-for-years-in-harris-county    (VIDEO) 

▫️FBI warns of cyber kidnappings in US after Utah student becomes a target
https://san.com/cc/fbi-warns-of-cyber-kidnappings-in-us-after-utah-student-becomes-a-target/    (VIDEO) 

▫️What you need to know about human trafficking in Houston
"..You can order a child and have them delivered to you as easy as a pizza .."

▫️Mom who escaped polygamist group with her two young daughters recounts horrific abuse she endured
Lu Ann Cooper has exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that she was forced to start working at age five before marrying her cousin when she was only 15, and was 'bullied' by the police after fleeing, who told her that her 'story was not believable.'
The now mother-of-two spent her childhood as a member of a religious organization known as the Kingston Group, where she was subjected to child labor, incest, and underage marriage before she ultimately escaped at age 20.
She is sharing her story as part of A&E's upcoming docuseries entitled Secrets Of Polygamy, which will premiere on January 8 at 10pm EST/PST.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12904733/woman-escaped-polygamist-group-shares-horrific-abuse-marrying-cousin.html 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Violent Human Trafficking Ring Dismantled by Central Ohio Task Force - 6 indicted on murder, felony charges after human trafficking bust, Ohio AG says
COLUMBUS - Six people were indicted on a total of 124 felony charges on Dec. 27 after a human trafficking bust in south Columbus. According to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, three women and three men were involved in a violent human trafficking ring.
A Franklin County Grand Jury indicted the six suspects on the following charges:
• James Dukes-Johnson, 28, of Columbus, was indicted on 39 felony charges: Aggravated murder, murder, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in persons, compelling prostitution, trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound and felonious assault.
• Michael Davis, 21, of Columbus, was indicted on 39 felony charges: Aggravated murder, murder, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in persons, compelling prostitution, trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound and felonious assault.
• Sarah Dotson, 33, of Columbus, was indicted on 29 felony charges: Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in persons, compelling prostitution and possession of a fentanyl-related compound.
• Shahee Siler, 38, of Columbus, was indicted on 10 felony charges: Aggravated murder, murder, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, promoting prostitution and felonious assault.
• Alexias Carr-Johnson, 28, of Marysville, was indicted on four felony charges: Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and money laundering.
• Tyler Payne, 29, of Columbus, was indicted on four felony charges: Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and money laundering.
“Busts like this free victims from the clutches of trafficking and rid our streets of dangerous criminals,” Yost said in a press release.
Anyone with information about the alleged criminal activity or knowledge of additional victims of human trafficking is encouraged to contact the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6336) or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-3737-888 and ask to speak to a member of the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. 
» https://www.fox19.com/2024/01/06/6-indicted-murder-felony-charges-after-human-trafficking-bust-ohio-ag-says/
» https://www.wkbn.com/news/ohio/human-trafficking-ring-dismantled-in-central-ohio/
» https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/News-Releases/January-2024/Violent-Human-Trafficking-Ring-Dismantled-by-Centr
»

▫️Washington County Child rapist arrested
Michael Munoz, 36, of 15013 Northview Road in Elkins, was arrested Thursday in connection with rape/sexual intercourse, engaging a child in explicit sexual behavior, first-degree, sexual indecency with a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Munoz was being held at the Washington County Jail on Friday in lieu of $50,000 bond.
https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2024/jan/06/six-people-arrested-on-various-charges-in/ 

▫️San Diego Man Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Teenage Girls To Texas, Arizona
A California man will spend the next 106 months in prison for sex trafficking teenage girls from San Diego to cities in Texas and Arizona.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Kenneth Tenorio took two girls from foster homes and used a dating website to offer them for sex in cities such as El Paso and Phoenix while taking some of the money they earned. Tenorio was sentenced Friday in a San Diego courtroom after pleading guilty in August.
https://www.kurv.com/san-diego-man-sentenced-for-sex-trafficking-teenage-girls-to-texas-arizona/ 

▫️Franklin priest accused of child sex abuse
FRANKLIN, Tenn.  — A Catholic priest has been removed from his position at a Franklin church while police investigate reports of child sexual misconduct against him.
His name is Rev. Juan Carlos Garcia, and he was serving as the associate pastor at St. Philip Catholic Church, which is on Second Avenue South in Franklin.
The Diocese of Nashville shared that in November, St. Philip officials reported that a teen in the parish said there was improper touching involving Father Garcia.
It was then reported to the Tennessee Department of Children's Services.
» https://www.newschannel5.com/news/franklin-priest-removed-from-ministry-as-hes-investigated-for-child-sex-abuse-claims
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/franklin-priest-removed-from-ministry-as-hes-investigated-for-child-sex-abuse-claims/ 

▫️Statement: Father Medina found guilty of sexual solicitation during Sacrament of Reconciliation
Father Ignazio Medina has been found guilty of sexual solicitation of an adult on the occasion of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This decision is the result of an administrative disciplinary process overseen by the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. 
As punishment, Father Medina is permanently deprived of the right to hold any ecclesiastical office (parish or diocesan) and of the faculty to hear confessions. 
» https://diojeffcity.org/blog/2024/01/01/statement-father-medina-found-guilty-of-sexual-solicitation-during-sacrament-of-reconciliation/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/missouri-catholic-priest-solicited-sex-during-confession-church/ 

▫️Former Midland youth pastor pleads guilty to count of accessing child pornography
MIDLAND, Texas — A former Midland youth pastor pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of knowingly accessing images of child pornography with visual depictions of a minor.
Our sister station, NewsWest 9, had a reporter in the courtroom Wednesday afternoon for a status conference/re-arraignment of 33-year-old Corey White. In October 2023, NewsWest 9 reported the charges stemmed from an investigation in Nassau County. New York. The Nassau County Police Department initiated an investigation after receiving 15 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) cybertips from 2018-2023.
The tips involved uploading child sexual abuse material (CSAM) videos and images via Skype from an IP address in Seaford, New York.
» https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/former-midland-youth-pastor-pleads-guilty/504-9ff217e9-cb32-4028-b844-048b78acc409
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/former-midland-youth-pastor-pleads-guilty-to-child-pornography-charges/ 

▫️Belcourt man sentenced to life in prison for sexual abuse of children
A Belcourt man is facing life in prison after he was sentenced yesterday in a child-sex case.  
Court officials in Fargo say 35-year-old Robert Houle was sentenced for abusive sexual contact with a child under the age of 12 on Friday, this is after he pleaded guilty to the charge in July. Investigators reportedly determined that Houle had sexually abused a Native American child on multiple occasions while the victim was six to 11 years old.
Houle was sentenced to life in prison.
https://www.wdayradionow.com/news/regional-news/71705-belcourt-man-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-sexual-abuse-of-children   🇺🇸

▫️How to talk with children about human trafficking risks?
BURLINGTON, Vt.  - January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Prevent Child Abuse Vermont has developed a program to educate middle and high school students.
https://www.wcax.com/2024/01/05/how-talk-with-children-about-human-trafficking-risks/      (VIDEO) 

▫️Indiana State Police raising awareness about human trafficking
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police is partnering with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance for a human trafficking awareness initiative.
From Jan. 8-12, troopers will be helping raise awareness by distributing  outreach materials to commercial motor vehicle drivers.
https://www.wthr.com/article/news/crime/indiana-state-police-raising-awareness-human-trafficking-initiative/531-ceec6e7a-f426-4e8c-b090-852ec72b93fd 

▫️As NC grapples with rising human trafficking, local agencies partner to intensify efforts
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C.  — Human trafficking -- a growing issue that surpasses race, social class, demographics and gender -- is a $150 billion industry.
North Carolina is one of the most affected states for human trafficking cases, according to the state's Department of Administration. And with the recent arrest of former Buncombe County deputy Chad Walker -- who was charged with soliciting a prostitute -- law enforcement, as well as advocacy organizations, have been working side-by-side to send everyone a clear message.
The forum, called It Doesn't Happen Here, is set for Jan. 18 at the Tina McGuire Theater at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
» https://wlos.com/news/local/human-trafficking-buncombe-county-sheriffs-office-partners-local-agencies-family-justice-center-our-voice-coalition-training-intensify-efforts-combat-sex-acts-labor-services   (VIDEO)
» https://allevents.in/asheville/it-doesnt-happen-here-conversations-about-human-trafficking-in-our-community/200025966856513 
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Three charged for failure to register as sex offenders
EDWARDSVILLE — Three people were charged with failure to register as a sex offender over the past few days in Madison County court.
Andrew E. Phillips, listed as homeless out of Alton, was charged Jan. 3 with unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 2 felony.
Separately, James C. Williams, 52, of the first block of the Holiday Mobile Home Park, Pontoon Beach, was charged Jan. 4 with unlawful failure to register as a sex offender (second subsequent offense), a Class 2 felony. According to the ISP sex offender database, Williams, who also goes by Melvin Pritchett, Melvin M. Pritchett, James C. Williams and Jim Williams, is listed as a “sexual predator” and has a prior conviction for aggravated sexual abuse out of Madison County. The victim was between 13-16 at the time of the offense, and Williams was 30.
In an unrelated case, David A. Crowe, 41, who has a listed address in the 900 block of High Street, Collinsville, but according to charging documents has no fixed address, was charged with unlawful failure to register as a sex offender (second subsequent offense), a Class 2 felony. According to the ISP sex offender database, Crowe, who also goes by Davie A. Crowe and Dough Boy X, is listed as “noncompliant.”
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/three-charged-failure-register-sex-offenders-18591635.php 

▫️Port Allen man arrested for solicitation of a minor
In September of 2022, the Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit (LSP SVU) partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to initiate a child sexual exploitation investigation.  Investigators learned that a 15-year-old female was being sexually exploited via social media applications, which led to the arrest of 29-year-old Shane Cooper of Port Allen.
On December 30, 2023, Cooper was arrested in West Baton Rouge Parish, where he was temporarily held.  On January 4, 2024, Cooper was transported to and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail.  The investigation remains active and ongoing.  No further information is available at this time.
https://lincolnparishjournal.com/2024/01/08/port-allen-man-arrested-for-solicitation-of-a-minor/ 

▫️Man Pleads Guilty to Rape of a Child, 13 Additional Charges for Abuse in Lancaster and Berks Counties
A Lancaster city man pleaded guilty last Wednesday to rape of a child and 13 related charges for sexually abusing and secretly filming a victim while she was in the shower ranging between 2016 through 2022. Arturo Aleman, 47 of the 100 block of Green Street, was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison plus five years of probation by Judge Dennis Reinaker.
https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/da/11617/post/man-pleads-guilty-rape-child-13-additional-charges-abuse-lancaster-and-berks-counties 

▫️Urbana man gets 45 years for sexual assault, home invasion of U of I student
URBANA, Ill.  — Kevin Finley of Urbana was sentenced to 45 years in prison for a 2021 home invasion and sexual assault of a University of Illinois student.
https://www.wcia.com/news/urbana-man-gets-45-years-for-sexual-assault-home-invasion-of-u-of-i-student/ 

▫️South Carolina: Missing girl human trafficking investigation
HARTSVILLE, S.C. — A missing teen in South Carolina has been found but authorities are investigating if this was a case of human trafficking, according to a spokesperson for the Hartsville Police Department.
Aaliyah Haven McClain was reporting missing after being last seen leaving Hartsville High School Thursday at the end of the school day.
Police say one arrest has been made and additional arrests are expected.
https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-missing-teen-human-trafficking-concerns/46314409# 

▫️Former Youngstown prison guard sentenced for child sex crime
A former guard at the privately run prison in Youngstown is going to prison after being convicted of seeking to have sex with a juvenile.
Judge Maureen Sweeney has sentenced 32-year-old Richard Kozak of Youngstown to six months in the state penitentiary. Kozak pleaded guilty in November to felony counts of importuning and possessing criminal tools.
It was nearly one year ago that Kozak was arrested by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force after authorities say he was involved in sexually explicit conversations with a 15-year-old.
https://www.wfmj.com/story/50306564/former-youngstown-prison-guard-sentenced-for-child-sex-crime 

▫️Glasgow soft play boss to go on trial in US over child sex abuse images
Steven McInally, of the Tollcross area in Glasgow, was arrested in Melbourne Airport in Florida in August of last year after officers ordered him to open his phone. It is alleged that he was detained after authorities found a picture of a girl aged between 'seven and ten' suffering horrific sexual abuse.
» https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-soft-play-boss-go-28410532
» https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scots-soft-play-boss-go-31831994 

▫️Granddaughter of pedophile who founded Children of God SEX CULT opens up about what it was like to be raised inside twisted 'religious' sect - from being forced to be intimate with adult males as a CHILD to facing heinous physical and sexual abuse
A woman has candidly revealed how her grandfather founded the Children of God cult to promote his liberal views on sexuality - practicing polygamy and free love even with underage members.
Faith Jones appeared on a recent episode of the Cults To Consciousness podcast to discuss her harrowing experience as part of the sect, which was later known as The Family International.
The now 47-year-old was born into 'The Family' in 1977 in Hong Kong and was considered cult royalty as the granddaughter of psychosexual leader David Berg.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12922917/grandfather-founder-children-god-sex-cult-polygamy-free-love.html 

▫️ERO Washington, D.C. apprehends noncitizen charged with sexual abuse of Virginia minor, producing child sexual abuse material | ICE
WASHINGTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C. arrested an unlawfully present noncitizen charged with sexually assaulting a Virginia minor and production of child sexual abuse material. Deportation officers from ERO Washington, D.C.’s Mobile Criminal Apprehension Team apprehended the 21-year-old Honduran national Dec. 4 at his residence in Springfield, Virginia. The noncitizen assaulted a deportation officer during his apprehension.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-washington-dc-apprehends-noncitizen-charged-sexual-abuse-virginia-minor-producing 

▫️Human Trafficking Happens Here: Understanding Exploitation in Colorado and the Actions We Can Take
Kara Napolitano presents at the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking's (LCHT) Amplify Event on Colorado Gives Day in 2023.
Kara Napolitano (she/her) is a human rights advocate and trainer. As LCHT’s Research and Training Manager, she has trained more than 25,000 professionals across Colorado on how to recognize and respond to labor and sex exploitation. Kara works alongside law enforcement, healthcare providers, those working with systems-involved youth and professionals in other intersecting sectors to build collaborations that prevent exploitation, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable in communities across the state.

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Turlock police arrest 17 in online child predator operation
TURLOCK, Calif. - Officials on Monday said they arrested 17 people in connection with an operation meant to catch online child predators.
The operation aimed to draw in people seeking sexual activity with children, the Turlock Police Department said. All 17 were booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on felony sex-related charges. Most of them are also on a $500,000 bail. Anyone with more information can call Detective Giovacchini at 209-668-6539. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636 or 866-602-7463.
»

▫️Operation 'Stocking Stuffer':  Cleveland County undercover operation leads to arrest of alleged child predators
CLEVELAND COUNTY, Okla. — A Cleveland County Sheriff's Office undercover operation led to the arrest of three alleged child predators.The undercover campaign resulted in the arrest of 34-year-old Marko Gallardo, 26-year-old Braden Johnson, and 25-year-old Elijah Mora.
CCSO detectives utilized online undercover profiles, posing as underage boys and girls, to engage in chats with individuals who were seeking inappropriate interactions with minors.
» https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-cleveland-county-undercover-child-predators/46320939
» https://okcfox.com/news/local/undercover-operation-stocking-stuffer-pinpoints-online-predators-three-charged-lewd-and-indecent-proposals-criminal-investigations-cleveland-county-sheriffs-office-eluding-a-peace-officer-assualt-and-battery-computer-crimes-acts
»

▫️Winchester men face child sex charges
Randolph County residents were arrested recently on charges of child molestation and promotion of child sexual trafficking.
Randolph County Sheriff’s Department arrested Louis Galligan, 20, Winchester, on Jan. 4 following a Dec. 29 incident during which he allegedly threatened a shooting. He faces six charges, including two Level 3 felonies for promotion of child sexual trafficking, in Randolph Circuit Court.
Also recently, Joshua Kimbrell, 38, Winchester, was arrested for child molestation. He was formally charged Jan. 2 in Randolph Superior Court with three counts, including a Level 1 felony for child molesting where the defendant is at least 21 years of age.
A Randolph County Sheriff’s Department press release indicates that a call came in Dec. 29 saying Galligan had threatened to shoot someone in Ridgeville. During the investigation that followed, police say they found that Galligan, 20, had been soliciting pornographic photos and videos from juvenile males, had engaged in sexual acts with one juvenile male and had attempted to engage in sexual acts with another juvenile male.
https://www.winchesternewsgazette.com/news/winchester-men-face-child-sex-charges/article_029df6b8-ae62-11ee-aaf8-43e3f6caa46c.html 

▫️Trials underway in McLennan County for men charged with child sex abuse
WACO, Texas  - A convicted sex offender and a Waco man are facing charges that they sexually abused family members in separate McLennan County trials that started Monday.
Larry Wayne Carter, 53, is charged in 54th State District Court with trafficking of persons and continuous sexual abuse of a young child, while Ancelmo Rodriquez Banda, 62, is on trial in 19th State District Court on continuous sexual abuse of a young child charge and two counts of indecency with a child by contact.
https://www.kwtx.com/2024/01/08/trials-underway-mclennan-county-men-charged-with-child-sex-abuse/ 

▫️Woman arrested, tried to trade her baby for a pink Stanley cup: Prison And Charges
Sasha Douglas, a 32-year-old resident of St. Joseph, Missouri, arrested in connection with a child trafficking case. Local authorities acted swiftly to detain her, leaving many in shock and disbelief.
Detectives stumbled upon incriminating Facebook market messages exchanged between Sasha and another woman that unveiled a disturbing plot. In these messages, Sasha brazenly offered to trade her 4-year-old daughter for a seemingly trivial item—a new Starbucks Pink Stanley cup.
Sasha Douglas now finds herself behind bars, held on no bond as she awaits her impending court date.
» https://newsfinale.com/celeb-zone/sasha-douglas-arrested-for-trading-kid-prison-and-charges/
» https://www.mylot.com/post/3579721/woman-arrested-tried-to-trade-her-baby-for-a-pink-stanley-cup
» https://www.techballad.com/sasha-douglas-arrested/ 

▫️District Sex Offender Pleads to Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Defendant Uploaded Videos of Himself Abusing a 5-Year-Old
WASHINGTON – Michael Humphrey, 41, a registered sex offender from Southeast Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to uploading to the internet graphic videos of himself sexually abusing a five-year-old girl. The plea agreement was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Humphrey pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual exploitation of a child.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/district-sex-offender-pleads-sexual-exploitation-child 

▫️25-Year-Old Newark Man Charged with Human Trafficking, Child Endangerment
Authorities in Morris County announced that Nafis H. Wiggins, 25, of Newark, has been charged with two counts of Human Trafficking, two counts of Luring, five counts of Explicit Contact,  two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, one count of Possession of a CDS with Intent to Distribute, and one count of Possession of a CDS.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said between August 1 and September 28, 2023, Wiggins allegedly provided narcotics to two victims, ages 14 and 15, in exchange for favors involving explicit contact, recruiting, and luring the minors via text messages.
It is alleged that on several occasions, the defendant met with the victims at locations in Chatham Township and Chatham Borough and transported the victims in his vehicle to more secluded areas to engage in drug use and explicit contact, officials stated.
» https://www.rlsmedia.com/article/25-year-old-newark-man-charged-human-trafficking-child-endangerment
» https://wrnjradio.com/man-accused-of-human-trafficking-2-teens-in-morris-county/ 

▫️Former Bay Area education official sentenced for lewdness with child
A former superintendent for the Shoreline Unified School District was sentenced to jail Monday for engaging in lewd conduct with a child.
Robert Patrick Raines, 69, of Petaluma was ordered to serve 210 days at the Marin County Jail as well as a year of probation. 
https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/01/09/former-marin-education-official-sentenced-for-lewdness-with-child/ 

▫️(UPDATE)  Lee Carter, 52, accused of holding pregnant woman hostage seen in court, human trafficking division expected to take his case
HOUSTON, Texas - Houston rapper, 52-year-old, Lee Carter showed up in court after being accused of holding a pregnant woman captive for years.
It's a story making national headlines for its shocking allegations, and now the attorney for Lee Carter is denying the allegations. Carter was arrested on Thursday, and Houston police say they have been trying since then to get back in touch with the woman.
They say she was just 70 pounds when she was rescued, but Carter's attorney claims the woman has never been missing or in danger.
» https://abc13.com/woman-held-hostage-houston-rapper-man-kidnaps-pregnant-lee-carter-arrested-in-court-rescued-from-captivity/14297246/     (VIDEO)
» https://thesource.com/2024/01/08/houston-rapper-viper-arrested-after-kidnapping-and-holding-woman-for-five-years/
» https://breaking911.com/texas-rapper-accused-of-kidnapping-woman-holding-her-captive-for-four-years-in-his-garage/ 

▫️Idaho: Alexis Alatriste Arrested on Sex-Crime Charges
In a disconcerting incident, a 26-year-old man, Alexis Alatriste, hailing from Nampa, has been apprehended on multiple grave charges related to sex crimes involving a minor. Alatriste’s arrest followed after a member of his family stumbled upon videos showcasing him involved in inappropriate conduct with a 4-year-old child.
The charges leveled against Alatriste encompass sexual exploitation of a child, lewd conduct with a child under 16 years of age, and child sexual exploitation by enticing or permitting the child to engage or be used for sexual material.
https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/nampa-man-arrested-on-multiple-sex-crime-charges-involving-a-minor/ 

▫️Charged with Child Solicitation, Terre Haute man appears in Vigo County court
VIGO COUNTY, Ind.  — A man who police say tried to meet with what he thought was a young teen for sex has new dates in his ongoing child solicitation case.
32-year-old Travis J. Kraemer, appeared in Vigo County Superior Court 6 for a hearing on Monday. During the hearing Kraemer learned of new jury trial and pre-trial dates. Kraemer faces a level 4 felony charge of child solicitation.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Vigo County Court, Kraemer was arrested in February of 2023, following a Vigo County Criminal Activity Team operation that teamed up with Predator Catchers Incorporated.
https://wibqam.com/2024/01/08/charged-with-child-solicitation-terre-haute-man-appears-in-vigo-county-court/ 

▫️Appleton woman charged with producing and distributing child sexual abuse material
APPLETON, WI - An Appleton woman was charged with producing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Last week, a federal criminal complaint was issued alleging 38-year-old Charlotta Belgum produced the child sexual abuse material between Dec. of 2021 through June of 2022.
She allegedly shared the material with an acquaintance in Texas online.
https://www.wbay.com/2024/01/08/appleton-woman-charged-with-producing-distributing-child-sexual-abuse-material/ 

▫️Las Vegas police find thousands of images of child pornography at fire station
LAS VEGAS  — Police found thousands of images of child pornography on several devices at a Las Vegas fire station, including many saved on a phone discovered in a firefighter’s bed, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained.
Isiah Tureaud, 34, faces three counts of possession of child pornography, documents said. Las Vegas Metro police arrested him Wednesday, Jan. 3.
https://www.8newsnow.com/investigators/las-vegas-police-find-thousands-of-images-of-child-pornography-at-fire-station/ 

▫️Clergy abuse report contains allegations against 26 priests, 2 deacons
The second of seven reports on Catholic clergy sexual abuse allegations in the state of Michigan outlines accusations against 26 priests and two deacons in the Diocese of Gaylord.
The report, released Monday by Attorney General Dana Nessel's office, outlines the findings of a roughly four-year investigation led by the attorney general's office into how Michigan's seven dioceses handled reports of sexual abuse. A report on allegations in the Diocese of Marquette was released in October 2022 and another five reports are expected still on the dioceses of Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Saginaw and the Archdiocese of Detroit.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/01/08/clergy-sexual-abuse-report-contains-allegations-against-priests-deacons-gaylord-michigan-diocese/72150638007/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/new-clergy-abuse-report-contains-allegations-against-northern-michigan-priests-deacons/
» https://www.michigan.gov/ag/-/media/Project/Websites/AG/releases/2024/January/Gaylord-Diocese-Report-Final.pdf 

▫️Iowa Park man guilty of sex abuse of teen with disabilities
An Iowa Park man who sexually abused a teenager with developmental disabilities pleaded guilty Monday instead of going to trial before a jury, according to court documents.
David Wayne Sims, 59, will receive credit for jail time served for almost all of the five years he was sentenced to Monday, according to court records.
Sims, 59, sexually abused a 13-year-old and allegedly continued the abuse until the victim was in his twenties and made an outcry, according to court documents. The abuse occurred when the victim stayed at Sims' Iowa Park home. A woman also came forward with accusations of sexual abuse against Sims.
https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/2024/01/08/iowa-park-man-guilty-of-sex-abuse-of-teen-with-disabilities/72149999007/ 

▫️A man accused of sexually assaulting a child faces 141 years in prison
CALEDONIA – A 25-year-old Pewaukee man remains in custody at the Racine County Jail on a $200,000 bond on a charge of sexual assault of a child after police found him in a parked vehicle with a 15-year-old girl early on New Year’s Eve had discovered.
Nelson Heckenkamp is charged with six crimes, including five felonies, that could see him sentenced to more than 140 years in prison if convicted.
Heckenkamp is charged with second-degree sexual assault of a child under 16, possession of child pornography, child enticement, using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime and causing a child over 13 to watch or listen to sexual activity.
https://pilgersdorfnews.biz.id/a-man-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-a-child-faces-141-years-in-prison/ 

▫️Winthrop holds town forum after police lieutenant charged with child rape
» https://t.me/ENDHUMANTRAFFICKING/13119 
»

▫️Former San Diego deputy sentenced for child sex abuse, child porn possession
A former San Diego County sheriff's deputy who pleaded guilty to molesting two underage girls and possessing child pornography was sentenced Monday to 21 years and eight months to life in state prison.
Jose Apolonio Soto Jr., 52, who worked as a sheriff's deputy for nearly 25 years, was arrested last year after a search warrant was served at his Chula Vista home.
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/former-san-diego-deputy-sentenced-for-child-sex-abuse-child-porn-possession/3399050/ 

▫️Southeast Texas man sentenced to 35 years following human smuggling, child exploitation-related convictions | ICE
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Southeast Texas man was sentenced Dec. 20 to 35 years in federal prison following convictions for human smuggling and child exploitation-related offenses.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston’s Corpus Christi office conducted the investigation that led to the convictions with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol and the Cameron County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office.
Paz Gomez-Magdaleno, a 43-year-old resident of Cameron County, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to 60, 120 and 240 months for the transportation of undocumented noncitizens, possession of child pornography, and enticement of a minor, respectively. 
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/southeast-texas-man-sentenced-35-years-following-human-smuggling-child-exploitation 

▫️HSI San Diego, multiagency task force sends California man to prison for 106 months for transporting teens for prostitution | ICE  
SAN DIEGO — A Southern California man was sentenced in federal court Jan. 5 to 106 months in prison for transporting two teens from San Diego to Phoenix, Arizona, and El Paso, Texas, for the purpose of prostitution. U.S. District Court Judge Cathy Bencivengo also admonished Kenneth Tenorio, 54, of National City, saying, “You just took advantage of their vulnerabilities to put money in your pocket.”
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/hsi-san-diego-multiagency-task-force-sends-california-man-prison-106-months

▫️Local mother shares human trafficking nightmare

▫️Human trafficking awareness campaign underway at MYR, other major SC airports
MYRTLE BEACH, SC  - The next time you’re at the Myrtle Beach International Airport, you may notice digital signs displaying critical information in the fight against human trafficking.
It’s part of an awareness campaign launched by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and the state’s Human Trafficking Task Force called “TravelWatchSC.”   Digital signs at MYR, Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport will show the National Human Trafficking Hotline contact information. In addition, each location will share hotline posters, stickers and educational brochures on the local human trafficking task forces.
https://www.wmbfnews.com/2024/01/08/human-trafficking-awareness-campaign-underway-myr-other-major-sc-airports/    (VIDEO) 
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Galleria Mall kiosk employee, Arthur Fernandez, accused of sexually assaulting toddlers in restroom and posting videos online
HOUSTON, Texas - A man is in federal custody charged with sexually assaulting toddlers at the Galleria and posting videos online, records show.
The court documents tell of a disgusting pattern of assault. They outline four short videos that were posted online showing the sexual assault of two 2-year-olds, where more than one perpetrator was present.
The documents state Arthur Fernandez III had access to both children in the mall because their mothers, who worked there, would sometimes bring their child when they were unable to get child care. Fernandez worked at a nearby kiosk in the mall and would offer to watch them.
ABC13 was told that during those times, Fernandez would bring the child into a bathroom, reportedly assault them, and take videos. The videos they took were posted online, and an Australian group investigating child sex crimes found them, alerting the FBI.
https://abc13.com/arthur-fernandez-charged-toddlers-sexually-abused-at-the-galleria-mall-kiosk-employee-in-federal-custody/14302727/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Parents, students call out superintendent, principal for allowing predator on campus
Chants of “resign, resign” were shouted at the end of the public comment period of Tuesday night’s Turlock Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting as a group of community members called for the resignation of Superintendent Dana Trevethan and Medeiros Principal Anna Ellerson in the aftermath of an elementary school campus supervisor being arrested for two felony child pornography charges.
John Snoke, 42, of Turlock was arrested Jan. 3 after Turlock Police investigated a cyber tip regarding distribution of child pornography, stating images had been uploaded using an internet-based application.
Before his arrest, Snoke was employed as a campus supervisor at Medeiros Elementary School in Turlock.
https://www.turlockjournal.com/news/education/parents-students-call-out-superintendent-principal-allowing-predator-campus/ 

▫️Bastrop ISD teacher resigns following arrest in online sting for solicitation of a minor
A Bastrop ISD teacher was arrested last month in an online sting and has resigned from his position, officials said.
James Austin Byrd, 42, was arrested Dec. 27 after he allegedly contacted who he believed was a 15-year-old girl on Whisper, a messaging platform, the North Richland Hills Police Department said. At the time, Byrd was employed as a teacher at Cedar Creek High School with Bastrop ISD near Austin.
https://foxsanantonio.com/newsletter-daily/bastrop-isd-teacher-resigns-following-arrest-in-online-sting-for-solicitation-of-a-minor      (VIDEO) 

▫️Oakdale man arrested after alleged sex abuse of 14 year old girl
OAKDALE, Calif. — An Oakdale man was arrested by police after he allegedly befriended and sexually abused a 14-year-old girl.
Oakdale police investigators say they received a call from the teenage girl's mother after 44-year-old Jeremy Graham began texting and spending time with the teen—including arranging to pick the child up from school. Graham was charged with several sex crimes against a minor.
https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/oakdale/oakdale-man-arrested-alleged-sex-abuse-14-year-old/103-b47c6619-4f17-4231-a22e-9ad905d36132 

▫️Two sex offenders arrested in Anderson today for violating their probation
Scott Hemme and James Schwede were both booked into Shasta County Jail.

▫️Lamar County Sherriff’s arrests repeat offender
Bond is $200,000 in Lamar County for 42-year-old Christopher Brooks Bailey. He was arrested by Lamar County deputies for Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, a repeat offender. They did not provide any other information.
https://easttexasradio.com/lamar-county-sherrifs-arrests/ 

▫️Convicted Child Predator Dead in Michigan Prison
Tragic news unfolds from the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, eastern Michigan, where Romio Xavier Hawkins, a 26-year-old man from Portage, Indiana, was found dead. Hawkins was serving a 20-year sentence for producing child sexual abuse images, a sentence he commenced in July 2022.
In 2021, Hawkins pled guilty to charges involving a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. His crimes were particularly disturbing, involving a 16-year-old girl whom he had manipulated to perform sexual acts with a 4-year-old girl.
https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/child-sexual-abuse-convict-found-dead-in-michigan-federal-prison/ 

▫️Registered Sex Offender Charged With Murder Of Ohio Woman After Stalking Her 12-Year-Old Niece
A sex offender is in custody after being charged in the murder of his 12-year-old victim’s aunt. Nicholas Cunningham, also known as “Sapphire” or “Saphire,” was arrested in November in connection to the death of 44-year-old Gena Wade of Smith Township, Ohio. Wade was first found dead in her home on October 26 by a young relative who was arriving home from school, with the youth reportedly seeing blood throughout the home.
In his sex offender profile, “Sapphire” is provided as his alias, though his sex is still marked as “male.” On a now-barren Facebook believed to belong to Cunningham, his listed “gender” is “female.”
In the case of Wade’s death, Cunningham has once again pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and an evaluation has been ordered.
» https://reduxx.info/registered-sex-offender-charged-with-murder-of-ohio-woman-after-stalking-her-12-year-old-niece/
» https://www.vindy.com/news/local-news/2024/01/attorney-murder-suspect-cannot-help-in-defense/
» https://ussanews.com/2024/01/09/registered-sex-offender-charged-with-murder-of-ohio-woman-after-stalking-her-12-year-old-niece/ 

▫️Questions surround day care where toddler was allegedly raped
PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio — 3News Investigates has uncovered numerous state violations by the operator of an in-home day care in Parma Heights, where police say a 2-year-old child was raped by a man temporarily living at the home. Conner Matthew Walker, 20, of Rocky River, was arrested Friday following an investigation involving both the FBI and area officers. According to a news release, the alleged rape of the toddler occurred at what was initially called a "licensed" in-home day care on Big Creek Parkway.
According to the court documents, the alleged incident took place on Sept. 28. The day care operator apparently allowed the victim to stay overnight on the same night Walker was staying at the residence. Walker is accused of sexually assaulting the victim in a bathroom while recording videos and taking photos of the assault. Police are now looking into the possibility of other victims.
Parma Heights Police would not release many details about the alleged crime, but 3News Investigates obtained the criminal court complaint that is rife with disturbing details.
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/investigations/3news-investigates-operator-day-care-toddler-allegedly-raped-previously-cited-state/95-f4dd529d-ec6c-414a-96a3-1ad81a706b92    (VIDEO) 

▫️Another lawsuit says preschool allowed sex offender around kids
GREENWOOD, Arkansas — On Jan. 9, a second lawsuit was filed against Miss Tina's Preschool, Inc. and the sex offender who allegedly had access to the daycare, accusing the Greenwood preschool of knowingly allowing a convicted child predator around kids at the school, leading to long-term sexual abuse. 
Jamie Speaks, 54, one of the defendants in the case, is registered as a level two sex offender on the Arkansas Crime Information Center's Sex Offender Registry database. 
https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/crime/second-lawsuit-greenwood-preschool-registered-sex-offender/527-a30a144e-c18f-4652-a0df-09ae8826381b    (VIDEO) 

▫️A Rochester man faces 30 years, a Lancaster NY victim sees justice served.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nicholas Laffin, 28, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography.
https://wellsvillesun.com/blog/2024/01/09/feds-wny-child-exploitation-arrest-guilty-plea-and-upcoming-training-to-combat-trafficking/ 

▫️Nanny arrested in Adams County child pornography investigation
ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. — A Franklin County man who worked as a nanny has been charged after a State Police investigation found more than 100 inappropriate files on his cell phone and said he allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior with children he was babysitting.
In December, State Police were notified that Dominic Barbagallo of Chambersburg was allegedly interacting with a group of people who were posing as a child in Mount Pleasant Township. Barbagallo, the criminal complaint states, also admitted that he sexually abused children when he was babysitting them in recent months.
» https://www.abc27.com/gettysburg/nanny-arrested-in-adams-county-child-pornography-investigation/
» https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/adams-county/dominic-barbagallo-arrest-child-pornography-possession-adams-county/521-67db3e87-b324-457d-b38b-fcbb4b414a0b 

▫️'Sadistic' and 'Cruel': Judge Sentences Former Air Force Special Agent to 10 Years for Sex Abuse of Minor
A former Air Force special agent was sentenced to 10 years in prison Monday after he pleaded guilty to a child sex crime that happened at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.
Joshua Carl Harrod, 44, of Spanaway, Washington, who also later served as a National Guard recruiter, worked for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations when he sexually molested a child left in his care over a seven-month period in his home on the base, according to a Monday news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
» https://www.military.com/daily-news/headlines/2024/01/09/former-air-force-special-agent-gets-10-year-sentence-sadistic-sexual-abuse-of-minor-washington-base.html/amp
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/former-army-national-guard-recruiter-sentenced-ten-years-prison-sexual-abuse-minor 

▫️Man pleads guilty to sex crimes against minor he impregnated
TOLEDO, Ohio — A 41-year-old man pleaded guilty in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas on Jan. 4 to two counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor he impregnated.
Antero Dyer's sentencing is set for Jan. 18 at 1:30 p.m. He was arrested in July 2023 and had previously been convicted of sex crimes in 2006, according to the Ohio Sex Offender Registry.
https://www.wtol.com/article/news/crime/toledo-man-guilty-plea-unlawful-sexual-contact-minor-pregnant/512-e211d9a8-60d3-4c32-8be4-3f897175d995 

▫️Randolph man sentenced to 11 years in prison for sex trafficking western Massachusetts minor
BOSTON  – A Randolph man was sentenced Monday in federal court in Boston for sex trafficking a 15-year-old western Massachusetts minor. The U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin sentenced Admilson Gomes Pires, 26, to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In addition, Pires was ordered to pay $5,500 in restitution to the victim. Pires was convicted of one count of sex trafficking of a child and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a child by a federal jury in September 2023.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/crime/randolph-man-sentenced-to-11-years-in-prison-for-sex-trafficking-western-massachusetts-minor/ 

▫️Hidalgo CBP officers apprehend two men wanted on felony warrants for sex-related offenses | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Jorge Cruz Bolanos, 18, was the subject of an outstanding felony arrest warrant for online solicitation of a minor issued by McAllen Police Department.
Cresencio Pedroza Diaz, 77, was the subject of an outstanding felony arrest warrant for sexual abuse of a child issued by Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office.
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/hidalgo-cbp-officers-apprehend-two-men-wanted-felony-warrants-sex 

▫️Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force aims to end trafficking in Billings, on the rise in MT     (VIDEO)
https://www.montanarightnow.com/news/yellowstone-human-trafficking-task-force-aims-to-end-trafficking-in-billings-on-the-rise-in/article_5acbbaf2-af05-11ee-b608-6fa877f06fc1.html

▫️Texas Department of Public Safety 'Human Smuggling Arrests' for December 29-January 4
EL PASO, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety's West Texas Regional office distributed a lineup of people arrested in the EL Paso area for Human Smuggling between Dec. 29 and Jan. 4.
If you see signs of human smuggling or other criminal activity in your neighborhood, including stash houses, report it to the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
https://cbs4local.com/newsletter-daily/texas-department-of-public-safety-human-smuggling-arrests-for-december-29-january-4-crime-stoppers-el-paso-immigration 

▫️Community Invited to Human Trafficking Awareness Event at University of Findlay
January 9, 2024 Press Release from the University of Findlay: University of Findlay students will learn from professionals in various fields how to be more aware of patients who may be in bad situations and how to recognize and report information properly. The community is welcome to attend. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the event runs from 8:30 to noon.
https://www.hometownstations.com/news/community-invited-to-human-trafficking-awareness-event-at-university-of-findlay/article_69dbe504-af22-11ee-bdc8-a764dbbec389.html 
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

Teacher, nurse among 123 arrested during Hillsborough County human trafficking operation that rescued 28

TAMPA, Fla. - More than 120 people have been arrested and 28 victims have been saved following a 90-day human trafficking operation in Hillsborough County, according to the sheriff's office. 

On National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Sheriff Chad Chronister is expected to provide details about these arrests and Operation Renewed Hope. The sheriff's office says Chronister will speak about the 90-day operation that showcases "the significant impact of combating the insidious crime of human trafficking."

» https://www.fox13news.com/news/over-120-arrested-in-hillsborough-county-human-trafficking-operation-hcso    (VIDEO)
» https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/hillsborough-county-human-trafficking-operation-arrests/67-6254eb87-1a78-4fd4-a6ff-184784e93922