Who's in the News?

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Baseball coach, teacher & ‘pornography addicted’ Wyoming worship leader arrested in Polk County: PCSO
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Richard Shaw, 69, a worship and youth group leader at "Under Command Ministries" in Freemont County, in Wyoming, visited Lakeland in December 2023. Deputies say after he returned to Wyoming, a girl, who is under the age of 12, told her mother that Shaw inappropriately touched her over the top of her clothing while he was in town. According to PCSO, the victim’s mother called Shaw and said he admitted to touching the child.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit detectives have arrested and charged 20-year-old Skylar Ready of Fort Meade, who is a Frostproof Middle Senior High School JV basketball coach, with four felonies related to his illegal and inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student at the school.
According to PCSO, detectives with the Special Victims Unit arrested Brandon Adams, 33, of Lakeland, a teacher at Kathleen High School, and charged him with sex offense on a student by an authority figure.
» https://www.fox13news.com/news/pornography-addicted-wyoming-worship-leader-claims-temptation-led-him-to-molest-child-in-polk-county-pcso
» https://internewscast.com/local-news/frostproof-jv-basketball-coach-arrested-for-relationship-with-student-internewscast/ 
» https://www.fox13news.com/news/lakeland-teacher-student-relationship-polk-county-arrest-charges-deputies-sheriffs-office
»MUST WATCH 

▫️Stanislaus County, Idaho Authorities Coordinate to Arrest Alleged Sexual Predator, one minor rescued
“On January 3, 2024, the Stanislaus County Sheriff Office Special Victims Unit (SVU) received information regarding the whereabouts of Cristian Ceja, 27, as well as the minor he was alleged to have abducted. Idaho County Sheriff’s Office responded and arrested Ceja without incident. 
The warrant he was held on alleged violation of the following California Penal Code sections:
1) Distributing harmful matter to a minor, 2) communicating with a minor with intent to commit illicit sex acts, 3) arranging to meet a minor with intent to commit lewd or lascivious acts, 4) possession of child pornography, 5) unlawful sexual intercourse with minor under 16 years of age, 6) lewd and lascivious acts on a child of 14 or 15 years old while being 10 years older than the child, 7) oral copulation of a minor under the age of 16-years-old, 8) child abuse and 9) child abduction.
The abducted minor was located safe and placed into protective custody.
https://www.crimevoice.com/2024/01/10/stanislaus-county-idaho-authorities-coordinate-to-make-arrest/ 

▫️Human trafficking, prostitution investigation prompts raid of 7 massage parlors in Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Texas — Multiple agencies worked together to raid several massage parlors in two Southeast Texas counties as part of an investigation into human trafficking and prostitution. Investigators were able to confirm that sexual acts were being performed by female employees of several massage parlors in exchange for money. 
Investigators believed these female employees are victims of human trafficking, according to the release.
While serving warrants throughout Orange and Jefferson Counties, evidence was located that was consistent with human trafficking, promotion of prostitution, prostitution and organized criminal activity.
» https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/crime/vidor-police-raid-massage-parlor/502-b835b5fc-dc04-4af4-a308-dadb5390262b   (VIDEO)
» https://fox4beaumont.com/news/law-enforcement-officers-raiding-vidor-massage-parlor   (VIDEO)
» https://www.panews.com/2024/01/10/organized-crime-human-trafficking-prostitution-linked-across-region-during-massage-parlor-sting/
» https://kfdm.com/news/local/beaumont-massage-parlor-shut-down-evidence-of-prostitution-seized
»

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▫️Four arrests for human trafficking in Bay County
Bay County Sheriff’s investigators say they’ve just wrapped up a trafficking case involving an underage victim. 
Terrance Lowder III, Lavar Randall, Jerry McCarigie, and Cody Taylor have all been arrested in connection with the human trafficking of a 16-year-old Springfield girl.
» https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/local-news/bay-county/4-local-men-charged-for-allegedly-trafficking-teenage-girl/     (VIDEO)
» https://weartv.com/news/local/4-arrested-as-deputies-bust-human-trafficking-case-at-panama-city-beach-motel      (VIDEO)
» https://www.wjhg.com/2024/01/11/four-arrests-human-trafficking-bay-county/
»

▫️Second judge in Wisconsin rules defrocked cardinal Theodore McCarrick not competent to stand trial
A judge in Wisconsin has become the second to find defrocked Roman Catholiccardinal Theodore McCarrick not competent to stand trial in a case involving allegations that he sexually assaulted a 18-year-old boy in 1977, according to the victim’s lawyer Mitchell Garabedian and Reuters.
Judge David Reddy’s decision was handed outafter McCarrick’s diagnosis of dementia previously prevented him from going to trial in Massachusetts in August.
McCarrick, 93, is the highest ranking official in the Roman Catholic church in the United States to have allegations leveled against him.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-12949117/Former-US-Cardinal-McCarrick-ruled-not-competent-face-Wisconsin-sex-abuse-trial.html
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/second-judge-in-wisconsin-rules-defrocked-cardinal-theodore-mccarrick-not-competent-to-stand-trial/ 

▫️Surgeon who blew whistle on secret trans procedures on Texas kids comes forward, seeking $500,000 to cover legal costs in what he calls 'political intimidation' case launched by Biden's health team
The anonymous surgeon who blew the whistle on secret transgender procedures on children in Texas has revealed his identity, saying he's being targeted by federal prosecutors as retribution for the leak.
Eithan Haim, 33, on Wednesday launched a fundraiser to cover his legal costs for what he calls a 'blatant attempt at political intimidation' after he lifted the lid on trans procedures at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH).
Haim in May 2023 released medical files showing that TCH staff had provided puberty blockers and other sex-change treatments to kids, even after hospital officials said they had stopped doing so in March 2022.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12947711/Surgeon-blew-whistle-secret-trans-procedures-Texas-kids-comes-forward-seeking-500-000-cover-legal-costs-political-intimidation-case-launched-Bidens-health-team.html 

▫️Suspects in Defiance human trafficking case head to court Thursday
All three suspects in the human trafficking case out of Defiance are scheduled to appear in court. The case has captured the attention of St. Charles County since late November.

▫️One of Colorado's most wanted sex offenders arrested in California
Jaime Soto, a convicted child sex offender and one of Colorado's most wanted sex offenders, was arrested in California.
Soto, 43, was located by a task force including U.S. Marshals Deputies and police from Colorado, Nevada and California on Monday, the Marshals Service said Wednesday. He was wanted on a felony arrest warrant for charges stemming from a 2021 conviction for attempted sexual assault on a child and second-degree assault, among others. He also had an additional warrant out of Denver for failing to register as a sex offender, the Marshals Service said. He was reportedly number seven on the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's list of top 10 wanted sex offenders.
https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-fugitive-jaime-soto-arrested-california/ 

▫️How Kroger's Merger Push Leads Back To Alleged Human Trafficker
Multibillion-dollar retail giant Kroger Company defended its proposed takeover of rival Albertsons Companies, Inc. by highlighting its partnership with a blueberry grower that hired a labor contractor accused of orchestrating one of the largest human trafficking rings in modern U.S. history.
Though the blueberry grower in question, Southern Press and Packing, is one of many suppliers that work with the grocery giant, the situation spotlights merger opponents’ claims that Kroger has failed to guarantee minimum standards for workers in its supply chain — a situation they say could worsen if the company is allowed to grow exponentially larger.
According to public records, Southern Press hired Maria Leticia Patricio’s labor contracting firm to find dozens of seasonal employees to work in its fields for much of 2020. Less than a year later Patricio was indicted as the alleged ringleader of a $200 million human trafficking ring. Prosecutors claim the “Patricio transnational criminal organization” subjected dozens of  Mexican and Central American workers to “modern-day slavery” by holding their identification documents hostage, forcing them to work for little or no pay, subjecting them to dangerous living conditions, and threatening them and their families with deportation and violence. The indictment states that those involved in the operation kidnapped, threatened at gunpoint, and repeatedly raped some of their victims, and that at least two people died because of the working conditions.
» https://www.levernews.com/how-krogers-merger-push-leads-back-to-alleged-human-trafficker/
» https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/grocery-giant-kroger-has-maintained-ties-with-a-grower-accused-of-human-trafficking/ar-AA1mLF8b 

▫️Man charged with child sex crimes indicted in Washington County
MARIETTA, Ohio  - A man from Little Hocking has been indicted for sex crimes involving children.
Michael Barber was indicted on over a dozen pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor or impaired person charges.
https://www.wtap.com/2024/01/11/man-charged-with-child-sex-crimes-indicted-washington-county/ 

▫️Broward deputies arrest woman accused of helping human trafficker ‘Yelle’ in Miami-Dade
MIAMI – A Martin County woman stands accused of helping to traffic women into sex work in Miami-Dade County while working with a human trafficker who is known as “Yelle,” records show.
Caitlin Amari Kossuth’s duties while working for “Yelle” allegedly involved photography, advertising online, booking hotels, and scheduling meetings for prostitution, according to an arrest warrant.
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/01/10/broward-deputies-arrest-woman-accused-of-helping-human-trafficker-yelle-in-miami-dade/ 

▫️Alleged Pimp Caught Heading to San Diego Faces Federal Charges of Trafficking Teenage Girl
Charges against a 33-year-old man accused of human trafficking of a 15-year-old girl were dismissed Wednesday in Orange County Superior Court because federal prosecutors are taking over the case.
Jamaal Neal Curry was charged Nov. 22 by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office with human trafficking of a minor and pimping and pandering for a prostitute younger than 16, all felonies, but that case was dismissed Wednesday, according to court records. Curry was arrested in Mission Viejo at Crown Valley Parkway and the San Diego (5) Freeway following a traffic stop by Orange County sheriff’s deputies on Nov. 20.
On Tuesday, a complaint for transportation of a minor in interstate commerce for prostitution was filed in federal court in Santa Ana.
https://timesofsandiego.com/uncategorized/2024/01/10/alleged-pimp-caught-heading-to-san-diego-faces-federal-charges-of-trafficking-teenage-girl/ 

▫️Holder arrested for sex trafficking
On Dec. 22, 2023, officers with the Russellville Police Department, arrested Ricky Daniel Holder, Jr., 33, of Russellville, and charged him with multiple counts including Human Trafficking — Commercial Sex Activity, Use of a Minor under 16 in a Sex Performance, Unlawful Transaction with a Minor, 3rd Degree, and Sexual Abuse, 1st degree.
https://www.franklinfavorite.com/russellville/russellville/news/article_f24666cb-0bcf-5455-a7cd-aea6b19e100c.html 

▫️Indianapolis firefighter caught in child sex sting: 'My mind is in turmoil'
JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. — Court records reveal that an Indianapolis firefighter drove to a home in Johnson County with a Ring Pop candy and intentions to have sex with a 14-year-old girl. There was no girl, however, and police were waiting with handcuffs.
Carl D. Wemple, 45, of New Palestine was arrested on Nov. 29 as part of a child sex sting conducted by Johnson County authorities over a two-day span that netted 21 arrests.
Wemple, who has served on the Indianapolis Fire Department for 17 years, was officially charged on Monday with one count of child solicitation, a Level 4 felony.
https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/midwest/indianapolis-firefighter-child-sex-sting/   (VIDEO) 

▫️DEBRIEF: Human trafficking task force
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8PLtsp31RM

▫️Wisconsin Assembly task force releases slate of bills to combat human trafficking
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6LHPDgW09s

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Day: What are the signs, how to report suspected trafficking
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Jnp2UyFWz8 

▫️Lancaster County DA's Human Trafficking Task Force: 2023 in Review
The HTTF made 49 arrests in 2023 through six details conducted throughout Lancaster County focused on those soliciting prostitution (‘Johns’) and persons soliciting minors for sexual activities. The task force made 36 ‘John’ arrests, eight child predator arrests, and five prostitute arrests. Services were offered in six additional cases last year in lieu of prosecution.
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/da/11617/post/lancaster-county-das-human-trafficking-task-force-2023-review 

▫️Tulsa nonprofits host educational summit on sex trafficking   (VIDEO)
TULSA, Okla. — Human Trafficking Awareness Day is on Thursday and it's also the first day of a two-day summit put on by The Demand Project and The Rotary Club of Tulsa. The Demand Project not only helps rescue girls from sex trafficking, the organization also helps to educate the community to help stop it, as well as prevent it from happening.
The ceo of The Demand Project, Kristin Weis, said experts will teach crucial information about trafficking at the Beyond Awareness Educational Summit.
"You need to come to this summit because we're going to have 27 plus speakers giving you tips and tools on how to prevent, protect,
identify, restore victims, child victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation," Weis said.
https://www.fox23.com/news/local/the-demand-project-rotary-club-of-tulsa-hosts-2-day-educational-summit-on-sex-trafficking/article_8f3ada0e-af3f-11ee-bdf1-53961ae7357c.html 

▫️Human trafficking poses serious danger to Louisiana youth
SHREVEPORT, La.  – January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the issue affects people throughout Northwest Louisiana.
The Child and Youth Human Trafficking Coordinator for the “Gingerbread House” in Shreveport said that 119 children were found to be at risk for human trafficking in 2023. Of that group, 14 children were confirmed victims in the nine parishes they serve.
“We say there’s no kid who isn’t truly at risk of being trafficked, but there are things to kind of look out for,” said Olivia Ferguson.
https://www.ktalnews.com/beyond-the-headlines/human-trafficking-in-our-community/louisiana-human-trafficking-youth-at-high-risk/ 

▫️Penn State Law alumna uses law degree to help fight human trafficking
A 2023 alumna of Penn State Law in University Park, Moon is using her juris doctor (J.D.) degree to further her efforts to fight human trafficking abroad and in the United States. That work includes Lantern Rescue, a nonprofit that Moon co-founded prior to starting law school, as well as a position with the District Attorney’s (DA) Office in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, where she serves as a special prosecutor focusing on human trafficking and child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
“If you want to get involved in combating human trafficking, I would encourage you to get involved at any level,” Moon said. “Whether that is providing legal services to trafficking victims, any pro bono services you can potentially provide are going to be really helpful. Beyond the legal arena, there are many ways to get involved, and really no way that’s too small.”
https://www.psu.edu/news/penn-state-law/story/penn-state-law-alumna-uses-law-degree-help-fight-human-trafficking/ 
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Operation Firewall & Operation Grinch: Local law enforcement make over a dozen arrests connected to human trafficking
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  - Leon County, capital city and state law enforcement agencies busted a slew of offenders allegedly connected to human trafficking in the Big Bend, officials said Thursday. Local, state, and federal agencies have been tackling internet crimes against children, prostitution, and human trafficking in our community.
Leon County Sheriff's Office just gave a big update on that mission. Operation Firewall saw detectives go undercover to find out people how were engaging in conversations with minors.
Operation Grinch was a "john" operation with a goal to combat the demand of human trafficking. They resulted in the arrests of 16 people.
» https://www.wctv.tv/2024/01/11/local-law-enforcement-make-over-dozen-arrests-connected-human-trafficking/    (VIDEO)
» https://www.wtxl.com/southwest-tallahassee/tackling-internet-crimes-against-children-and-human-trafficking-lcso-unveils-details-of-two-undercover-operations    (VIDEO) 

▫️Operation St. Nick: 10 busted in online sex solicitation sting led by FWPD
Fort Worth: Undercover officers posed as teenage girls in an effort to catch men trying to solicit them for sex.
https://www.audacy.com/krld/news/local/10-busted-in-online-sex-solicitation-sting-led-by-fwpd 

▫️Lancaster County human trafficking task force making an impact
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Thursday marked two years since the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office launched its human trafficking task force.
District Attorney Heather Adams said the program is working. Arrests were up to 49 last year from 31 the first year. Eight involved child predators.
https://www.wgal.com/article/lancaster-county-two-year-anniversary-of-human-trafficking-task-force/46354826# 

▫️Charleston County man arrested for sexual exploitation of minor crimes
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C.  – A Bonneau man has been charged with crimes involving taking advantage of a minor.
Casey Crawford, 24, was charged with one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of dissemination of obscene material to a person under the age of eighteen. Investigators on the case say Crawford solicited a minor for sex and sent sexually explicit images to a minor, according to the SC Attorney General’s Office.
https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/charleston-county-man-arrested-for-sexual-exploitation-of-minor-crimes/ 

▫️Seven Texas men 'filmed themselves gang-raping two toddlers in bathroom of Houston's Galleria Mall where ringleader worked', cops say  (UPDATE)  
Horrifying videos have surfaced of a gang of at least seven men sexually abusing toddlers inside the restroom of a Texas mall, cops say. Arthur Hector Fernandez, 29, a kiosk worker at the Galleria mall in Houston, is charged with assaulting the toddlers and then posting the videos online. 
Each of the four videos shared with authorities reportedly shows a different assault, and they take place in different rooms and locations, including the bathrooms at the mall.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12953055/Seven-Texas-men-filmed-gang-raping-two-toddlers-bathroom-Houstons-Galleria-Mall-ringleader-worked-cops-say.html
» https://redstate.com/streiff/2024/01/11/seven-men-gang-rape-two-toddlers-in-shopping-mall-restroom-and-post-video-online-n2168606
»

▫️Last defendant in alleged Columbus human trafficking crime ring arrested
COLUMBUS, Ohio  — The last of six people indicted by a grand jury on a total of 124 felony charges last week was taken into custody by a U.S. Marshal fugitive task force Thursday.
The U.S. Marshal’s Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team said Sarah Dotson, 33, was apprehended in the 100 Block of Front Street in Groveport.
» https://cwcolumbus.com/news/local/last-defendant-in-alleged-human-trafficking-crime-ring-arrested
» https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/press-release/us-marshals-capture-columbus-human-trafficking-suspect 

▫️5 facing prostitution charges in Midland
MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas - The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, along with the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, arrested five men Wednesday and charged them with Solicitation of Prostitution after they allegedly tried to meet with prostitutes, who were actually undercover agents, at local hotels. 
https://www.yourbasin.com/news/5-facing-prostitution-charges-in-midland/ 

▫️Arcadia man arrested for human trafficking, molesting under age girls
ARCADIA, Fla. - A 65-year-old Arcadia man is facing several felony charges after officials received information alleging that he was sexually exploiting minors.
Todd William Backer was arrested on Wednesday on two counts of human trafficking, two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a minor under 12 years old, one count of solicitation to commit human trafficking and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device, according to officials.
"This man sexually exploited three young girls under the age of 14, forcing the children to perform lewd acts. Now, thanks to our law enforcement partners, this pervert faces felony charges and time behind bars," said Attorney General Ashley Moody in a news release.
» https://www.fox13news.com/news/arcadia-man-arrested-for-human-trafficking-molesting-under-age-girls
» https://winknews.com/2024/01/11/arcadia-man-accused-human-trafficking/ 

▫️Police Seek More Victims in Case of Driving Instructor Suspected of Sexual Assault of Teen Students
San Diego police detectives are looking for additional victims of a driving school instructor suspected in a string of East County sex crimes, including child molestation. The alleged assaults happened during driving lessons or while the instructor secretly recorded young victims, police said.
Most of the students were teenage girls under the age of 18. Richard “Joseph” Banks, 50, is believed to have committed the offenses while employed as an instructor for American Driving School, based in El Cajon.
Those with information regarding Banks may contact the San Diego Police Department’s Northeastern Division at 858-538-8026 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
https://timesofsandiego.com/crime/2024/01/11/police-seek-more-victims-in-case-of-driving-instructor-suspected-of-sexual-assault-of-teen-students/ 

▫️Attorney General Investigators Arrest Two Men for Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Attorney General Raúl Labrador has announced investigators with his Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit arrested two men in Idaho in unrelated cases, 58-year-old Patrick Rohner Balmer has been charged with five (5) counts of sexual exploitation of a child.
39-year-old Chase Hornaday has been charged with five (5) counts of distribution of sexually exploitative material and five (5) counts of possession of sexually exploitative material.
https://www.ag.idaho.gov/newsroom/attorney-general-investigators-arrest-two-men-for-sexual-exploitation-of-a-child/ 

▫️Spokane County child rapist deemed 'sexually violent predator,' committed to McNeil Island
A judge ruled a Spokane County child rapist is a "sexually violent predator" and will be civilly committed to the state's Special Commitment Program. Daniel Gard raped five girls between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. He videotaped several of the sexual assaults.
Once apprehended, he disclosed many more female victims of his sexual assaults, some as young as 3 years old, the AG's office said. The crimes spanned nearly fifteen years. In prison, Gard was caught possessing sexually explicit material and photos of underage children on multiple occasions.
» https://www.chronline.com/stories/washington-child-rapist-deemed-sexually-violent-predator-committed-to-mcneil-island,332504
» https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-wins-commitment-spokane-county-sexually-violent-predator 

▫️Plano Police Department Announces Breakthrough in Human Trafficking Investigation
Today, the Plano Police Department disclosed that a Federal Grand Jury issued a superseding indictment on January 10, 2024, against five individuals arrested in connection with human trafficking. 
The arrests not only resulted in the prosecution of these individuals but also provided crucial information for ongoing investigations into human trafficking activities. Authorities are actively working to identify and rescue additional victims involved and exploited by these offenders. This is a continuing multistate investigation and we are vigorously pursuing all leads and information related to these offenders.  
Plano PD encourages those with information about this investigation, victims of these offenders, and individuals involved in these offenses to communicate with us by calling this special human trafficking line set up for this purpose --  (972) 941-2044.
» http://www.irvingweekly.com/s/6920/Plano-Police-Department-Announces-Breakthrough-in-Human-Trafficking-Investigation.php
» https://starlocalmedia.com/planocourier/plano-pd-announces-human-trafficking-arrests/article_2fab33ee-b0d5-11ee-8936-5b738cd8f5cd.html 

▫️Report: More than 100 human trafficking cases opened in Upstate
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Attorney General Alan Wilson said Greenville and Spartanburg counties are among the top five counties where human trafficking was reported.  Around 460 potential victims in 2023 are minors.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said 112 human trafficking cases were opened in the Upstate in 2023. 
https://www.wyff4.com/article/over-100-human-trafficking-cases-upstate-2023/46356861# 

▫️Indiana church elder charged for child sex crimes committed at work
NEW WHITELAND, Ind. — The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Bargersville man and “church elder” for child sex crimes after he allegedly spoke to a detective pretending to be a 14-year-old girl.
Nicholas P. Jackson, 39, was arrested on Dec. 15, 2023, at his place of employment, a church in New Whiteland near 560 E. Tracy Rd., on the following charges:
Child Solicitation, a Level 4 Felony; Possession of Child Pornography, a Level 5 Felony;  Dissemination of Harmful Matter to Minor (Attempt), a Level 6 Felony.
» https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/midwest/indiana-church-elder-child-sex-crimes/
» https://fox59.com/news/johnson-county-church-elder-charged-for-child-sex-crimes-committed-at-work/ 

▫️The Real Life Consequences of 'Sanctuary' Policies: Fairfax County Edition
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested an illegal alien currently facing a slew of child sex crimes, months after a de facto "sanctuary city" in northern Virginia freed the alleged pedophile in defiance of ICE's detainment request.
Last week, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)'s Mobile Criminal Apprehension Team in Washington, D.C., finally nabbed a 21-year-old Honduran national accused of sexually abusing a Virginia minor and producing child pornography, ICE announced. During the Jan. 4 arrest at his Springfield residence, the suspect allegedly assaulted a deportation officer.
Fairfax County, which forms the surrounding suburbs of the nation's capital, has enacted several "sanctuary" policies shielding illegals from possible deportation. Additionally, the directive banned local cops from complying with ICE warrants as well as prohibited ICE agents from accessing Fairfax County police buildings.
In December, ICE caught an MS-13 gang member convicted of killing a Maryland resident nearly five years after local law enforcement in Prince George's County, a nearby "sanctuary" jursidiction, let the convict go despite the ICE detainer in place.
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/miacathell/2024/01/11/dc-illegal-alien-child-sex-crimes-n2633438 
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Prostitution sting nets 12 more arrests in Odessa
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas - On the heels of Human Trafficking Awareness Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety, in a joint operation with area law enforcement, arrested 12 people in Odessa after they allegedly tried to meet with prostitutes, who were actually undercover agents. The proactive Human Trafficking Operation was conducted at area hotels, according to court records. 
» https://www.yourbasin.com/news/prostitution-sting-nets-12-more-arrests-in-odessa/ 
»

▫️Police: Officers rescue woman who was sex trafficked for about 7 years, arrest abuser in Miami Beach
A man was at the Metrowest Detention Center on Friday accused of human trafficking in Miami-Dade County after police officers found a woman with black eyes, broken blood vessels in both eyes, a broken nose, and bruising all over her body.
Detectives later learned that Darrow Fowler had not only been beating the 25-year-old victim for days at a hotel in Miami Beach, but he had also been exploiting her for about 7 years after meeting her at a strip club where she worked in Nevada, according to a police report.
Miami-Dade County prosecutors filed a case against Fowler on Jan. 1. He is facing charges of human trafficking, domestic battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, and petit theft. Detectives were asking anyone with information about the case to call Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/01/12/police-officers-rescue-woman-who-was-sex-trafficked-for-about-7-years-arrest-abuser-in-miami-beach/ 

▫️Chick-Fil-A Owner Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct With Minor
FORT MILL, S.C. – Police met with 56-year-old Lafe Thompson where he confirmed that he was in Fort Mill to meet with a 14-year-old man.
According to his LinkedIn Page, Thompson is listed as the owner of a Chick-Fil-A in Lancaster. He’s also listed as the Restaurant Operator on Chick-Fil-A’s “About Us” page.
Thompson was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor between the age of 11 to 14 years old.
» https://www.wccbcharlotte.com/2024/01/12/chick-fil-a-owner-charged-with-criminal-sexual-conduct-with-minor/
» https://news.yahoo.com/fort-mill-police-arrest-chick-230407193.html 

▫️Roswell spa owner accused of running human sex trafficking ring released from jail
Jail records show Hui Wang, 33, of Johns Creek, was arrested on January 10 on charges of trafficking a person for labor servitude and unlawful advertisement or practice of massage therapy. Bond was set at $100K for each charge.
In interviews with police, the two victims told them that they were forced to work seven days per week, 12 hours a day with no days off. They told police that Wang told them to offer illegal sexual acts to customers.
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/woman-accused-running-human-trafficking-ring-roswell-spa-city-cracks-down/CZCHQMU53BEZDM72FBELUBAYCU/     (VIDEO) 

▫️PD: Florida man sexually manipulates 3 Scottsdale boys
SCOTTSDALE, AZ  — A Florida man is facing felony charges accused of targeting young boys in the Valley and coercing them into sex acts on webcams.
Police say Jacob Lozano then shared those photos and videos with others. Police say at least three of Lozano’s victims are from Scottsdale. Lozano is in the process of being extradited to Maricopa County while Scottsdale police continue to work with other agencies on other cases involving more victims.
» https://www.azfamily.com/2024/01/13/florida-man-accused-coercing-least-3-scottsdale-boys-into-sex-acts-over-webcam/ 
»

▫️Wanted PA man arrested in Collier County on child porn charges
According to the Allegheny County Police Department, 36-year-old William Spina of Monroeville was arrested on Friday after filing child pornography charges against him. Investigators say they found child pornography on 36-year-old William Spina's cell phone and social media and also accuse him of distributing it.
Over the past three months, police have worked in conjunction with the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force to follow up on multiple tips linking child pornography images and videos to Spina.
Through the course of the investigation, dozens of files containing child pornography were recovered through cell phone data and social media that allegedly belonged to Spina.
» https://www.wtae.com/article/monroeville-man-arrested-in-florida-on-child-pornography-charges/46363800#     (VIDEO)
» https://winknews.com/2024/01/12/pa-wanted-man-arrested-in-collier-county-on-child-porn-charges/ 

▫️St. Pete Beach man arrested on 10 counts of child pornography (CSAM): PCSO
ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. - The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after it says a man was charged with 10 counts of child sexual abuse material. 
Detectives say they began investigating after receiving information that a suspect, later identified as 36-year-old Steven Ryan Gilmore, was accessing and sharing child pornography through the internet. 
According to detectives, the images were of children between the ages of one and six years old.
https://www.fox13news.com/news/st-pete-beach-man-arrested-on-10-counts-of-child-pornography-pcso 

▫️Former Aliceville corrections officer pleads guilty to sexual abuse of a ward
Robert D. Smith, 38, worked as a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Aliceville. As part of his duties, Smith was to ensure the safety and security of inmates housed at FCI-Aliceville and to uphold the U.S. Constitution.
According to court documents, while acting in his capacity as an officer, in or around February 2019 Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate. Smith also admitted to sexually abusing another inmate on a different occasion. Also, while acting in his capacity as an officer, between on or about July 6, 2018, and Nov. 15, 2018, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a different female inmate.
https://www.wvua23.com/former-aliceville-corrections-officer-pleads-guilty-to-sexual-abuse-of-a-ward/ 

Madyson Marquette’s boyfriend is serving a life sentence for aggravated sexual assault of a child. He is serving a life sentence.  
For anyone from out of state, The State of Texas does not give life sentences for mere allegations or word of mouth. There has to be substantial proof of the crime committed. A life sentence is given to the worse of the worse. 
Attached media includes:
A google search of Texans serving life sentences. Sexual abuse is a common theme. No texan has been given a life sentence for sexual allegation.
Mugshot and pictures of madyson with pedophile serving life sentence. 
Original post from Madyson Marquettes channel asking her followers to harass the texas DOJ because her boyfriend cant receive phone calls or whatever. Post also includes inmate number and SID number if you want to research the information
Researched information on Madyson Marquettes pedo husband criminal records >Please share 

https://t.me/madyson_marquette_expose 

▫️Missing Sex Offender Waldi Cuello Wanted On Felony Charges
Waldi Andre Cuello, 30, was first convicted of the indecent assault of a child between the ages of 4 and 8 years old in Lebanon County in 2015, court documents show.
Now Cuello is wanted for again failing to register with the state police for the Megan's Law registry in addition to a felon and a misdemeanor for endangering the welfare of children when a parent, guardian, or other commits the offense, court documents show.
https://dailyvoice.com/pennsylvania/franklin/sex-offender-wanted-on-felony-charges-for-abandoning-kids-pa-police-say/ 

▫️Online ad leads to arrest of man accused of human trafficking in Seminole County
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — An online ad led to the arrest of a local man accused of human trafficking. Lemsky Saint-Lot, 28, faces several charges with trafficking an underage teen for sex being the most serious.
» https://www.wesh.com/article/arrest-human-trafficking-seminole-county/46367903 
»

▫️Union Gap, Everett men sentenced to maximum terms of life in prison following attempted child rape prosecutions by Attorney General’s Office
Attorney General’s Office charged six individuals nabbed in “Net Nanny” operation in Yakima targeting individuals seeking to rape children
YAKIMA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today a Yakima County Superior Court judge sentenced two men to maximum terms of life in prison following their convictions for felony child rape.
A jury convicted Hayden A. Erlandson, from Union Gap, of felony attempted second-degree rape of a child and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes in October 2023. A jury convicted Veniamin N. Gaidaichuk, from Everett, of felony attempted second-degree rape of a child and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes in September 2023.
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/union-gap-everett-men-sentenced-maximum-terms-life-prison-following-attempted 

▫️School employee in Howard County charged with sexual abuse of a minor
A small, private school and daycare center has been temporarily shut down by the state for failing to notify them a teacher was being criminally investigated. An employee of the Glenwood Country Day School has been arrested by Howard County Police and charged with sexual abuse of a minor, police officials said Friday.
Dameon Patterson, 31, of Elkridge, is facing counts of sex abuse of a minor, rape and other sex offenses, according to online court records. An attorney listed in online court records for Patterson declined to comment.
» https://www.fox5dc.com/news/31-year-old-after-care-program-employee-charged-with-child-sex-abuse-of-11-year-old-in-howard-county
» https://www.howardcountymd.gov/police/employee-after-care-program-charged-child-sex-abuse
» https://www.wmar2news.com/homepage-showcase/private-school-temporarily-shut-down-by-state-after-alleged-sexual-abuse 

▫️Operation Find Them All: Cellebrite Unites Philanthropic Pioneers to Accelerate Investigations of Crimes Against Children
Cellebrite DI Ltd. (Nasdaq: CLBT), a global leader in premier Digital Investigative solutions for the public and private sectors, is honored to announce a powerful collaboration aimed at reducing crimes against children and online child exploitation.
This new campaign titled Operation Find Them All (OFTA) brings the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children, The Exodus Road, Raven and Cellebrite together for the first time under a collective goal to accelerate investigations of online crimes against children and in doing so, help law enforcement find missing children, solve crimes involving exploited minors, remove harmful online images and bring perpetrators to justice.
In addition to a financial investment to all three organizations, Cellebrite is providing NCMEC and The Exodus Road with in-kind use of its preeminent technology—namely Pathfinder, an AI-based Investigative Analytics solution, and Smart Search, a cloud-based OSINT tool for investigators—to help these organizations in their efforts to dismantle child exploitation and child sex trafficking rings.
» https://financialpost.com/globe-newswire/operation-find-them-all-cellebrite-unites-philanthropic-pioneers-to-accelerate-investigations-of-crimes-against-children
» https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/operation-find-them-all:-cellebrite-unites-philanthropic-pioneers-to-accelerate-0
»

▫️Carr Highlights Efforts to Rescue Victims, Prosecute Traffickers During Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Last year alone, the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit rescued and assisted 129 victims, led and assisted 81 case investigations, and secured 29 new convictions, with all guilty defendants sentenced to prison.
The Unit also obtained a first-of-its-kind indictment involving the trafficking of an adult female with a developmental disability and its first conviction of a hotel clerk who assisted in the trafficking of an underage girl in Fulton County.
https://allongeorgia.com/georgia-public-safety/carr-highlights-efforts-to-rescue-victims-prosecute-traffickers-during-human-trafficking-prevention-month/ 

▫️Wausau sex offender arrested in Texas after 13-hour standoff
U.S. Marshals in Texas arrested a 25-year-old convicted sex offender from Wausau after a 13-hour standoff, authorities said.
Peter Jewell-Reigel, who was wanted in Marathon County for allegedly violating parole terms, was apprehended Friday around 2 p.m. in Houston. Officials located him in a hotel parking lot. According to a news release, Jewell-Reigel faced allegations of unapproved and unsupervised contact with a 13-year-old girl in December. On Jan. 3, investigators learned Jewell-Reigel was in Houston, leading to his arrest following the lengthy standoff, during which he was reported to have a knife.
https://wausaupilotandreview.com/2024/01/12/wausau-sex-offender-arrested-in-texas-after-13-hour-standoff/ 

▫️S. San Francisco man held on suspicion of sexually abusing 3 children
A South San Francisco man was arrested Jan. 11 for lewd acts with three juveniles at a residence where there was an unlicensed day care, according to police.
Police started investigating the incidents Jan. 6 after a report from a confidential victim. The suspect, Rafael Cortez-Ramirez, a 55-year-old dishwasher, was arrested on the 500 block of Third Lane for 12 felony counts related to sexual abuse and lewd acts with a child.
Anyone who may have information regarding Cortez-Ramirez or if your child attended an unlicensed home day care between 2010 and 2019 on the 500 block of Third Lane, South San Francisco, is asked to contact Sgt. Sariotti or Detective Quintero at (650) 877-8900.
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/01/12/south-san-francisco-man-arrested-on-suspicion-of-sexually-abusing-three-children/ 

▫️Texas Transports Over 100,000 Migrants To Sanctuary Cities
Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 495,400 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 38,300 criminal arrests, with more than 34,700 felony charges. Texas has also bused:
• Over 12,500 migrants to Washington, D.C. since April 2022
• Over 37,100 migrants to New York City since August 2022
• Over 30,800 migrants to Chicago since August 2022
• Over 3,400 migrants to Philadelphia since November 2022
• Over 15,700 migrants to Denver since May 18
• Over 1,500 migrants to Los Angeles since June 14
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/texas-transports-over-100000-migrants-to-sanctuary-cities 

▫️More than 40 deportation flights logged in two weeks, US Ambassador to Mexico says
SAN DIEGO  — The United States Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, said migrants who enter the country without a valid asylum claim will continue to be deported.
Salazar said that during the last two weeks, more than 40 repatriation flights had taken place from the U.S.
The ambassador made those comments on Thursday morning in Tijuana, where he took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for a sewage treatment plant.
https://www.borderreport.com/regions/california/more-than-40-deportation-flights-logged-in-two-weeks-us-ambassador-to-mexico-says/ 

▫️Sex trafficking victim shares her story of recovery
SARASOTA, Fla. - It’s a heartbreaking story of pain and trauma.
“My trafficker was very physically abusive,” said Gabrielle Triplett, who became a victim of sex trafficking in Ocala, Florida, after a fight with addiction and homelessness. “I could have lost my life in sex trafficking.”
Gabrielle even got shot in 2018, but thankfully her story didn’t end there. After a police investigation into the brutality of her trafficker, Gabrielle was connected with Selah Freedom in Sarasota.
“Selah Freedom provides a place where these victims can come get their lives back again,” said their awareness coordinator, Yvonne Lefebre.
https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/01/12/sex-trafficking-victim-shares-her-story-recovery/ 
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Starving two-year-old girl bound in duct tape found by maintenance workers: police
In a disturbing incident, three individuals are behind bars, accused of subjecting a 2-year-old girl to unthinkable abuse.
Disturbed by what they saw, the workers took a photo and video before leaving the apartment, later reporting the incident to the Houston police. Kenry Flukers, 23, Toniesha Perkins, 27, and Mya Breaux-McGruder, 17, now face charges of injury to a child and unlawful restraint of a minor.
» https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2024/01/14/shocking-abuse-unveiled-houston-trio-accused-of-duct-taping-starving-and-abusing-2-year-old/
» https://www.wallstreetpr.com/starving-two-year-old-girl-bound-in-duct-tape-found-by-maintenance-workers-police-90741 
» https://www.theblaze.com/news/starving-2-year-old-girl-found-by-maintenance-workers-bound-in-duct-tape-report
»

▫️Dallas Looks To Continue Cracking Down on Human Trafficking, Dallas police rescued 99 children from being trafficked
Lieutenant Cyrus Zafrani, the commander of DPD’s crimes against children unit, which includes the high-risk victim and trafficking squad, told the committee the primary goal of the squad is to identify and recover victims under the age of 18 and arrest their perpetrators. The squad recovered 99 trafficking victims in 2023.
https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/dallas-looks-to-continue-cracking-down-on-human-trafficking-18330143 

▫️Man arrested for allegedly raping 12-year-old girl in West Valley City
SALT LAKE CITY  — A West Valley City man was arrested this week after investigators say he raped a 12-year-old girl he followed into a backyard goat pen last summer.
Yeslin Almonacid Canchari, 30, was booked into Salt Lake County Jail on Tuesday on suspicion of rape of a child, a first-degree felony, sodomy of a child, and forcible sexual abuse, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in 3rd District Court.
https://news.yahoo.com/man-arrested-allegedly-raping-12-020350988.html 

▫️Arizona man arrested on charges of soliciting sex act
YAVAPAI COUNTY, Ariz. — A man was arrested for soliciting a sex act for payment from an underage girl on Jan. 11, authorities said.
Human trafficking detectives embedded with the Yavapai County task force arrested 31-year-old Leeon Baskerville of Prescott Valley. Baskerville allegedly contacted the girl and agreed to meet, which is where detectives were able to arrest him for child sex trafficking.
https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/man-arrested-soliciting-sex-act-from-underage-girl-yavapai-county/75-ce006ae2-b13c-4039-9c80-9ded29f94c66 

▫️San Jose PD safely locates kidnapped woman
Early Saturday morning, the San Jose Police Department requested community assistance in finding a 31-year-old woman who was a victim of kidnapping. At the time of the reported kidnapping, the outstanding suspect in this event was described as a dark-skinned adult male, approximately 40 years old, and 5 feet 5 inches with a medium build. The suspect was last seen wearing dark pants and possibly a Raiders jacket.
» https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/san-jose-pd-asks-community-assistance-in-search-for-at-risk-missing-woman/    (VIDEO) 
»

▫️St. Louis Police locate sex trafficking victim kidnapped from Nashville, 2 suspects facing felony charges
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - A victim of sex trafficking kidnapped from Nashville was located Friday in the Tower Grove East neighborhood after a family member in Tennessee saw her in an advertisement and contacted St. Louis Police, according to charging documents filed Saturday in two resulting criminal cases.
St. Louis circuit attorneys have charged 30-year-old Martavis Walker, address unknown, with multiple felony offenses related to the investigation, including first-degree kidnapping, trafficking for sexual exploitation, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape, promoting prostitution and unlawful use of a weapon.
https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/01/14/st-louis-police-locate-sex-trafficking-victim-kidnapped-nashville-2-suspects-facing-felony-charges/ 

▫️Texas top 10 most wanted fugitive arrested in Mexico
A Texas woman wanted for sexually abusing a child is now in police custody.
Members of INTERPOL Mexico arrested Iris Iliana Rodriguez, 34, on Dec. 11, in Jalisco Mexico. Her arrest was announced Friday.
Webb County issued a warrant for Rodriguez's arrest in 2015. She was charged with three counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact, three counts of harassment and one count of unlawful restraint.
Officials with the Texas Department of Public Security said Rodriguez had an inappropriate relationship with an 11-year-old girl while she was working as a counselor for a Child, Adolescent and Parent Services program in Laredo.
Rodriguez later found employment at the Border Region Behavioral Health Center in Laredo as a CAPS Counselor, which allowed her to visit the victim at school under the pretense that she was offering the child support, authorities said. 
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/01/13/texas-woman-arrested-mexico-sexual-abuse/5801705185417/ 

▫️Prostitution investigation at Geneva massage parlor leads to 2 arrests
GENEVA, Ill. - The owner of a massage business and a massage therapist in Geneva are behind bars after a prostitution investigation.
Xunyi Fu, 45, is the listed owner of the business, Hy Massage. She's charged with the following, per Geneva police:
One count of prostitution, a Class A misdemeanor; and One count of operating as a massage therapist without a license, a Class A misdemeanor. Zhixiang Zeng, 35, is a massage therapist at the business and is charged with one count of operating as a massage therapist without a license, a Class A misdemeanor.
https://news.yahoo.com/prostitution-investigation-geneva-massage-parlor-211014761.html 

▫️Man arrested for alleged sexual crimes against unhoused people
EUGENE, Ore. -- Police have arrested a man after he allegedly committed sex crimes against people experiencing homeless.
According to the Eugene Police Department, officers arrested 29-year-old Reginald Luke Black Elk III on January 12. 
While committing these alleged crimes, the police department said Black Elk wore a distinctive red and black "superhero costume" which included a cape and eye mask.
Police said Black Elk faces six counts of first-degree sex abuse. two counts of first-degree attempted sex abuse and 19 counts of public indecency.
The Eugene Police Department is asking anyone who may have encountered someone matching this description and engaged in suspicious behavior to please reach out to Eugene Police Officer Jordan via email or Detective Cooper via email to provide information.
https://www.kezi.com/news/man-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-crimes-against-unhoused-people/article_651248d0-b27c-11ee-8710-83e0831e460e.html 

▫️Alaska Police combat human trafficking
FAIRBANKS - January is recognized in Alaska as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and on January 11, the Fairbanks International Airport Police and Fire Department spoke up to spread information about this issue.
In Alaska alone, the Human Trafficking Hotline has received 576 alerts and has identified 124 cases involving 236 victims since its launch in 2007.
https://www.webcenterfairbanks.com/2024/01/13/police-combat-human-trafficking/ 

▫️School board vice president and brother arrested on child abuse material charges
DICKINSON — The Dickinson Police Department, in conjunction with agents of the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, arrested Joel Lyle Opp, 44, and his brother, Joshua David Opp, 48, of Hebron, on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse materials on Thursday, Jan. 11, in Dickinson.
Joel Lyle Opp, 44, of Hebron, NDPhoto courtesy of the Southwest Multi-County Correctional Center.
Joel Opp, who currently serves as the vice president of the Hebron Public Schools board, faces five counts of possession of certain materials prohibited, Class C felonies, according to court records.
His brother Joshua Opp faces 15 child sexual abuse materials-related charges.
» https://www.valleynewslive.com/2024/01/14/school-board-vice-president-arrested-child-abuse-material-charges/
» https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/news/school-board-vice-president-and-brother-arrested-on-child-abuse-material-charges 

▫️Former 1st grade teacher admits to asking minors for explicit images on Snapchat
NEW BADEN, Ill. - A former first grade teacher appeared in federal court Thursday, January 11.
Jonathan C. Villmer, Jr., 25, of New Baden, pleaded guilty to the charge of soliciting child sexual abuse material from minors. He will be sentenced April 24.
https://www.kfvs12.com/2024/01/11/former-1st-grade-teacher-admits-asking-minors-explicit-images-snapchat/ 

▫️WANTED: Gilberto Hernandez Moreno accused of child sexual assault in Houston:    $5,000  Reward
A Houston fugitive is wanted for sexual assault of a child by the Houston Police Department and Crime Stoppers. Gilberto Hernandez Moreno, 49, is wanted for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child between 14 and 17-years-old.
Crime Stoppers may offer a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect in this case. Information can be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org, or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-fugitive-gilberto-hernandez-moreno-wanted-sexual-assault-child 

▫️Man wanted for capital sexual battery charges arrested in Walton County
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. - A man wanted out of Jacksonville for multiple counts of sexual battery was arrested in Walton County on Friday.
24-year-old Mynor Edmundo Perez Garcia was wanted on 13 counts of capital sexual battery.
https://weartv.com/news/local/man-wanted-for-child-sex-crimes-arrested-in-walton-county 

▫️Oklahoma Man Sentenced in Federal Child Porn Case
A federal judge sends a Commerce, Oklahoma man to prison for receiving and distributing child porn.
Andrew Hartman, 49, will spend the next nine years in federal prison.
He was arrested in 2021 when the FBI began investigating accounts and chat rooms on the Kik messenger app that featured people trading child sexual abuse materials.
https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news/crime/federal-judge-sentences-oklahoma-man-for-child-porn-offenses/ 

▫️West Virginia Senate OKs bill to allow veterans, retired police to provide armed security in schools
County education boards in West Virginia could contract with military veterans and retired law enforcement officers to provide armed security at K-12 public schools under a bill passed Friday by the Republican-controlled state Senate.
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/west-virginia-senate-oks-bill-to-allow-veterans-retired-police-to-provide-armed-security-in-schools/ 

▫️Operation: Lighthouse: Elite veterans group mobilizes to rescue US children trafficked out of country
Thousands of U.S. children have been trafficked south across the border with Mexico and into sexual slavery, according to a veterans group that has vowed to rescue as many of them as possible.
Project Dynamo founder and CEO Bryan Stern announced “Operation: Lighthouse” on Thursday to mark National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
“Our intent is to rescue American kids who have somehow made their way out of the country, who are being trafficked globally,” he said.
Some were kidnapped, he said. Some were lured. Others ran away on their own but wound up in the hands of child sex traffickers.
» https://www.foxnews.com/us/elite-veterans-group-mobilizes-rescue-us-children-trafficked-out-country    (VIDEO)
» https://dcweekly.org/2024/01/14/project-dynamo-aims-to-rescue-american-children-trafficked-globally/
» https://newsfinale.com/us/elite-veterans-group-mobilizes-to-rescue-us-children-trafficked-out-of-country/
» https://totalnews.com/elite-veterans-group-mobilizes-to-rescue-us-children-trafficked-out-of-country/
» https://www.projectdynamo.org/operation-lighthouse/ 

▫️’They’re being groomed’: New report reveals over 90% of S.C. human trafficking victims are minors
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Following the release of the state’s Human Trafficking Taskforce annual report, Horry County human trafficking victim advocates are renewing their pleas for a shelter to house minors.
Per the state’s report, over 90% of South Carolina’s human trafficking victims are minors. However, there’s just one shelter in the entire state that is authorized to host underage human trafficking victims.
https://www.foxcarolina.com/2024/01/13/theyre-being-groomed-new-report-reveals-over-90-sc-human-trafficking-victims-are-minors/    (VIDEO) 

▫️I.G.N.I.T.E. H.O.P.E. breaks the chains of human trafficking at first charity event
WHEELING, W.Va.  — The horror of slavery still exists in the United States…it’s just under a different name.
Human trafficking is a crime that plagues the Wheeling area, and a new group is getting off the ground to put an end to its illegal trade.
I.G.N.I.T.E. H.O.P.E. teamed with the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center and the YWCA to raise money for the cause tonight at the White Palace.
https://www.wtrf.com/community/i-g-n-i-t-e-h-o-p-e-breaks-the-chains-of-human-trafficking-at-first-charity-event/  (VIDEO) 
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Bellwood Antis School District Athletic Director and Wrestling Coach Charged with Endangering Students, Covering Up Sexual Abuse at School
Two Bellwood Antis School District officials have been charged for their role in failing to adequately protect students after being notified of an investigation into sexual assault allegations against the junior high wrestling coach, Ryan Blazier.
Blazier was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to decades in prison in June 2023.
The Office of Attorney General filed felony charges against Charles Burch and Timothy Andrekovich, who were the school’s athletic director and head varsity wrestling coach, respectively, at the time of the offenses.
» https://pennwatch.org/bellwood-antis-school-district-athletic-director-and-wrestling-coach-charged-with-endangering-students-covering-up-sexual-abuse-at-school/
»

▫️Man arrested on human trafficking charges in Jefferson County
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Special Investigations Unit arrested 53-year-old Yuewu Zhao this week on suspicion of human trafficking for involuntary servitude, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said in a release Thursday.
According to the release, someone reported to the sheriff's office that alleged sexual acts were being performed at a massage parlor in the 16000 block of South Golden Road in Golden— the reporting party also said they believed the masseuse could be a victim of human trafficking.  
Jeffco's Special Investigations Unit conducted an investigation into the parlor, which led to the discovery of evidence that sexual acts were taking place, the sheriff's office said. Upon further investigation, a human trafficking operation was exposed and, according to the sheriff's office, "at least one female masseuse— a Chinese citizen— was coerced into performing labor, including sex acts, in exchange for the promise of a green card."
https://www.9news.com/article/news/crime/man-arrested-human-trafficking-jeffco/73-2eac6701-696d-4569-a87d-611032382e59 

▫️Hubbard man arrested in child sex sting, accused of soliciting
According to a press release, Hubbard Police arrested 44-year-old Jonathan Bellow, who police say was pursued by a citizen group dedicated to exposing individuals attempting to have sexual contact with minors. Bellow is currently in the Trumbull County Jail where he's facing charges of Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor and Importuning.
Police say the arrest stemmed from a meticulous sting operation conducted by this citizen group, and that the group's diligent work highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of children in the community.
https://www.wfmj.com/story/50331626/hubbard-man-arrested-in-child-sex-sting-accused-of-soliciting-sexual-acts-from-minors 

▫️Police investigating after Bikers Against Predators conducts operation on school property
BERNIE, Mo.  - An organization called, “Bikers Against Predators” conducted an operation at a school in Bernie, Missouri. According to a statement from Bernie R-13 Superintendent Brad Botsch, the organization was on school property where a 50-year-old man from Dexter, Mo. came down to allegedly meet a 13-year-old girl.
Neither the school district nor the Bernie Police Dept. knew the operation was going to take place. Both the Bernie Police Dept. and the Dexter Police Dept are working closely with the school to investigate.  According to the statement, no students from the school were involved and there was no victim. The organization uses a decoy to expose potential child predators.
https://www.kfvs12.com/2024/01/14/police-investigating-after-bikers-against-predators-conducts-operation-school-property/ 

▫️Former Doddridge County deputy found guilty of sexual abuse charges
WEST UNION, W.Va. — Andrew Menendez, a former Doddridge County deputy who was accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old, was found guilty by a jury Friday night on the charges of third-degree sexual abuse and sexual abuse by parent or guardian. He was found to be not guilty on the charge of solicitation of a minor via computer.
» https://www.wboy.com/news/crime/former-doddridge-county-deputy-accused-of-sexual-abuse-takes-the-stand/   (VIDEO) 
»

▫️Athens man faces more than two dozen counts in child sex probe
An Athens, Tennessee, man is facing more than two dozen child rape and child exploitation charges stemming from an ongoing investigation launched on a tip.
Kenterrius McGuffie, 27, of Athens, was arrested Monday on 13 counts of aggravated rape of a child, 12 counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of continual sexual abuse of a child and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor involving more than 50 images by agents assigned to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, according to a TBI news release from spokesperson Josh DeVine.
https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/jan/12/athens-man-faces-more-than-two-dozen-counts-in/
https://3bmedianews.com/2024/01/11/mcguffie-arrested-on-27-counts-of-child-sex-crimes/ 

▫️Human Trafficking Education and Awareness Fair in San Antonio, Thursday Jan 18
Please join us at our inaugural event at the Boeing Center at Tech Port. This event will unite over 40 local organizations and community partners, each highlighting their unique contributions to this cause. The Human Trafficking Awareness Fair will be an enlightening educational experience for the public and media aimed at unveiling the harsh realities of human trafficking. 
https://do210.com/events/2024/1/18/human-trafficking-education-and-awareness-fair-over-40-regional-organizations-and-community-partners-to-educate-and-raise-awar-t 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️16 arrested, 4 survivors in Canton human trafficking operation, Ohio State Highway Patrol says
The joint operation concentrated on targeting human trafficking operations and identifying victims of human trafficking in the Canton area, troopers say. Assigned officers made contact with four potential victims, four arrests for promoting prostitution and 12 arrests for engaging in solicitation, troopers say.
Victim advocates from Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center and medical services were available to provide services to those in need, officials say.
All cases are still under investigation and charges are pending.
» https://www.cleveland19.com/2024/01/16/16-arrested-canton-human-trafficking-operation-ohio-state-highway-patrol-says/
» https://fox8.com/news/4-saved-several-arrested-in-ne-ohio-human-trafficking-operation/ 

▫️Retired police officer in Hardin County arrested for rape, child porn charges
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A retired police officer in Radcliff, Kentucky was arrested on Jan. 4 for charges that include rape and sodomy.
According to an arrest report, 69-year-old David Love was under investigation by Kentucky State Police.
The citation states that Love was allegedly having a sexual relationship with a minor. Love admitted during a non-custodial interview that he received sexual acts from the minor.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12966103/Retired-Kentucky-police-David-Love-rape-child-arrest.html
» https://www.wdrb.com/news/crime-reports/retired-police-officer-in-hardin-county-arrested-for-rape-child-porn-charges/article_18fb850a-b255-11ee-a57f-23c2f1432ad4.html
» https://nypost.com/2024/01/15/news/former-kentucky-cop-charged-with-raping-14-year-old/ 

▫️Foley Police arrest Pensacola man on child sex abuse charge
FOLEY, Ala. - After a follow up investigation by detectives, Charles Wayne Smith -age 32, of Pensacola, FL- was arrested and charged with Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12 Year of Age, a Class B Felony.
https://weartv.com/news/local/foley-police-arrest-pensacola-man-on-child-sex-abuse-charge 

▫️53 of Colorado's top 100 sex offenders arrested in 2023
https://news.yahoo.com/53-colorados-top-100-sex-133503899.html   (VIDEO) 

▫️Ogden daycare employed man for years despite multiple sex abuse claims
OGDEN, Utah  — An Ogden daycare worker remained employed for years despite multiple sex abuse claims against him.
30-year-old Tanner Dobson was arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 9 on charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor. Dobson is the son of the “Progressive Preschool and Childcare Center’s” owner.
Dobson faces charges of obstruction, sexual assault and exploitation of a minor, according to criminal complaint documents filed. Also in the complaint, South Ogden police said there were other reports of previous allegations.
https://kmyu.tv/news/local/ogden-daycare-employed-man-for-years-despite-multiple-sex-abuse-claims-tanner-dobson-obstruction-sexual-assault-exploitation-minor-criminal-complaint-five-year-old-previous-allegations-progressive-preschool-and-childcare-center   (VIDEO) 

▫️Pitt County registered sex offender arrested on child sex charges
PITT COUNTY, N.C.  - A registered sex offender in Pitt County is in jail for new charges of sex crimes involving a child. Deputies say that on September 15 they obtained warrants charging 36-year-old Jubante Stevenson of Greenville with first-degree statutory sex offense and indecent liberties with a child.
Stevenson was arrested Tuesday in Craven County by Craven County deputies.
» https://www.witn.com/2024/01/13/deputies-pitt-county-registered-sex-offender-arrested-child-sex-charges/ 
»

▫️Malta man charged with sexual abuse of a child
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.  — A Malta man has been arrested following a sex crime investigation, according to New York State Police. Justin Nielsen, 27, was charged with first-degree sexual abuse. An ensuing investigation determined that Nielsen allegedly had sexual contact with a child under the age of 11 back in 2020 while in Milton.
https://www.news10.com/news/crime/malta-man-charged-with-sexual-abuse-of-a-child/ 

▫️Ex-NFL Player Thomas Allen Burke to Face Trial in Duluth on Child Sexual Abuse Charges
The legal reckoning has come for Thomas Allen Burke, an ex-NFL player from Northwestern Wisconsin, who stands accused of the grave act of sexually abusing a child. A criminal complaint has brought to light allegations that a 7-year-old victim, known to Burke, told her mother and then law enforcement that she had been molested by the former athlete on several occasions in St. Louis County.
» https://hoodline.com/2024/01/ex-nfl-player-thomas-allen-burke-to-face-trial-in-duluth-on-child-sexual-abuse-charges/
» https://www.twincities.com/2024/01/14/sex-abuse-trial-in-duluth-set-for-ex-nfl-player-thomas-burke/ 

▫️Chilling moment cops find missing girls on Doomsday cult compound where kids as young as four were 'married' to their fathers and sexually abused | Daily Mail Online
Shocking footage has been released of the moment two young girls were found hidden inside a barrel at a remote doomsday cult compound.
The girls were among six children rescued from a grim polygamist site made up of shipping containers in the Utah desert where kids were allegedly married off by their dads and sexually abused.
Disturbing clips recently emerged of police discovering the youngsters in Lund, around 275 miles south of Salt Lake City on a bitterly cold, dark night in December 2017.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12966653/Chilling-moment-cops-missing-girls-Doomsday-cult-compound.html
» https://metro.co.uk/2024/01/16/two-missing-girls-found-hidden-barrels-doomsday-cult-compound-20121529/ 

▫️Florida advocate sounds alarm after state ranks third in human trafficking cases
Florida ranks #3 in human trafficking cases reported, according to the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking. WEAR News spoke with a local advocate who is urging everyone to be aware to what's happening around them.
https://weartv.com/news/local/florida-advocate-sounds-alarm-after-state-ranks-third-in-human-trafficking-cases   (VIDEO) 

▫️South Dakota battles modern slavery: trafficking awareness
The National Human Trafficking Hotline reports 100 signals to report human trafficking, up nearly 40 from 2020.
Check out the Freedom Expo on January 20th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Rapid City. This event is free and will help explain how real human trafficking is here in South Dakota.
https://www.kotatv.com/2024/01/15/south-dakota-battles-modern-slavery-trafficking-awareness/   (VIDEO) 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Modesto LGBTQ+ director arrested in child predator sting
The executive director of the Rainbow Resource Center, a prominent LGBTQ+ support center based in Modesto, has been identified as one of 17 men apprehended on suspicion of attempting to engage in sexual activities with a minor.
Gerad Slayton, 42, was taken into custody during a sting operation organized by the Turlock Police Department, targeting individuals believed to be seeking illicit encounters with minors. Slayton, recently appointed as the executive director of the Rainbow Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing resources for LGBTQ+ individuals across all age groups, faces allegations of pursuing sexual activities with minors.
» https://thepostmillennial.com/director-busted-modesto-sting
» https://www.offthepress.com/director-of-a-california-lgbtq-center-busted-in-child-sex-ring/ 

▫️St. Louis vacation rental was sex trafficking HQ
ST. LOUIS — Authorities say they’ve broken up a sex trafficking operation inside a short-term rental home. The alleged victim is from Tennessee, where a relative helped uncover the dark secret.
St. Louis police say they found a Tennessee woman being sold for sex out of a vacation rental home next door. Martavis Walker is now charged with six felony counts, including kidnapping, rape, and sex trafficking.
Court records say Walker forced the victim to St. Louis from Nashville and threatened to kill her if she tried to escape, while reportedly working with two others to post escort ads.
» https://fox2now.com/news/fox-files/police-st-louis-vacation-rental-was-sex-trafficking-headquarters/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/midwest/police-st-louis-vacation-rental-was-sex-trafficking-headquarters/ 
»

▫️Sexual predator arrested in West Plains following sting operation
WEST PLAINS, Mo. — A man was arrested in West Plains following a sexual predator sting operation on Jan. 14, 2024.
McKenzie Surritte is pending charges of enticement or attempted enticement of a child. The probable cause statement said that two members of Bikers Against Predators, an organization that uses fake accounts to expose sexual predators, contacted the West Plains Police Department (WPPD)
» https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/sexual-predator-arrested-in-west-plains-following-sting-operation/
» https://www.ozarkradionews.com/local-news/west-plains-man-arrested-saturday-night-sexual-predator-sting 

▫️Foley police arrest man accused of child sex abuse
FOLEY, Ala.  - The Foley Police Department arrested a 32-year-old Foley man accused of sexually abusing a child.
According to police, officers on Friday responded to a home on Sandy Ridge Road. Police say Charles Smith admitted to the father that he had sexually abused his daughter several months ago.
Smith has been charged with sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old, which is a class B felony.
https://www.fox10tv.com/2024/01/17/foley-police-arrest-man-accused-child-sex-abuse/ 

▫️Kerri Anne Santos of Gardner, 3 others, arrested in New Mexico for child abuse
A former Gardner woman has been arrested in connection with the death of her 3-year-old daughter in New Mexico.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Bernalillo County, Kerri Anne Santos, 33, was arrested on Jan. 13 and charged with child abuse resulting in death, child abuse resulting in great bodily harm, and aiding/abetting in criminal sexual contact of a minor.
» https://www.whio.com/news/local/mother-3-others-arrested-after-body-young-child-brought-hospital/HY2PRA3KINHYDFPQTDNF65LH3U/
» https://www.thegardnernews.com/story/news/crime/2024/01/16/kerri-anne-santos-gardner-arrested-in-new-mexico-child-abuse-charges/72244454007/ 

▫️Lancaster County man charged with rape of a child in Lebanon County
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. – A man was arrested and faces charges including rape after he allegedly recorded himself sexually assaulting a girl in Lebanon County, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Edward Williams, 55, of Manheim, is accused of sexually assaulting the seven-year-old girl “over a period of time,” the DA’s Office announced in a Tuesday news release.
» https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2024/01/man-54-charged-in-videotaped-rape-of-7-year-old-girl.html
» https://www.abc27.com/local-news/lancaster-county-man-charged-with-rape-of-a-child-in-lebanon-county/
» https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lebanon-county/edward-williams-arrest-cornwall-sexual-assault-of-child/521-3fd35ead-6ee7-4cdd-a783-e2679f15cff7` 

▫️Lubbock youth advisor accused of sexual abuse is back in jail after Tuesday's hearing
LUBBOCK, Texas — A Lubbock man accused of decade-long sexual abuse of a child, Nathan Grassie, 48, was ordered to go back to jail on Tuesday after officials said he broke the conditions of his home confinement.
EverythingLubbock.com previously reported Grassie was accused of sexually abusing children in his home when he was a youth group advisor. The details of the assaults were withheld due to their graphic nature.
https://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/local-news/lubbock-youth-advisor-accused-of-sexual-abuse-is-back-in-jail-after-tuesdays-hearing/    (VIDEO) 

▫️ERO Washington, D.C. arrests Guatemalan noncitizen charged with soliciting child, indecent exposure | ICE
Deportation officers with Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C.’s Mobile Criminal Apprehension Team apprehended a 27-year-old undocumented noncitizen charged with crimes related to soliciting a child and indecent exposure. Authorities arrested the Guatemalan national Jan. 3 at his residence in Falls Church, Virginia.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-washington-dc-arrests-guatemalan-noncitizen-charged-soliciting-child-indecent 

▫️Laredo UISD band teacher arrested in Virginia child predator operation
A Laredo band teacher from the United Independent School District was arrested last week in Fairfax County in Fairfax, Virginia through a child predator operation as local police said he drove over 1,500 miles with the intent of having sex with a teenage girl.
David Ortiz, 32, was charged on Friday, Jan. 12 with Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Use of Communication Device to Solicit a Minor, Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Minor. He also faces eight counts of Use of a Communication Device to Solicit a Minor (Second or Subsequent Offense).
Ortiz is a UISD employee as a music teacher with LBJ High School.
» https://www.kgns.tv/2024/01/16/uisd-band-teacher-arrested-virginia-allegedly-attempting-entice-minor/
»  https://www.lmtonline.com/local/article/laredo-uisd-band-teacher-arrested-virginia-child-18611602.php
»

▫️St. Paul man charged with criminal sexual conduct involving 5-year-old stepdaughter
Eden Prairie police received reports on March 21, 2023, from Ramsey County Child Protection, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Midwest Children’s Resource Center (MCRC) about a case of sexual abuse involving a child that occurred in Eden Prairie between July 1, 2021, and June 9, 2022.
Two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct have been filed against a St. Paul man, stemming from an Eden Prairie case spanning 15 months involving his 5-year-old stepdaughter.
The 32-year-old defendant is accused of sexually abusing the child during incidents that occurred between July 2021 and June 2022.
https://www.eplocalnews.org/2024/01/16/st-paul-man-charged-with-criminal-sexual-conduct-involving-5-year-old-stepdaughter/ 

▫️Springfield man sentenced to nearly 20 years for sex trafficking 13-year-old girl
Carlos Casillas was sentenced to 18 years and four months in prison for sex trafficking a minor who was living in a group home in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/01/16/springfield-man-sentenced-sex-trafficking-13-year-old-girl/ 

▫️Marquette Man Sentenced To Prison Time In Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Dalton Riley Duquette, 27, of Marquette, was sentenced to prison with the Michigan Department of Corrections on Tuesday after having been convicted of two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree against two different Victims.
His sentences will run concurrently to each other, with a minimum sentence of 7 years 11 months to a maximum sentence set by statute of 15 years.
https://www.radioresultsnetwork.com/2024/01/16/229724/ 

▫️ERO Boston arrests Haitian citizen charged with rape, indecent assault | ICE
BOSTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston apprehended an unlawfully present Haitian national Jan. 9 who was recently arrested by local police on charges of rape and indecent assault and battery on a developmentally disabled person in Dorchester. ERO Boston lodged an immigration detainer against the Haitian citizen, but the Dorchester District Court chose not to honor it and released him from jail after his arrest on the sexual assault-related charges.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-boston-arrests-haitian-citizen-charged-rape-indecent-assault 

▫️Friend to Friend Addresses Human Trafficking, Benefit Luncheon Planned
On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Friend to Friend will host its annual benefit luncheon at the Country Club of North Carolina. Special Agent Jeremy Major, with the State Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Unit, will be the guest speaker. The Rev. Dr. Paul Murphy and Laura Morgan, who served as Ms. North Carolina Senior America from November 2020 until May 2021, will provide musical entertainment. Limited seats are available; for information call (910) 947-1703. The luncheon is free, but donations of any size are greatly appreciated. 
https://www.thepilot.com/news/features/friend-to-friend-addresses-human-trafficking-benefit-luncheon-planned/article_8aac60a8-b4a2-11ee-8d69-d3a1d8641315.html 

▫️ShardSecure® Safeguards Mission-Critical Datasets for Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative
NEW YORK - ShardSecure, a leading provider of cloud data security, privacy, and resilience software, has been adopted by the Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative (ATII), a 501(c)(3) US-based nonprofit that works to disrupt the human trafficking industry.
https://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-shardsecurereg-safeguards-mission-critical-datasets-anti-human-trafficking-/2024/01/16/9946477.htm 

▫️Montanans can help law enforcement stop human trafficking
Human trafficking is not just a big city problem. It’s happening right here in Montana.
Which is why, during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, I’m encouraging Montanans to learn the signs of human trafficking and report it if they see it.
If folks don’t know what it is and how to report it, they can’t help us stop it.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen
https://www.havredailynews.com/story/2024/01/16/opinion/montanans-can-help-law-enforcement-stop-human-trafficking/544524.html
» https://ravallirepublic.com/opinion/column/austin-knudsen-montanans-can-help-law-enforcement-stop-human-trafficking/article_e95e28a2-b1a0-11ee-8bcb-2fef9464db6c.html 

▫️Place of Hope partners with Crime Stoppers to combat human trafficking
January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention month, an opportunity to raise awareness and educate people about how to identify and prevent this horrendous crime.
Experts that work with victims said, year over year, they are noting an uptick in cases involving children under 18 being exploited. 
https://cbs12.com/news/local/place-of-hope-partners-crime-stoppers-combat-human-trafficking-prevention-month-exploitation-victims-survivors-founding-ceo-charles-bender-law-enforcement-florida-january-17-2024 

▫️Utah fugitive Nicholas Rossi's court hearing goes off the rails
Fugitive 'rapist' Nicholas Rossi confuses Utah judge by affecting British accent and insisting he's an Englishman called Arthur Knight in bizarre first court appearance since extradition from Scotland.
Rape suspect Nicholas Rossi stirred up confusion during his first court appearance since being extradited to the US to face assault charges.
Rossi, whose real name is Nicholas Alahverdian, fled after being named as a suspect in a 2008 case. He allegedly faked his own death before he was arrested in Glasgow.
The 36-year-old appeared at a virtual hearing Tuesday, his first since being extradited from Scotland to the US earlier this month
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12971713/Nicholas-Rossi-Utah-court-appearance-extradition.html
» https://youtu.be/0GpdjeK8yKU 

▫️VIDEO: ‘They’re being groomed’: New report reveals over 90% of S.C. human trafficking victims are minors
In a state with just one shelter for underage trafficking victims, experts say the Grand Strand needs a shelter.
» https://www.live5news.com/video/2024/01/15/video-theyre-being-groomed-new-report-reveals-over-90-sc-human-trafficking-victims-are-minors/
»  https://www.wrdw.com/2024/01/15/over-90-sc-human-trafficking-victims-are-minors/
»

▫️Walk to end human trafficking in Southern AZ set for Saturday, Jan. 20
TUCSON, Ariz.  — A walk to raise awareness of human trafficking will take place on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 9 a.m. at the northwest corner of Reid Park.
Southern Arizona Against Slavery is hosting its first Walkin' the Miles event. The walk will have a DJ, silent auction, bouncy castle and food trucks.
The walk will be led by eight human-trafficking survivors, who will be honored at the event.
https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/walk-to-end-human-trafficking-in-southern-arizona-set-for-saturday 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Local human trafficking sting operation helps rescue 2 women; arrests 3 suspects
WACO, Texas — The McLennan County Sheriff’s Department arrested three suspected human traffickers during a sting operation, and saved two women’s lives. Two adult female victims were rescued during the sex trafficking sting.
They were sent to a recovery organization called Unbound. His deputies arrested Luis Jiminez, Michael Stanford and Joy Mellinger, and charged all three with promotion of prostitution.
» https://www.fox44news.com/news/local-news/mclennan-county/mclennan-county-sherriffs-office-arrests-three-people-in-human-trafficking-sting/       (VIDEO)
» https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/mclennan-county/waco/local-human-trafficking-sting-operation-helps-rescue-2-women-3-suspects-arrested      (VIDEO)
» https://wacotrib.com/news/local/crime-courts/mclennan-county-deputies-arrest-3-on-promotion-of-prostitution-2-victims-sent-for-help/article_120a3f64-b57c-11ee-8ac4-7bef677acc59.html
»

▫️U.S. Marshals Operation Boo Dat Concludes with the Recovery of 3 Missing/Endangered Children and 28 Arrests
he U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) New Orleans Task Force sponsored its annual Operation Boo Dat from October 22, 2023, to January 13, 2024, resulting in 28 arrests, 14 of which were for felony sex offender registration violations. Three missing/endangered teenagers were also recovered during the operation and tied to the arrests of two unrelated adult male subjects. Six fugitives were arrested during the operation on felony warrants related to open sex-based offenses.
https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/press-release/us-marshals-operation-boo-dat-concludes-recovery-of-3-missing-endangered 

▫️Clemmons teen home after being taken to Ohio
DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C.  — An abducted teen from Clemmons is home safe after authorities say she was taken to Ohio by two suspects, who are now in custody.
Sheriff Richie Simmons says this was a human trafficking case. He says the 15-year-old connected with the suspects through a video game.
“This was human trafficking. They were taking her. They weren’t going to return her,” Simmons said. Manuel Ayala-Mejia and Griselda Arias-Vides are facing felony charges. Investigators say they entered the country while bypassing a border checking station.
» https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/piedmont-triad/clemmons-girl-abducted-by-man-woman-after-connecting-through-video-game-found-in-ohio-davidson-county-deputies-say/
»  https://www.wbtw.com/news/state-regional-news/north-carolina-juvenile-abducted-by-man-woman-accused-of-bypassing-border-checking-station-found-in-ohio-deputies-say/      (VIDEO)
»

▫️Husband and wife from Riverside arrested for sexually and physically abusing kids
Riverside police on Wednesday released the photos of a husband and wife accused of physically and sexually abusing kids. Jose Cruz Martinez, 47, and his wife Dawn Renee Johnson, 48, allegedly abused a boy and a girl 10 years ago
Officers arrested Martinez on Jan. 5 and booked him into jail for multiple counts of sexual and physical abuse violations of kids younger than 10 years old. Police arrested Johnson five days later and booked her for helping Martinez carry out the abuse. Martinez worked as a youth volunteer at a Riverside church from 2016 to 2023. Detectives believe there may be more victims. 
Anyone with information related to the case should contact Detective C. Wilcox at (951) 353-7133 or email at CWilcox@RiversideCA.gov. 
» https://ktla.com/news/local-news/couple-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-physical-abuse-of-children-in-riverside/
» https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/husband-and-wife-from-riverside-arrested-for-sexually-and-physically-abusing-kids/ 

▫️Man arrested near elementary school charged with child sex crimes
LOCK HAVEN, CLINTON COUNTY — Police state a man arrested after  “suspiciously” walking near an elementary school now faces child sex crime charges. Officers said a man was seen in the area of Robb Elementary possibly carrying a handgun causing the school to be placed into lockdown.
Investigators say they arrested Demario Baer, 19, of Lock Haven, and discovered evidence of Baer’s alleged sex crimes involving a juvenile. On January 9, Baer was charged with the following second set of criminal charges;
• 48 counts of sex-related offenses against a minor
• 12 counts each of the crimes of statutory sexual assault
• Aggravated indecent assault
• Corruption of minors
• Indecent assault
»

▫️School officials inform Carter County law enforcement of child rape case
An arrest has been made after Carter County, Tennessee police were made aware of a child rape case by school system officials.
Benjamin Alexander Scott, 33, is facing a total of five felonies including two counts of rape and continuous sexual abuse of a child.
https://www.969wxbq.com/school-officials-inform-carter-county-law-enforcement-of-child-rape-case/ 

▫️Kentucky Teacher's Aide Admits to Having Sex With 'Numerous Teenage Boys at Same Time'
LEXINGTON, Ky. (DOJ) — A Danville, Ky., woman, Ellen Phillips, formerly known as Ellen Shell, 38, pleaded guilty on Friday, before Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual conduct.
Phillips, who at the time of her offenses was employed as a teacher’s aide, was conducting sexual relationships with numerous teenage boys in the Boyle and Garrard County areas.
https://breaking911.com/kentucky-teachers-aide-admits-to-having-sex-with-numerous-teenage-boys-at-same-time-officials/ 

▫️Former Oahu Schoolteacher Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography
HONOLULU –Senior United States District Judge Susan O. Mollway sentenced Alden Bunag, 35, of Honolulu, yesterday to 210 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release for production of child pornography. Bunag will also be required to register as a sex offender and pay identified victims $30,000 in restitution. Bunag has been detained in custody since he was arrested in June 2022 at an Oahu high school where he was working as a summer schoolteacher. 
https://www.justice.gov/usao-hi/pr/former-oahu-schoolteacher-sentenced-175-years-prison-producing-child-pornography 

▫️4 indicted, including teacher, in North Texas child sex trafficking investigation
Dallas - The indictment documents indicate there may be other underage victims involved with some of the assault and trafficking charges.
The documents also state that Gords took photos of the 11-year-old victim to create commercial sex advertisements. The victim had been missing for weeks and was initially reported as a runaway.
Indictments were handed down by a grand jury on Dec. 8 for the following suspects and charges, according to Dallas County court records:
• Amber Gords, 30: compelling prostitution under 18 and trafficking of a child
• Adarius Staples, 33: aggravated sexual assault of a child, trafficking of a child and compelling prostitution under 18
• Gershon Caston, 38: aggravated sexual assault of a child, trafficking of child and compelling prostitution under 18
• Lamorris Hudspeth, 47: aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to the indictments, Hudspeth had previously been convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child in 1998 and attempted aggravated sexual assault of a child in 2004.
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-texas-child-sex-trafficking-case-indictment-gershon-caston/287-aafb4b05-ea8f-4658-ac34-7b58018b894f 

▫️Former Texas teacher facing 99 years in child sex charge
A former San Antonio Independent School District teacher is facing up to 99 years in prison after prosecutors say he solicited sex from a child under 14. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office says 50-year-old Lloyed Pegues was a teacher at the time and knew the victim was a student at a public school when he solicited sex.
The charge against Peagues, online solicitation of a minor under the age of 14, is typically a second-degree felony which carries a punishment between two and 20 years, but he’s facing enhanced charges due to his public school career.
https://www.lmtonline.com/news/local/article/saisd-teacher-indicted-18613529.php 

▫️Madisonville firefighter arrested on child porn, child procurement charges
A Madisonville Fire Department fireman has been arrested on over a dozen charges related to child pornography and contacting minors for sex.
Kentucky State Police arrested and charged 46-year-old Henry W. Strader, of Madisonville, with 10 counts of procuring a minor by electronic means, possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor, distribution of obscene matter to minors, and first-degree official misconduct.
https://www.k105.com/2024/01/17/madisonville-firefighter-arrested-on-child-porn-child-procurement-charges/ 

▫️Ovalo man charged with Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas  – An Ovalo man was arrested on a first-degree felony charge of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.
An arrest warrant was issued for Cary Roberts of Ovalo on Wednesday, January 17. Roberts was taken into custody by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office the same day.
Roberts allegedly committed multiple acts of sexual abuse to a child younger than 14 years old.
Roberts also has a pending charge for Indecency with a Child from Callahan County. He remains held in the Taylor County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
https://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/news/ovalo-man-charged-with-continuous-sexual-abuse-of-a-child/ 

▫️Mass. high court justice delays hearings in high-end sex ring case
A single justice of the state's highest court has delayed hearings that were scheduled to begin in Cambridge on Thursday for about two dozen people accused of paying for sex from a high-end commercial sex ring that allegedly operated in apartments in Massachusetts and Virginia.
https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/01/17/mass-sjc-delays-hearing-commercial-sex-ring-brothel 

▫️AG: Bedford Co. man sentenced in child sex abuse case, must register as sex offender
Bedford County, PA  — Authorities with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General say a Bedford County man, who was convicted of repeated sexual abuse of a child, has been sentenced in the case.
Officials say 39-year-old Caleb Schweikarth appeared in court this week where he was sentenced to serve 7 to 14 years in state prison.
Investigators say he must also register as a lifetime sex offender.
https://wjactv.com/news/local/ag-bedford-co-man-sentenced-in-child-sex-abuse-case-must-register-as-sex-offender 

▫️Man arrested for possessing videos of child sex abuse
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - A Fargo man is facing several felony counts after investigators say he was in possession of child pornography.
Michael Francis Markey, Jr. is charged with seven counts of possession of certain materials prohibited. According to court documents, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) received four cyber tips over the course of eight months, which led them to Markey’s home in south Fargo.
Court documents say a preview of Markey’s cell phone revealed hundreds of files of sex abuse material, which included children between the ages of 4 and 14-years-old.
https://www.valleynewslive.com/2024/01/17/man-arrested-possessing-videos-child-sex-abuse/ 

▫️Burlington woman facing multiple child sex assault charges pleads not guilty
RACINE — A Burlington woman who faces multiple charges related to child sexual abuse allegations appeared in court Wednesday morning and entered not guilty pleas to all counts against her.
Kerry Hughes, 41, is charged with two counts of first-degree child sexual assault with a child under 13 years old
https://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/woman-charged-in-child-sex-assault-case-pleads-not-guilty/article_1de106b4-af3d-11ee-89c4-774aa99462a9.html 

▫️U.S. Marshals arrest suspect in Oklahoma City child sexual abuse case in Los Angeles
The U.S. Marshals Service made an arrest relating to an Oklahoma City child sexual abuse investigation. 
Officials with the Oklahoma City Police Department reported that on January 16, law enforcement partners arrested 46-year-old Allan Glazier in Los Angeles. 
Glazier was wanted on a warrant for three counts of sexual abuse of a child.
https://okcfox.com/news/local/us-marshals-arrest-suspect-in-oklahoma-city-child-sexual-abuse-case-in-los-angeles-warrant-oklahoma-city-police-department-law-enforcement-partners 

▫️Bay Area pastor pleads not guilty to child sex abuse, kidnapping charges
A Richmond pastor accused of sexual abuse and kidnapping involving four young victims pleaded not guilty in Contra Costa County court on Wednesday,
Victor Hernandez-Pineda, 53, remains in jail on $10 million bail. His next hearing is set for March.
Hernandez-Pineda faces 16 charges and investigators say there are at least four victims, and at least one is from his congregation.
https://abc7news.com/richmond-pastor-not-guilty-plea-child-sexual-abuse-iglesia-pentecostal-movimiento-de-gloria-church/14335264/ 

▫️Schenectady man given 30 years for child sexual exploitation, feds say
ALBANY - A Schenectady man was sentenced Wednesday to 30 years in state prison for sexually exploiting a child, federal prosecutors said.
Terence Wilson, 40, of Schenectady, pleaded guilty to the charge earlier.
He admitted he sexually exploited a child from the time the child was 8 to the time the child  was 15 and he created approximately 50 videos depicting the abuse, prosecutors said.
» https://wnyt.com/top-stories/schenectady-man-gets-30-years-in-prison-for-child-exploitation/    (VIDEO) 
» https://www.dailygazette.com/news/crime/schenectady-federal-court/article_2466b1e6-b573-11ee-bcbb-6f337bfef19f.html 

▫️A New Jersey youth detention center had 'culture of abuse,' new lawsuit says
TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey youth detention center let a “culture of abuse,” in which staff sexually abused boys, endure for decades, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday in state Superior Court by 50 men who lived at the facility.
The lawsuit alleges virtually unchecked sexual abuse of the boys housed at the New Jersey Training School in Monroe Township.
https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/a-new-jersey-youth-detention-center-had-culture-18612860.php 

▫️Custer County deputies accused of ignoring and tasing teen "human trafficking victim"
CUSTER COUNTY, Colo.  - A lawsuit has been filed against the Custer County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) alleging that deputies who responded to a call about a runaway teenager ignored signs of sexual assault and human trafficking and instead repeatedly tased a 16-year-old girl. The 16-year-old plaintiff, named in the lawsuit as LZ, had been 16 years old less than a week and had run away from home on January 18, 2022, when officers located her with two adult men, including 51-year-old Ray Running-Eagle, in a trailer in Westcliffe, CO.
According to the lawsuit, “By all appearances, Mr. Running-Eagle and his unidentified male companion were having a party on a Tuesday afternoon where the only guest was a 16-year-old girl.” The Custer County Sheriff's Office requested that LZ be charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest but that charge was dismissed by the District Attorney's Office. Neither Ray Running-Eagle nor the unidentified companion were ever investigated for harboring a runaway, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, sexual assault, or human trafficking.)
» https://krdo.com/news/2024/01/17/custer-county-deputies-accused-of-ignoring-and-tasing-teen-human-trafficking-victim/ 
»

▫️VSP offers anonymous tip line for human trafficking
As part of its ongoing efforts to prevent and investigate human trafficking, the Virginia State Police is highlighting a texting tip line and web form for the public to send anonymous tips to the department’s Human Trafficking Investigative Unit.
Any witnesses or victims of human trafficking are encouraged to text 847411 on their phone and then type “VSP” followed by the tip. Anonymous web tips can also be submitted through the tip411 web portal featured on the Virginia State Police website at https://www.tip411.com/tips/vastatepolice/new, according to a written statement.
In December, the Virginia Capital Area Human Trafficking Task Force concluded an operation targeting potential human trafficking in several localities within the Richmond area. The undercover operation took place Dec. 12 through Dec. 18 and yielded 16 arrests in Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico counties.
» https://heraldcourier.com/news/local/crime-courts/vsp-offers-anonymous-tip-line-for-human-trafficking/article_8a809810-b542-11ee-9db2-ffd40118bb64.html
» https://www.winchesterstar.com/winchester_star/virginia-state-police-has-texting-tipline-to-report-human-trafficking/article_a5bcafc1-63c1-5730-b7b4-13bc06e295e0.html 

▫️600th Child Rescue: Texas IPC Program's Milestone
Marking a significant milestone in its enduring battle against child exploitation and endangerment, the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Troopers recently celebrated the rescue of their 600th child during traffic stops. This achievement underscores the profound impact of the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) Program since its inception in 2009.
In 2023 alone, the IPC Program led to the recovery of 30 children in a joint human trafficking operation in Midland and Ector Counties and the identification and rescue of 14 human trafficking victims during an Online Solicitation of Prostitution Operation.
» https://www.yourbasin.com/news/dps-rescues-600th-child-trafficking-victim-in-texas/     (VIDEO)
» https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/texas-ipc-program-marks-milestone-with-600th-child-rescue/ 

▫️‘I’m a survivor’: Women raise human trafficking awareness during Detroit panel
DETROIT  - Subjected to human trafficking from a very young age, Paige Stocchi was able to turn her life around with the right help. She now dedicates her life to advocating for other victims in similar circumstances. The panel was held on Wednesday, in the middle of Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/im-a-survivor-women-raise-human-trafficking-awareness-during-detroit-panel   (VIDEO) 

▫️Revealed: US police prevented from viewing many online child sexual abuse reports, lawyers say
Social media companies relying on artificial intelligence software to moderate their platforms are generating unviable reports on cases of child sexual abuse, preventing US police from seeing potential leads and delaying investigations of alleged predators, the Guardian can reveal.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/jan/17/child-sexual-abuse-ai-moderator-police-meta-alphabet 

▫️Sex Trafficking In America | Nonprofit Report
As an American, human trafficking sounds like an overseas issue but it's not. It is an issue that plagues our country, it can happen anywhere, even your own neighborhood. We will be discussing this issue with leaders from nonprofits working to end human trafficking as well as provide support to victims of such crimes.
Our Guests: Nic McKinley, Founder & CEO of Deliver Fund; Christian Murphy, CEO of Wellspring Living; & Jeff Shaw, National Expansion Officer of Frontline Response.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Operation Good Shepherd: 3 arrested, 1 on the run after Hall County undercover child sex sting
HALL COUNTY, Ga. - Deputies have arrested three men and are searching for one more suspect after an undercover online child sex sting in Hall County. Three suspects, 38-year-old Dwayne Larry Drake, 34-year-old Billy Cason Elder, and 30-year-old Mohammed Sadiq, were arrested and charged with electronic exploitation of a minor. Drake has also been charged with trafficking of a person for sexual servitude and sexual exploitation of a minor.
A fourth suspect, identified as 23-year-old Braselton resident Deavonte Clark, fled from authorities and remains on the run. A warrant has been issued for his arrest on charges of electronic exploitation of a minor.
» https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/operation-good-shepherd-child-sex-sting-operation-leads-to-three-arrests-fourth-suspect-at-large/
» https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/operation-good-shepherd-hall-county-underage-sting-arrests
» https://www.11alive.com/article/news/crime/3-arrested-1-wanted-sex-sting-hall-county/85-5550a2b7-bca0-46f0-b97f-43b92cc312e5 

▫️Chicago man charged with human trafficking, prostitution
CROWN POINT — An investigation conducted by the FBI'S Gang Response Investigative Team, known as GRIT, discovered a Chicago man was forcing a woman to perform sex with men for money and pocketing the cash for himself, police said. Jeremy McCovins, 31, was charged Wednesday with human trafficking and promoting prostitution. 
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/chicago-man-charged-with-human-trafficking-promoting-prostitution-jeremy-mccovins-crime-courts/article_35f706f2-b656-11ee-a49e-2f85d81e3c28.html 

▫️Philly man charged with sex trafficking 15-year-old girl in New Jersey
A Philadelphia man was charged Thursday with sex trafficking a 15-year-old girl and another woman.
Nieem Johnson, 40, was indicted in New Jersey state court. He faces a slew of charges, including two counts of first-degree human trafficking. “The allegations in the indictment – holding two victims in a state of involuntary servitude, advertising their availability for sex acts, and engaging in sex acts with a minor — are abhorrent,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a press release. Johnson’s alleged co-defendant, Thomas Fulcher, 54, of Marlton, was charged with sexual assault (2nd degree) and engaging in prostitution with a minor (2nd degree).
One of the victims, a teen girl, escaped from a hotel in Burlington County where she allegedly had been held captive and sex trafficked.
» https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/01/18/philadelphia-man-sex-trafficking-teen-girl/
» https://www.njoag.gov/defendant-who-allegedly-held-15-year-old-girl-captive-at-south-jersey-hotel-indicted-by-grand-jury-on-human-trafficking-charges/
» https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-courts/human-trafficking-atlantic-city/article_0d816032-b633-11ee-afe8-67a8b34fee2c.html 

▫️Man Arrested, Charged With Human Trafficking After Riding School Bus To Rankin County High School
Lemarcus Kelon McDougle got on a school bus at Laurel Park and rode it to Northwest Rankin High School. McDougle is being charged with the following charges:
Disturbing public school session; Interfering with the operations of a school bus; Trespassing; Failure to comply; Resisting Arrest; Human Trafficking
https://darkhorsepressnow.com/man-arrested-charged-with-human-trafficking-after-riding-school-bus-to-rankin-county-high-school/ 

▫️Commerce City police search for suspect accused of trying to kidnap teen girl
The victim was able to provide a detailed description of both the individual and the vehicle he was driving. The teen described the suspect as a Hispanic male in his 30s, bald, with a longer dark-colored beard and a snake tattoo on his outer left forearm. At the time of the incident he was wearing a white T-shirt and black pants. 
The suspect's car is gray or silver with tinted windows, some damage to the front fender on the driver's side near the headlight, and possible taillight damage on the same side. 
Commerce City police are asking anyone who has information about the incident or the suspect to call 911 immediately or the investigative tip line at 303-289-3626.
» https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/video/commerce-city-police-search-for-suspect-accused-of-trying-to-kidnap-teen-girl/
» https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/commerce-city-police-search-kidnapping-suspect-colorado/
» https://www.9news.com/article/news/crime/attempted-kidnapping-girl-second-creek-elementary/73-bbccf8de-9805-441c-85d3-a6a15f172690 

▫️Missing teen from North Carolina intercepted by Bluffton Police officers
37-year-old Manuel De Jesus Ayala-Mejia and 20-year-old Griselda Guadelupe Arias-Vides, were arrested by Bluffton Police and held in the Allen County Detention Center. The Davison County Sheriff’s Office (N.C.) provided warrants for Ayala-Mejia and Arias-Vides for abduction of a child and felonious restraint.
During a search of Town Hall and the surrounding area, they approached a vehicle with Minnesota plates that was occupied by two adults who did not speak English and a teenage girl. In identifying the occupants, they connected the individuals with a notice that a 15-year-old was missing from Clemmons, N.C.
https://www.blufftonicon.com/news/2024/01/19/missing-teen-north-carolina-intercepted-bluffton-police-officers 

▫️Michael Carrico accused of kidnapping Oconee Co. teenager, taking them to motel in NC
WALHALLA, S.C. — The Oconee County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man on kidnapping charges.
Deputies say Carrico was arrested by the Cherokee Tribal Police and taken to jail in Swain County. He was charged with kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The OCSO says this will remain an ongoing investigation and the teen's identity will not be released.
» https://www.peachtreetv.com/video/2024/01/19/suspect-accused-kidnapping-oconee-co-teenager-taking-them-motel-nc/    (VIDEO)
» https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/virginia-man-charged-in-oconee-county-with-kidnapping/ 

▫️Repeat Sex Trafficker Indicted for Trafficking Four Women Using Violence and Threats
BOSTON – A Stoughton man, previously convicted of multiple counts of sex trafficking, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston today for allegedly sex trafficking multiple adult women. 
Marvin Pompilus, 39, has been indicted on three counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; one count of attempted sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/repeat-sex-trafficker-indicted-trafficking-four-women-using-violence-and-threats 

▫️Florida man charged with human trafficking in Dothan
DOTHAN, Ala - On Tuesday, January 16, Dothan Police rushed to a Dothan motel on reports of prostitution occurring.
According to Dothan Police, when officers arrived, they found 24-year-old Tabasis Walker of Pensacola, Florida, with an underage girl in a room. Police say after an investigation, officers found that Walker had tried to pay the young girl to have sex with him at the motel.
»

▫️2 arrested in Pittsburgh area on child rape charges
PITTSBURGH  — Two people in New Castle were arrested in connection with a child rape investigation. 
In a post https://www.facebook.com/NewCastleCityPD/posts/pfbid0WoDLAN7symmDRq4JNLKsQ2NBRr3S6LfneLCci9AAudXf7wPnRNPRFyUxUTGsR4jtl on Facebook, the New Castle Police Department said Regis Lilley and Samantha Haines are facing a list of charges in connection with the case. 
Police said that officers received a complaint on Jan. 13 about a minor who was sexually assaulted.
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/2-arrested-child-rape-charges-new-castle/

▫️(UPDATE) Dallas DA fails to prosecute suspected sex trafficker, sparking questions
The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office is being questioned about failing to prosecute a man accused of human trafficking a young girl from a Texas stadium in April 2022.
The girl was taken (https://www.fox4news.com/news/north-richland-hills-sex-trafficking-case-oklahoma) from a Dallas Mavericks game and trafficked for sex, and now her mother and Attorney General Ken Paxton have weighed in on the case in which Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot was unable to prosecute a suspect captured on video taking the victim from the American Airlines Center.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/dallas-da-fails-prosecute-suspected-sex-trafficker-sparking-questions 

▫️American Airlines Flight Attendant Arrested for Filming Minors in Aircraft Lavatory
BOSTON – An American Airlines flight attendant has been arrested for allegedly surreptitiously recording or attempting to record a minor female passenger using a lavatory aboard an aircraft he was working in September 2023. The defendant is also alleged to have possessed recordings of four additional minor female passengers using lavatories aboard the aircraft he had worked previously.
Estes Carter Thompson III, 36, of Charlotte, N.C., was charged with one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/american-airlines-flight-attendant-arrested-filming-minors-aircraft-lavatory 

▫️Ex-Cincinnati ICE officer accused of coercing sex from immigrants he supervised testifies
Andrew Golobic — an ICE officer in Blue Ash from 2006 to 2020 — is accused of sexually abusing two women who participated in the Alternative To Deportation (ATD) program.
As a deportation officer, Golobic had the authority to set reporting requirements for participants, determine their level of supervision and make recommendations on whether they should be arrested and deported.
In addition to being charged with violating the rights of two women, he's also charged with sex trafficking for allegedly telling a woman she could get her passport in exchange for having sex with him.
» https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/i-team/they-got-me-ex-cincinnati-ice-officer-accused-of-coercing-sex-from-immigrants-he-supervised-testifies
» https://youtu.be/_NxYpgpHs48  

▫️Brockton man pleads guilty to producing child abuse material
BROCKTON — A Brockton man admitted in federal court yesterday to coercing three minors into producing child sexual abuse material.
Zaire Aquil Lodge, 46, entered a guilty plea to three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of receipt of child pornography.
The indictment detailed that Lodge, on various occasions throughout 2021, employed, used, persuaded, induced, and coerced three minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce child sexual abuse material.
https://www.newportdispatch.com/2024/01/18/brockton-man-pleads-guilty-to-producing-child-abuse-material/ 

▫️Glendale church teacher arrested on child sexual assault charges
GLENDALE, Ariz. — A church teacher in Glendale has been arrested and is facing charges of sexual abuse of a child, Glendale Police Department officials confirmed. 
Nathaniel Pineda, a teacher at Dream City Church, is facing charges of sexual abuse, sexual conduct with a minor, and luring a minor by offering or soliciting sexual conduct, department officials said. 
https://www.12news.com/article/news/crime/valley-church-teacher-arrested-on-charges-of-sexual-abuse-of-a-minor/75-05c24696-be67-4d68-a91c-7a3f359d70b1 

▫️Ex-governor candidate completes jail term for possession of child pornography
ELLSWORTH, Maine — A wealthy attorney who nearly became Maine’s governor was released from jail Thursday after completing his sentence for possessing thousands of images of child sexual abuse, officials said.
Eliot Cutler, 77, was sentenced last year to nine months in jail under a plea agreement but was released about a month-and-a-half early for good behavior, Hancock County Jail Administrator Timothy Richardson said.
https://www.wabi.tv/2024/01/18/ex-governor-candidate-completes-jail-term-possession-child-pornography/ 

▫️Texas Man Who Organized Kidnapping, Human Trafficking Of 4-Year-Old, Gets 200 Months
According to court documents, Gilbert John Montez, 24, of Edinburg, recruited and hired people to transport and hold a 4-year-old child for ransom. On March 31, 2022, Jose Andres Romo-Torres took the young child from his mother at a house holding smuggled migrants and gave him to two strangers, Larissa Celena Gracia and Nichole Marie Garcia Tichacek, to transport past the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint to Corpus Christi.
Authorities tracked the pair down to an apartment complex in Stafford, took them into custody, and located the child. The others involved in the scheme all pleaded guilty to their roles and have been sentenced to prison.
“Human smugglers have a bad habit of becoming human kidnappers. Montez targeted a vulnerable family and leveraged a young child’s safety and a parent’s love to extort as much money as possible,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
» https://www.tampafp.com/texas-man-who-organized-kidnapping-human-trafficking-of-4-year-old-gets-200-months/
» https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/organizer-4-year-olds-kidnapping-imprisoned-following-hsi-rio-grande-valley-local 

▫️Montana spa owner accused of sex trafficking, running prostitution business
Ok Son Hale was arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 for allegedly running a prostitution business out of the Bamboo Spa in Belgrade.
https://youtu.be/bmvkFvqg5_I 

▫️Meta documents show 100,000 children sexually harassed daily on its platforms
Employees fretted over company’s ‘negligible’ response to child grooming, according to internal documents made public in lawsuit.
Meta estimates about 100,000 children using Facebook and Instagram receive online sexual harassment each day, including “pictures of adult genitalia”, according to internal company documents made public late Wednesday.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/jan/18/instagram-facebook-child-sexual-harassment 

▫️Maggie Tinsman: Human trafficking epidemic grips Iowa and Quad-Cities
https://qctimes.com/opinion/column/maggie-tinsman-human-trafficking-epidemic-grips-iowa-and-quad-cities/article_f6a862c2-b55e-11ee-903f-9b32d1c15d2d.html 

▫️3-day human trafficking conference begins in North Myrtle Beach
https://www.wbtw.com/news/grand-strand/north-myrtle-beach/horry-county-top-5-in-sc-for-human-trafficking/ 

▫️Traffick Stop Press Conference
Dr. Jerry Haag, President/CEO of One More Child delivers remarks against human trafficking in Florida. Joining him at the Florida Capitol are Senator Colleen Burton, Florida House Representative Jennifer Canady, Bill Leeper, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association, Jodi Domangue, Executive Director of Anti-Trafficking, Laura Henderson, Survivor Mentor, Sara Mahoney with the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking, and Paul and Toni Azinger with the Azinger Family Compassion Center.

▫️Sheriff: Free Documentary Outlining Human Trafficking Trends To Be Shown
The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office is trying to make more people aware of the issue.
A documentary called “Gridshock” will be shown on Wednesday, January 24, 7.00 p.m., at the Western Christian High School Event Center. This opportunity is free to the public.
trailer:

▫️Sheriff Youngblood: Human Trafficking Awareness Month and efforts to reinstate KCSO's gang unit

▫️Boston brothel bust: Public hearings suspended
A Massachusetts Supreme Court judge has suspended hearings set in the cases against 28 people accused of paying for sex in a high-end brothel network while the courts address questions of what information will be made publicly available in the case.
The arrests of three people in connection with the brothel organization alleged to have been operating in Massachusetts and Virginia drew public attention, and acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy of Massachusetts previously said that the list of accused clients included politicians, professors, military officers and pharmaceutical executives.
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/public-hearings-suspended-for-alleged-clients-in-mass-brothel-bust-case/3250014/    (VIDEO) 

▫️FBI: Sextortion cases are skyrocketing
The FBI is warning parents, educators, caregivers, and children about the dangers of online activity that may lead to the solicitation and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual acts. Sextortion involves an offender coercing a minor to create and send sexually explicit images or videos. An adult offender gets sexually explicit material from the child, then threatens to release that compromising material unless the victim produces more.
Agents say that paying the criminals does not make them stop as they will continue to demand more money.
From October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors. The sextortion involved at least 12,600 victims, primarily boys, and led to at least 20 suicides.
» https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/sextortion-16-9-011224.mp4/view       (VIDEO)
» https://www.witn.com/2024/01/18/fbi-sextortion-cases-are-skyrocketing/
» https://www.kttn.com/fbi-addresses-online-threats-to-children-warns-of-sextortion/ 
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Operation Resolution JOHNS: 38 suspects arrested in MCSO joint operation
MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas  – 38 individuals were recently arrested for Solicitation of Prostitution, a state jail felony, during “Operation Resolution JOHNS.”
The joint sting aimed to identify and arrest individuals who have been soliciting prostitutes and maximize the rescue of human trafficking victims.
» https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/crime/38-people-arrested-in-joint-prostitution-sting-around-midland-odessa/513-c722aba9-3f1f-4037-be08-f14bb6463c5d    (VIDEO)
» https://www.yourbasin.com/news/38-suspects-arrested-in-mcso-joint-operation/ 

▫️Bikers against Predators speak out after sting operations in southeast Missouri
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.  - Three southeast Missouri men are now behind bars after sting operations conducted by a non-profit organization that takes action against child predators.
Now we’re hearing about the operation directly from a member of Bikers Against Predators (https://www.facebook.com/Bikersagainstpredators1).
58-year-old Johnny Armstrong is from Caruthersville, 32-year-old Stephen Eubanks lives in Kennett, and 50-year-old Joseph Craig is from Dexter. All three men are now in jail.
“Just trying to kind of wake-up other communities that this is a real danger,” Boots, the President of Bikers against Predators said. “It is a real possibility that your child could be sucked into some of these individuals grooming and stuff like that.”
https://www.kfvs12.com/2024/01/19/bikers-against-predators-speak-out-after-sting-operations-southeast-missouri/ 

▫️Predator Poachers child sex sting leads to Port St. Lucie arrest
The Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) explained Friday that the organization Predator Poachers had been in contact with the suspect since September when he reportedly messaged the account of a group member posing as a 13-year-old girl named “Lilly.”
The suspect, Rodney Hickman, continued messaging the bogus account over the past four months, the organization told investigators.
Hickman was taken into custody and booked into the St. Lucie County jail on counts of obscene communication – traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child and cruelty towards a child – transmitting information harmful to minors.
https://cbs12.com/news/local/predator-poachers-child-sex-sting-leads-to-port-st-lucie-arrest-rodney-hickman-instagram-arrest-january-19-2024  

▫️Bond set at $250K for New Castle couple charged in child sex trafficking, rape case
A New Castle couple is jailed on bonds of $250,000 each in connection with an investigation that includes a charge of sex trafficking a child.
New Castle Police arrested 33-year-old Regis Lilley and 29-year-old Samantha Haines on Thursday after investigating a complaint that a minor had been sexually assaulted. Police say the complaint also named a second juvenile female as a victim.
https://www.wfmj.com/story/50354910/bond-set-at-dollar250k-for-new-castle-couple-charged-in-child-sex-trafficking-rape-case  

▫️Search continues for Barry Allen Bostwick: Police are searching for convicted sexual predator in Perry County
Barry Allen Bostwick, 60, did not show up for a sentencing hearing on Sept. 14, 2023, after previously being convicted of multiple counts of deviate sexual intercourse with a child, 22 other felonies and six related misdemeanors. 
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Perry County Sheriff's Office at (717) 582-5123, Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at (800) 4PA-TIPS 
https://www.fox43.com/amp/article/news/local/police-search-barry-allen-bostwick-convicted-violent-sexual-predator/521-9a6236eb-9b99-4c6a-8727-41d81d9d8649 

▫️Gainesville man arrested for sexual battery on 11-year-old girl
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – David Franklin Wolfe, 64, was arrested yesterday and charged with four felonies related to alleged sexual activity with an 11-year-old girl.
On January 18, the investigator interviewed the 11-year-old girl, who said that Wolfe, a neighbor, had sexually battered her “every day since the summer… at least half a year.” She said he gave her money and let her play with his PlayStation 4 video game system.
https://alachuachronicle.com/gainesville-man-arrested-for-sexual-battery-on-11-year-old-girl/ 

▫️Oklahoma man convicted of child sex acts used Bible stories to lure victim
TULSA, Okla. — A Craig County man who used Biblical stories to justify sexually abusing an 11-year-old child was convicted on federal sexual abuse charges.
Lance Douglas Roark, 43, of Bluejacket was convicted on Thursday of two counts of child sexual abuse of a minor under 12 years of age in Indian Country.
https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news/crime/oklahoma-man-convicted-of-child-sex-acts-used-bible-stories-to-lure-victim/ 

▫️FDLE arrests 2 Pasco County men for possession of child sexual abuse material
NEW PORT RICHEY — Two Pasco County men have been arrested and charged with possession of child sexual abuse material and promoting the sexual performance of a child, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said.
The two men are Michael Robert Ambrosio, 49, of New Port Richey, and Robert Allen Cale, 35, of Port Richey.
https://www.suncoastnews.com/crime_crashes_fires/fdle-arrests-2-pasco-county-men-for-possession-of-child-sexual-abuse-material/article_af07c900-b6d3-11ee-abf3-ef7beb4317a9.html 

▫️Fountain Police are asking the public to help find any potential witnesses or other victims: Swim instructor arrested in Fountain on suspicion of sexual exploitation of children
A swim instructor has been arrested on suspicion of internet child exploitation on Thursday, the Fountain Police Department said. 
Joseph Diepeveen, 20, is a swim instructor at the British Swim School in Colorado Springs, according to police. He was arrested on Jan. 18 and booked into El Paso County jail on suspicion of sexual exploitation of children-distribution of material and sexual exploitation of children-video, moving visual images, motion picture.
Police are asking the public to help find any potential witnesses or other victims. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Tori Slater at 719-382-4288 or email tslater@fountainpd.com. 
https://gazette.com/news/crime/man-arrested-in-fountain-internet-child-exploitation-investigation/article_89703c44-b729-11ee-a653-6ffca2f7d298.html 

▫️Oglala Man found Guilty of Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet and Commercial Sex Trafficking
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Gordon Weston, age 57, of Oglala, South Dakota, of Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet and Commercial Sex Trafficking following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Weston was employed as the Activities Coordinator at the Emergency Youth Shelter in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, from 2009 to 2021. Weston commonly requested juvenile females who stayed at the shelter to be “friends” with him on Facebook after they had left the shelter. Weston contacted at least one juvenile female and offered her money and transportation in exchange for sexual encounters with him.
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/oglala-man-found-guilty-enticement-minor-using-internet-and-commercial-sex-trafficking 
»

▫️St. Louis man charged with multiple counts of child pornography
EDWARDSVILLE – A St. Louis man initially investigated for sex abuse of a 17-year-old girl was charged with multiple counts of child pornography.
Terry M. Gerard, 46, of St. Louis, was charged Jan. 17 with five counts of child pornography and one county of attempted aggravated criminal sexual abuse, all Class 2 felonies.
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/madison-county-sheriff-s-department-uncovers-18615179.php 

▫️Summerville man faces multiple charges for alleged sexual exploitation of a minor: DCSO
Aman was arrested Thursday on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office said. 
David Morgan Beale, 43, of Summerville, is facing five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in the second degree, the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office said. 
https://abcnews4.com/news/local/summerville-man-faces-multiple-charges-for-alleged-sexual-exploitation-of-a-minor 

▫️Oakland man nicknamed ‘Scarface’ gets 24 years for human trafficking of teen girl
OAKLAND — A city resident has been sentenced to 24 years in state prison for trafficking a 16-year-old girl, a crime he was convicted of at trial last year.
Lawrence Bomani Johnson, who reportedly went by the nickname “Scarface,” was sentenced Jan. 5, according to a news release by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Johnson was convicted in 2023 of human trafficking and other charges related to the teen. Johnson was originally charged with trafficking two girls 
» https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/01/19/oakland-man-nicknamed-scarface-gets-24-years-for-human-trafficking-of-teen-girl/ 
»

▫️9 months jail for Penticton man’s child sexual abuse material collection
A Penticton businessman received a nine-month jail sentence for possessing a collection of child sexual abuse material that the judge noted was “disturbing”.
Leigh Stephen Gosse, 54, the owner of Aladdin Carpet One in Penticton, was in court on Jan. 18 to hear his fate, after having pleaded guilty early on to the charge against him.
Defence for Gosse had asked for a conditional sentence of house arrest based on a number of mitigating factors. Crown was seeking up to 15 months in jail followed by three years of probation.
The judge ended up sentencing Gosse to nine months in jail, followed by three years of probation.
https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/9-months-jail-for-penticton-mans-child-sexual-abuse-material-collection-7298545 

▫️San Francisco man facing 50-to-life for multiple child sex assaults over 10 years
SAN FRANCISCO  — A San Francisco man is facing 50 years to life in prison after being convicted of multiple child sex assaults over a 10-year span, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office said. Robert Thomas pleaded guilty and was convicted of the assaults, which took place between 2001 and 2011.
https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/san-francisco-man-facing-50-to-life-for-multiple-child-sex-assaults-over-10-years/ 

▫️Kemal Banatte Admits To Raping Child He Knew From 2015-2019
A 44-year-old Hampshire County man admitted to repeatedly sexually assaulting a child, authorities said, and now he knows how long he'll spend in prison.
Kemal Banatte, of Amherst, was sentenced to six to seven behind bars after he pleaded guilty to one count of statutory rape of a child, one count of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child over 14, and one count of witness intimidation, the Northwestern District Attorney said. 
https://dailyvoice.com/massachusetts/hampshire-franklin/amherst-man-admits-to-raping-child-gets-6-to-7-years-in-prison-da/ 

▫️Kentucky man, owner of illegal porn site 'The Ho Zone' arrested
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville man could spend decades in federal prison for running an illegal and lucrative online marketplace advertising and selling pornographic images of children and adults.
Kyle White, 24, ran the marketplace from his Louisville home, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. White has been charged with advertisement, receipt, and distribution of child pornography.
https://www.whas11.com/article/news/crime/louisville-kentucky-operator-arrested-fbi-illegal-pornography-marketplace-the-ho-zone/417-d74d05ee-f7bd-47dd-b4aa-8b82c40476fd     (VIDEO) 

▫️Man arrested in Effingham after attempted child kidnapping
EFFINGHAM, Ill.  — A man from Clay County, Ill. is under arrest in Effingham after police officials there said he tried to kidnap a girl from a hotel Friday morning.
Officials said in a press release that Matthew Kelledes, 37 of Flora, was arrested following a physical altercation with hotel staff and patrons in the lobby at 7 a.m. Officers responded to calls for help within minutes and upon arrival, they used tasers to subdue Kelledes and take him into custody.
The girl Kelledes is accused of trying to kidnap is not hurt and is with her parents, officials said.
https://www.wcia.com/crime/man-arrested-in-effingham-after-attempted-child-kidnapping-police/ 

▫️Rockland woman sentenced for distributing child sexual abuse videos
ROCKLAND, Maine - A Rockland woman will spend 10 years behind bars for distributing child sexual abuse materials.
According to court records, 29-year-old Bianca Van Valkenburg sent videos of child sexual abuse of an infant that police in Florida seized in August of 2020.
https://www.wabi.tv/2024/01/20/rockland-woman-sentenced-distributing-child-sexual-abuse-videos/ 

▫️San Francisco man convicted in horrific sexual assaults of 2 children; facing 50 years to life
A San Francisco man is facing up to 50 years to life in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting two minors over a 10-year period, according to authorities.
Robert Thomas, 56, pleaded guilty to multiple child sex assaults between 2001 and 2011, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office said in a statement Thursday. Thomas also admitted to committing aggravated sexual assault of a child and disclosed having a previous strike offense, according to the statement.
https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/san-francisco-man-horrific-child-sexual-assault-facing-50-years-to-life/ 

▫️Leader of a Columbus human trafficking ring sent to prison for 14 yrs
The accused ringleader of a Columbus human trafficking ring that investigators allege used vulnerable women battling addiction for prostitution has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Marcus J. Carmon, 40, of Columbus' Near East Side, pleaded guilty in November to compelling prostitution, having a weapon illegally and possession of cocaine.
Bradley Powell, 31, of the city's Northeast Side, previously pleaded guilty to promoting prostitution. Lynch sentenced him in 2022 to 708 days in prison, but he received full credit for the 708 days he spent in jail.
The third man indicted, 50-year-old Anthony Dunn, of the city's Short North, pleaded guilty to two counts of promoting prostitution in 2020 and is awaiting sentencing. He could get up to three years in prison.
» https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/courts/2024/01/19/leader-of-a-columbus-human-trafficking-and-prostitution-ring-sentenced-to-14-years-in-prison/72283572007/
»  https://www.10tv.com/article/news/crime/leader-human-trafficking-ring-in-central-ohio-sentenced-to-14-years-in-prison/530-f6f1ec37-78ff-4f3e-b544-75a6b6e25435
»

▫️KC Man Sentenced to 23 Years for Sexual Abuse of Child Victim, Distributing Video of Abuse Online
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for recording his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old victim and sharing a video of the abuse online.
Jeffrey A. Knight, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 23 years in federal prison without parole. 
On Aug. 8, 2023, Knight pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography. Knight also admitted that he sexually abused the child victim on multiple occasions until April 2022. Knight uploaded hundreds of images and videos of child pornography to his online storage accounts, including Google and Dropbox, from 2013 until his arrest on Feb. 3, 2023. Knight was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography at the time of his arrest.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/kc-man-sentenced-23-years-sexual-abuse-child-victim-distributing-video-abuse-online 

▫️Man gets 60 years for long-time abuse of young girl
Waco, Tx  – A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison after changing his plea halfway through his jury trial on charges of continuous sexual abuse of a child.
Justin Randall Sauceda is not eligible for parole and will have to serve his entire sentence, meaning he would be 95 years old when his sentence is complete.
https://www.fox44news.com/news/local-news/mclennan-county/sixty-year-sentence-for-long-time-abuse-of-young-girl/ 

▫️Man receives 70 years in prison for multiple child sex crimes
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas  — A man charged with multiple counts of child sex crimes in Travis County was sentenced to serve 70 years in state prison on Jan. 12.
According to the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, 42-year-old Sergio Nava-Sanchez was charged with the continuous sexual abuse of a child, indecency with a child by contact and attempted sexual assault of a child.
https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/man-receives-70-years-in-prison-for-multiple-child-sex-crimes/ 

▫️Former Galion schools athletic trainer sentenced to prison for possessing child sex abuse images
Jon Vitello, 39, of Marion, was sentenced by Judge Matthew Frericks to 12 to 13.5 years in prison on 10 counts.

▫️Project Dynamo expands rescue operations to save human trafficking victims 

▫️Human traffickers target children, vulnerable adults: What to watch for
How do you keep yourself, and your children safe from human trafficking -- a growing problem across the country? Education is key. Knowing what signs to look for can make all the difference.

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in North Carolina.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxZ5uwNJGD0▫️Caddo Parish holds Proclamation Ceremony and condemn acts of human trafficking
A Proclamation Ceremony was hosted by the Free Coalition to End Human Trafficking in Louisiana, Caddo Parish Juvenile Services, Caddo Parish Juvenile Court and the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force. The ceremony was held at the Juvenile Court and recognized those affected by human trafficking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4isbkPHffDU

 

▫️TV5 interviews 'To Catch a Predator' star and Genesee Co. sheriff
Chris Hansen and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson sit down with TV5 to discuss human trafficking and predators.

▫️Legal Learning: What to Expect When Reporting Human Trafficking to Law Enforcement
Are you curious about what happens when you report human trafficking? In this episode of Legal Learning Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) explains what it's like to Report Human Trafficking to Law Enforcement. 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Former Town and Country police sergeant charged with child sex crimes
Police in Missouri are looking for a retired officer who has been charged with multiple child sex crimes.
JEFFERSON COUNTY — A former Town and Country police sergeant is accused of sexually abusing two teenagers over the course of a decade in Jefferson County.
Jordan Fowle, 57, was charged with child sexual abuse, sodomy and seven counts of child molestation. He was not in custody Saturday afternoon, but investigators were “actively looking for him,” said Grant Bissell, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.
The complaint, filed by prosecutors on Tuesday, outlines several instances of sexual abuse of two teenagers from 2012 to 2023 in Jefferson County.
» https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/01/20/retired-town-county-police-sergeant-charged-with-child-sex-abuse/      (VIDEO)
» https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-courts/former-town-and-country-police-sergeant-charged-with-child-sex-crimes/article_1f875df4-b7be-11ee-b4c1-eb624ec852c0.html
» https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/crime/town-country-police-officer-child-sex-crime-charges/63-db975248-8003-4300-bc94-96cf8e52d109 

▫️‘Help me’: Texas man pleads guilty in kidnapping of teen who wrote dire escape note
A Texas man pleaded guilty Friday in the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl abducted at gunpoint from a San Antonio street to Southern California, federal prosecutors said. The teen aided in her own rescue after she was left in a car, scribbled a note with the words “help me,” and flashed the sign toward a “good Samaritan” who dialed 911.
Steven Sablan, 62, agreed to a deal in which he pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping and admitted to sexually assaulting the girl multiple times before police arrested him in July in Long Beach, where he had taken the victim, according to the the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/help-texas-man-pleads-guilty-kidnapping-teen-wrote-dire-escape-note-rcna134881 

▫️Ex-Dix Hills residential facility worker arrested, accused of raping teen resident
A former employee at a Dix Hills residential facility was arrested for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old female resident at the facility over the summer.
Hayden Daley was arraigned in criminal court in Central Islip on Saturday. He was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of criminal sex act and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Daley, 27, of Deer Park, worked at WellLife Network at 43 Arista Drive where he “began a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old resident at the facility on July 3,” Suffolk police said in a release.
https://longisland.news12.com/ex-dix-hills-residential-facility-worker-arrested-accused-of-raping-teen-resident 

▫️Ute tribal councilman and former school board member arrested for sexual contact during "healings"
Lyndreth Hemp Wall was arrested by federal authorities after four women came forward with allegations Wall performed sex acts on them during the course of what prosecutors described as "traditional healing methods."
Wall, 58, faces eight counts of sexual abuse in Indian Country and four courts of abusive sexual contact in Indian Country. The reported incidents occurred between 1997 and 2017, according to a federal grand jury indictment in the case that was issued eight days before Wall's arrest on Jan. 11.
One of the women was younger than 16 at the time the alleged assaults began, according to the indictment.
Wall is also a former board member of the Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 School District. 
https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/ute-tribal-councilman-and-former-school-board-member-arrested-for-sexual-contact-during-healings/ 

▫️Venezuelan sex trafficking gang that brands young girls operating in US, linked to ex-cop's murder: reports
A brutal Venezuelan street gang that controls sex trafficking in South America by branding women and young girls with tattoos behind their ears is exporting its violence to the US, according to reports.
Tren de Aragua, which is named for the Venezuelan state of Aragua, is now operating in South Florida following the arrest this week of a suspect wanted in a brutal murder in Miami, according to reports.
https://nypost.com/2024/01/20/news/venezuelan-sex-trafficking-gang-that-brands-young-girls-operating-in-us-linked-to-ex-cops-murder-reports/ 

▫️Elderly man confesses to child abuse, held on $100,000 bond
SAN ANTONIO -  Martinez confessed to the crime that the victim stated and soon after he was done giving the statement, Martinez became suicidal and was emergency detained.
Luis Martinez has been charged with Sexual Abuse of a Child - Continuous with a $100,000 bond.
https://foxsanantonio.com/newsletter-daily/elderly-man-confesses-to-child-abuse-held-on-100000-bond-crime-people-suicide-san-antonio-bexar-county 

▫️Brockton man pleads guilty to coercing three minors to produce child sexual abuse material
According to the Department of Justice, 46-year-old Zaire Aquil Lodge pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of receipt of child pornography.
Multiple times throughout 2021, Lodge employed, used, persuaded, induced, and coerced three minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce child sexual abuse material, according to the indictment.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/crime/brockton-man-pleads-guilty-to-coercing-three-minors-to-produce-child-sexual-abuse-material/ 

▫️Roseland man sentenced to life in prison on child sex abuse charge
An elderly Nelson County man was sentenced to life in prison Jan. 16 on one count of object sexual penetration of a victim under age 13.
Lewis Arnold Walker, of Roseland, pleaded guilty to the charge Oct. 3 in Nelson Circuit Court. Nelson County Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Erik Laub said Walker is in his 70s and the offense date is August 2020.
https://newsadvance.com/news/community/nelson-county-times/roseland-man-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-on-child-sex-abuse-charge/article_85819bf2-b718-11ee-aa56-bf12b0cba714.html 

▫️Louisville man claiming to have made over $300K on child pornography arrested
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A 24-year-old Louisville man was arrested on child pornography charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Kyle White was charged with advertisement of child pornography and receipt and distribution of child pornography. 
According to a release, White allegedly ran an online pornography marketplace known as "The Ho Zone" on the message application Telegram. He advertised and sold the pornography to thousands of members and subscribers.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12983997/kyle-white-arrested-child-pornography.html
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/operator-online-pornography-marketplace-ho-zone-charged-advertisement-receipt-and
» https://www.wdrb.com/news/crime-reports/louisville-man-claiming-to-have-made-over-300k-on-child-pornography-arrested/article_6efb0064-b7ca-11ee-9786-1375eb9eecad.html 

▫️Orlando man who drove to Ocala mall for child sex gets 12 years in prison
An Orlando man who drove to the Paddock Mall in Ocala to have sex with a child will spend over 12 years behind bars. On Friday, Senior United States Judge Gregory A. Presnell sentenced 32-year-old Victor Aguilar to 12 years and 6 months in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
https://www.ocala-news.com/2024/01/20/orlando-man-who-drove-to-ocala-mall-for-child-sex-gets-12-years-in-prison/ 

▫️New Mexico Man Found Guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse
ALBUQUERQUE – Joel Ruiz, 65, from Dulce, was found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse by a federal jury after a day and a half of deliberation. United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI Albuquerque Office, announced the verdict, delivered on January 19, 2024. The trial was overseen by Judge David H. Urias.
Ruiz faced charges from a federal grand jury indictment dated March 8, 2022. Trial evidence and public court records revealed that between January 2016 and January 2020, Ruiz enticed a child under 12 years old into his trailer with candy and sexually assaulted her.
https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2024/01/21/new-mexico-man-found-guilty-of-aggravated-sexual-abuse/ 

▫️Mississippi Man, Jailed For Child Sex Crimes, Gets 19 Years For Distributing Child Porn Behind Bars
An inmate serving 40 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections for child sex crimes, was sentenced Thursday to an additional 235 months in federal prison for using a contraband cell phone to send and seek out images of child sexual abuse material from behind bars.
On September 5, 2023, while serving a Mississippi state sentence related to the sexual abuse and exploitation of a child, Quincy J. LaBauve, 37, formerly of Biloxi, entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia, to one count of distribution of child pornography.
https://www.newsbreak.com/biloxi-ms/3305243702837-mississippi-man-jailed-for-child-sex-crimes-gets-19-years-for-distributing-child-porn-behind-bars 

▫️Pastor and wife lock kids in bathroom for days and whip them, Oklahoma police say
A pastor and his wife are accused of locking their kids in a bathroom for days without food or water and beating them up to 40 times at once, Oklahoma police said.
The pastor has been charged with child abuse, kidnapping and child neglect, according to a probable cause affidavit from the Blackwell Police Department filed Jan. 18. His wife has been charged with enabling child abuse, kidnapping and child neglect.
The couple had custody of eight children ranging in age from 2 to 17, police said.
https://original.newsbreak.com/@belitha-1863641/3305195992590-pastor-and-wife-lock-kids-in-bathroom-for-days-and-whip-them-oklahoma-police-say 

▫️Former priest sentenced for sex crime in SE Minnesota
WINONA, Minn. – A former priest has been sentenced for a sex crime in Winona County.
In October 2023, a jury found Ubaldo Roque Huerta, 51 of Rushmore, guilty of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct.  Huerta was charged in August 2022 with performing a sex act on an intoxicated person but did not show up for a court hearing in September 2022 and was a fugitive until being arrested in May 2023.
Huerta has now been sentenced to 10 days in jail, four years of supervised probation, and a $900 fine.
» https://www.kimt.com/news/crime/former-priest-sentenced-for-sex-crime-in-se-minnesota/article_d1d79060-b6d2-11ee-b7a2-8f93dc7d2a94.html
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/former-priest-sentenced-for-sex-crime-in-se-minnesota/ 

▫️New Orleans priest in hospital after being jailed on child rape charges
A 92-year-old retired Catholic priest jailed in New Orleans since September on charges of child rape and kidnapping has been hospitalized, his attorneys said on Friday.
Lawrence Hecker – who admitted that he sexually molested or harassed underage boys in the 1960s and 1970s during a remarkable interview with WWL Louisiana and the Guardian in August – has experienced mental decline, disorientation and some physical ailments while being held in New Orleans’s jail, attorneys argued during a state court hearing.
» https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/20/jailed-new-orleans-priest-lawrence-hecker-hospitalized
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/new-orleans-priest-in-hospital-after-being-jailed-on-child-rape-charges/ 

▫️121 unmarked graves in a former Black cemetery found at US Air Force base in Florida, officials say
A non-intrusive archaeological survey performed over the past two years at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa identified 58 probable graves and 63 possible graves, base officials said Thursday, WFTS-TV reported.
“We know obviously there was wrong done in the past, but we’re working together with our community members,” base spokesperson Lt. Laura Anderson said. “We want to make what was wrong right.”
https://www.wbtw.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-121-unmarked-graves-in-a-former-black-cemetery-found-at-us-air-force-base-in-florida-officials-say/ 

▫️WATCH: James O’Keefe vs. Southern Border NGOs Allegedly Involved in Human Trafficking
James O’Keefe, of Project Veritas fame, has a damning report straight from the epicenter of the migrant invasion.
*Calling the cops and crying wolf about “muh racism” to cover for a human trafficking operation! Straight out of the Social Justice™ playbook.
“These ‘Alitas’ ( http://alitasangels.com ) groups are part of a shadowy network of secretive nonprofits funding the mass migration of millions of people into the country, without truly vetting asylum seekers' claims and determining if they are eligible for refugee status,” adds O’Keefe. 
https://pjmedia.com/benbartee/2024/01/20/watch-james-okeefe-vs-southern-border-ngos-allegedly-involved-in-human-trafficking-n4925684 

▫️Mexican marines detain alleged leader of Gulf drug cartel, the gang that kidnapped, killed Americans
MEXICO CITY  — Mexican marines detained one of the top leaders of the Gulf drug cartel, the gang that kidnapped four Americans and killed two of them in March 2023.
Mexico’s national arrest registry said José Alberto García Vilano was taken into custody on Thursday. In 2022, Tamaulipas state prosecutors also identified García Vilano by a second nickname, “Cyclone 19,” and had offered a $150,000 reward for his arrest.
The four Americans crossed into the border city of Matamoros from Texas in March so that one of them could have cosmetic surgery. They were fired on in downtown Matamoros and then loaded into a pickup.
Americans Zindell Brown and Shaeed Woodard died in the attack; Eric Williams and Latavia McGee survived.
» https://guardian.ng/news/mexico-arrests-suspected-cartel-leader-over-kidnapping-killing-of-americans/
» https://www.borderreport.com/news/mexican-marines-detain-alleged-leader-of-gulf-drug-cartel-the-gang-that-kidnapped-killed-americans/ 

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Night with HAUL – Houston Young Professionals
Join us for the Human Trafficking Awareness Night in Partnership with HAUL
January 24, 2024 | 6 PM CST – 8 PM CST      Crime Stoppers of Houston
https://houstonyoungprofessionals.com/event/human-trafficking-awareness-night-with-haul/ 
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Man arrested for allegedly making sexual contact with minors he met online through video games, deputies say
WASHINGTON PARISH, La. – In a significant update on an ongoing investigation, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO) has successfully apprehended and extradited Benjamin Hart, a cross-country truck driver from Weare, New Hampshire, in connection with allegations of sexual battery and indecent behavior with a juvenile.  The investigation, spearheaded by Detective Chad Cassard, was initiated on November 29, 2022, after it was discovered that Hart had targeted the victim through Xbox Live, establishing contact during video game sessions. The accused, born on January 9, 1997, had an existing case involving multiple juveniles in Carroll County, New Hampshire. Despite pending charges in Washington Parish, Louisiana, Hart evaded law enforcement.
https://www.wwltv.com/video/news/crime/289-11766653-707a-426c-aa9e-ecbb1b7a63ae   (VIDEO)
» https://www.bogalusadailynews.com/2024/01/20/washington-parish-sheriffs-office-successfully-apprehends-benjamin-hart-in-sexual-battery-case/
» https://wgno.com/news/crime/new-hampshire-man-accused-of-child-sex-crimes-in-washington-parish/ 

▫️Dexter man arrested on charges of enticement of child after 'operation' by Bikers Against Predators
BERNIE — A Dexter man has been taken into custody after allegedly trying to entice a child under the age of 15.
Bernie police chief Rick Cook said in a Facebook post Joseph James Craig was arrested after an investigation, that began the evening of Jan. 13 following an "operation" conducted in Bernie by Bikers Against Predators. According to a probable-cause statement, Craig made contact with a decoy through the app Meet Me on his cellphone. During the communication, Craig sent his phone number to the decoy account and continued communication, the statement said. Authorities say Craig believed he was speaking to a 13-year-old girl in Bernie.
https://www.semissourian.com/story/3025947.html 

▫️Osceola's Relentless Pursuit: Sexual Predator Apprehended
In yet another display of Osceola's unwavering commitment to public safety, law enforcement officials have successfully apprehended a wanted sexual predator, ensuring a safe conclusion to a case that had gripped the community. The suspect, who had multiple felony warrants against him, made a futile attempt to evade arrest, but ultimately, justice prevailed.
The incident unfolded in a tense chase that saw the suspect trying to outmaneuver the authorities. 
https://original.newsbreak.com/@iskycreations-news-media-1770192/3305946346056-osceola-s-relentless-pursuit-sexual-predator-apprehended 

▫️Kansas man arrested in Bentonville internet sting operation
BENTONVILLE, Ark.  — A Kansas man was arrested during an internet sting operation in Bentonville on Jan. 12, according to court documents.
Luis Bello, 28, of Leawood, Kan., was arrested on rape, internet stalking of a child, and criminal conspiracy charges, according to his booking.
» https://nz.news.yahoo.com/video/kansas-man-arrested-bentonville-internet-013649598.html    (VIDEO)
» https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/crime/kansas-man-arrested-bentonville-internet-sting-operation-minor/527-acd0710d-a020-4ede-8edb-3be3f61e0260 

▫️Former Tennessee children's hospital tech accused of rape arrested in Illinois
NASHVILLE, Tenn.  — A man on the Metro Nashville Police Department's "most wanted" list was arrested in Illinois after being accused of rape at a Tennessee children's hospital.
MNPD reports 43-year-old Terrance Boyd was arrested in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on an outstanding rape warrant after being on the run for more than a year. Boyd was a tech at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in July 2022 when he allegedly sexually assaulted a 13-year-old female patient, according to MNPD.
https://khqa.com/news/nation-world/former-tennessee-childrens-hospital-tech-accused-of-rape-arrested-in-illinois-terrance-boyd-mt-vernon-outstanding-warrant-on-the-run-sexual-assault-abuse-dna-swab-crime-lab 

▫️Millersville deacon suspended from ministry after allegation
A Millersville deacon who has been involved in ministry to those experiencing homelessness has been suspended from ministry after the Archdiocese of Baltimore received information about sexual misconduct involving Deacon Edward “Ed” Stoops.
Deacon Stoops has served at Our Lady of the Fields in Millersville and provided food and other support at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Baltimore to those experiencing homelessness.
According to a statement from the archdiocese, the allegation has been reported to law enforcement. 
https://catholicreview.org/millersville-deacon-suspended-from-ministry-after-allegation/ 

▫️South Texas man pleads guilty to attempting to transport weapons and possession of child sexual abuse material following HSI RGV, federal partner investigation | ICE
McALLEN, Texas — A South Texas man pleaded guilty to straw purchasing and possessing child sexual abuse material on his cellphone following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jose Angel Hinojosa Jr., 36, of Weslaco, pleaded guilty Jan. 19 before U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey.
During the firearms investigation, authorities also learned of possible crimes involving child sexual abuse material. They executed search warrants and found several videos on his phone showing minors engaging in sexual conduct. Hinojosa admitted to receiving child sexual abuse material on his cellphone from various third parties.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/south-texas-man-pleads-guilty-attempting-transport-weapons-and-possession-child 

▫️Lucas County Local group created to seek justice for kids who were sexually assaulted
OREGON, Ohio  - A woman whose young children have been sexually abused forms a group to see justice for all kids in Lucas County.
She’s taking the power back and advocating for those who can’t. Mother of sexual assault survivor Jeannie Phillips said, “I can see there’s a need to help the children and that’s all I want to do.”
Her mission - to help all children who’ve been sexually assaulted in Lucas County including her own. The group meets monthly at the Oregon Public Library at 1pm.
https://www.13abc.com/2024/01/22/local-group-created-seek-justice-kids-who-were-sexually-assaulted/    (VIDEO) 

▫️Abuse trial of ex-Pope Valley school worker begins Monday
Jury selection for a Pope Valley man accused of sexually abusing students at the rural Napa County school where he worked is scheduled to begin Monday.
Benjamin Casas, 34, faces charges of abusing three girls and two boys between 2013 and 2017, when the victims were younger than 15 and he worked for the Pope Valley Elementary School.
https://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/crime-courts/benjamin-casas-pope-valley-school-sexual-abuse-trial-napa-court/article_f7d36caa-b8b0-11ee-93e5-3bb2f7d9caf7.html 
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️38 arrested for soliciting prostitution in Joint Sting Operation
MIDLAND, Texas  - Over a four-day joint sting operation from Jan. 10 through Jan. 13, the Midland County Sheriff’s Office along with OPD, MPD, DPS, and other state law enforcement agencies arrested 38 individuals who were soliciting prostitution.
12 were arrested by MCSO, one was arrested by MPD and 25 were arrested by Texas DPS. 
According to the MCSO social media post, the goal of the John Sting was “to identify and arrest people soliciting prostitutes and maximize the rescue of human trafficking victims.”
» https://www.cbs7.com/2024/01/22/38-arrested-soliciting-prostitutions-joint-sting-operation/  (VIDEO)
» https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/crime/article/mcso-arrests-38-people-prostitution-sting-18621537.php 

▫️53 arrested in North Texas human trafficking sting
A recent human trafficking sting in North Texas led to the arrest of 53 people who were allegedly trying to pay for sex acts.
The operation led by the North Texas Trafficking Task Force and Collin County Constable's Office was carried out on Jan. 11 and 12.
» https://www.fox4news.com/news/53-arrested-in-north-texas-human-trafficking-sting
» http://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_136341.shtml 

▫️Thirty victims of human trafficking have been rescued, Sheriff's Department says
San Bernardino County - "Thankfully, in 2023 we were able to rescue 26 adult female victims and four juvenile female victims, but consequently there are several hundreds still out there,” the Sheriff’s Department said in a Facebook post recently.
https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/inland_empire_news/thirty-victims-of-human-trafficking-have-been-rescued-sheriffs-department-says/article_80e78ee2-b968-11ee-8e67-27ff69974282.html 

▫️‘Dangerous predator’ under $2M bond after targeting children across the U.S., Sheriff says
MONROE, N.C.  — A Monroe man is behind bars again after using the internet to prey on “numerous underage children across the United States,” according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said convicted sex offender, 32-year-old Thomas Long, was arrested in mid-January in an ongoing child exploitation investigation stretching over multiple states.
“[Long] has proven by his actions that he is an extreme danger to the public,” Sheriff Eddie Cathey said in a statement. “I am thankful that our investigative team could work with Utah officials to build a case leading to his arrest.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the UCSO at 704-283-3789 or Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600. Tips can also be sent through the UCSO app.
» https://www.cbs17.com/news/north-carolina-news/dangerous-predator-under-2m-bond-after-targeting-children-across-the-u-s-sheriff-says/
»  https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/sex-offender-arrested-child-exploitation-union-county-nc/275-1edb4e6f-e0ed-4e89-8ba5-4cfd4ddcd8a5   (VIDEO)
»

▫️Fairfield Man Charged with Attempted Kidnapping of Teen
A Fairfield man was outsmarted by local authorities after a foiled kidnapping attempt on a 13-year-old student on her way to school. A public nod was given by the department to the vigilant citizen whose actions "very likely saved this young woman’s life."
48-year-old Wilson Toia confessed to his attempt to seduce the child into his car and was booked on charges including attempted kidnapping, communicating with a minor with the intent to kidnap, and annoying or molesting a child.
The Fairfield Police Department encourages anyone with information to step forward and contact them at (707)428-7300.
https://hoodline.com/2024/01/fairfield-man-charged-with-attempted-kidnapping-of-teen-quick-thinking-local-helps-thwart-child-abduction/ 

▫️Orlando man arrested in Illinois, accused of human trafficking, MBI says
Benjamin Maxwell, 31, was arrested on warrants for human trafficking of a child under 18-years-old, unlawful sex with a minor and five counts of possession of material. In June 2022, Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation was notified by Celebration Hospital in Kissimmee, that two juveniles, a 17-year-old female and a 16-year-old male were brought in, and after further investigation, MBI determined the two were involved in human trafficking.
According to a release, the two juvenile had been picked up by Robert Mitchell and Adreiene Mitchell in Clearwater, Florida. Over the course of weeks, the two juveniles engaged in sexual activity and the 17-year-old female appeared on websites advertising sex.
https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orlando-man-arrested-illinois-accused-human-trafficking-mbi-says/CRT3PY3GLFCV7KWEW67XUWMAZU/ 

▫️Woman arrested for allegedly allowing, filming child sex abuse in Lebanon Co.
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa.  — A woman was arrested on Friday after a police investigation revealed her alleged involvement in a case of child sex abuse.
According to the Lebanon County District Attorney (DA), officials arrested a man named Edward Williams on Jan. 15 for the alleged sexual assault of a child. During the investigation, detectives found that a woman, identified as Ariel Hiestand, had been aware of the abuse. According to the DA, Hiestand did have video of Williams abusing the child, which she showed to a different child.
Interviews with two children corroborated the events, the DA said.
https://local21news.com/news/local/woman-charged-for-allegedly-allowing-filming-child-sex-abuse-in-lebanon-county-pennsylvania 

▫️Pickens County Men Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) Charges
COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Logan Tyler Smith, 20, of Central, S.C., and Sergio Eduardo Salinas Maradiaga, 20, of Easley, S.C., on 13 total charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors.
https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/pickens-county-men-arrested-on-child-sexual-abuse-material-charges-1/ 

▫️Four charged in Cumberland County human trafficking investigation
Felony Lane Gang: Multiple arrests made in connection to ongoing human trafficking investigation in Camp Hill
https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/cumberland-county/four-arrested-human-trafficking-investigation-camp-hill/521-429445cb-a09d-4538-8941-8b76826a8995
» https://cumberland.crimewatchpa.com/camphillpd/41679/incidents/ongoing-human-trafficking-investigation
» https://www.abc27.com/local-news/four-charged-in-cumberland-county-human-trafficking-investigation/ 

▫️Former Marfa Substitute Teacher Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material
ALPINE – Sonya Conchita Murillo, 32, who was a substitute teacher for the Marfa Independent School District, pleaded guilty last week to one count of production of child pornography. According to court documents, during an investigation involving Murillo’s former boyfriend, Patricio Javier Serrano, 36, for possessing child sexual abuse materials, videos also were found of Murillo sexually abusing a minor. 
Serrano, who was charged in a separate indictment, was arrested on May 11, 2023, and has remained in federal custody since his arrest.  Serrano, a former Marfa youth softball coach, pleaded guilty on October 27, 2023, to one count of transportation of child pornography, aiding and abetting and one count of possession of child pornography.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/former-marfa-substitute-teacher-pleads-guilty-producing-child-sexual-abuse-material 

▫️How Can We Protect Our Kids from Being Sexually Exploited? w/ Dr. Rondy Smith - Ep. 87
We think of sex trafficking as being out there somewhere in the jungles of Central America or in Thailand and Cambodia. And to be sure, it is there. But what we must understand as parents and as Christians is that human trafficking is in every zip code in the United States as well. What do we need to know as parents to help prevent our children from being sexually exploited. In this episode, Dr. Rondy Smith shares the shocking way many young girls are being lured by sexual predators. She reads a letter from a young woman, “V,” who was sexually exploited for all of her teenage years—and her parents had no idea even though it was happening under their roof.

▫️'Cheer' star Monica Aldama's son, 27, is charged with possessing extreme child pornography - after Netflix show was rocked by separate sex abuse scandal involving cast member
The son of 'Cheer' star Monica Aldama has been charged with possession of child pornography, including videos showing victims under the age of 10.
Austin Aldama, 27, was arrested in Texas and booked last Thursday into the Navarro County Jail.  The arrest warrant references a grand jury indictment on 10 counts of possession of child pornography.
Aldama was released on bond, but he must submit to terms including random drug testing and voluntary searches of his electronic devices.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12992995/Cheer-Monica-Aldama-son-Austin-child-pornography.html 

▫️Human Trafficking on the Central Coast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybDBXjkCkvA

▫️Human Trafficking cases increasing in Hastings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdf-N6nSpBY 

 

▫️Speakers from across state meet Thursday in Carson City to highlight Human Trafficking Prevention Day
Xquisite, a local nonprofit fighting against human trafficking in our communities will hold an awareness event in Carson City on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. The theme is "From Awareness to Action: Nevada’s Commitment to Fight Against Human Trafficking.”
This event will be held at the Governor's Mansion, The Nevada Room, located at 606 Mountain St, Carson City, commencing at 11:30 a.m.
Speakers from across the state will gather to shed light on this pressing matter and discuss proactive measures to address human trafficking in Nevada. The event will feature a line-up of prominent individuals dedicated to the cause.
https://carsonnow.org/reader-content/01/22/2024/rescheduled-human-trafficking-prevention-event 

▫️FBI agent addresses child human trafficking in state following human trafficking training event and a successful case resolved
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — FBI Special Agent Ellen Duffy presented one specific occurrence of human trafficking involving a child in West Virginia Monday on MetroNews Talkline that ended successfully.
This follows a training event conducted Thursday by U.S. Attorney for West Virginia’s Southern District Will Thompson and U.S. Attorney for West Virginia’s Northern District Bill Ihlenfeld regarding the ongoing connection the state is seeing between human trafficking and substance use disorder.
At Thursday’s event they addressed that 80% of those being trafficked in West Virginia are under the age of 10 and are in the care of a family member. In addition, they said many of the victims are in foster care and are trafficked.
https://wvmetronews.com/2024/01/22/fbi-agent-addresses-child-human-trafficking-in-state-following-human-trafficking-training-event-and-a-successful-case-resolved/ 
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Police arrest 12 men in undercover operation targeting child exploitation
SAN ANTONIO - Twelve men have been arrested by the San Antonio Police Department during an undercover investigation. According to police, these men are accused of trying to meet up with minors for sexual conduction. The men range in age from 29 to 56 years old.
Police say this is not over yet and the operation has led to an additional 15 other suspects. Arrest warrants for those 15 additional suspects will be posted soon, according to police.
» https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/police-arrest-12-men-in-undercover-operation-targeting-child-exploitation
» https://foxsanantonio.com/newsletter-daily/police-arrest-12-men-in-undercover-operation-targeting-child-exploitation 

▫️Undercover Operation in Oxford Leads to Arrests of Four Men for Attempting to Solicit Minors
Oxford, AL – In a joint effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, four men find themselves behind bars following an undercover operation in Oxford targeting adults attempting to solicit sexual contact from minors.
The individuals arrested in connection with the operation include:
• Quintay Jermaine Jackson, of Jacksonville
• Ronnie Fred Miles, of Ragland
• Cadarius Rashun Harvey, of Munford
• Alvin Daron Suttle, of Talladega
All four subjects are facing charges under Section 13A-6-124 of the Alabama Criminal Code – Traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
https://calhounjournal.com/undercover-operation-in-oxford-leads-to-arrests-of-four-men-for-attempting-to-solicit-minors/ 

▫️D.A. Bragg: Apartment Super Charged With Labor Trafficking For Raping And Coercing His Building Cleaner Over A Six-Year Period
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of JOSE ESPINOZA, 62, for raping, sexually abusing and assaulting an undocumented immigrant from Paraguay who cleaned apartments in a Flatiron building where he worked as a superintendent. ESPINOZA used threats and coercion to prevent the survivor from leaving for more than six years. He is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Rape in the First Degree; two counts of Criminal Sexual Acts in the First Degree; one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree; three counts of Labor Trafficking; and two counts of Assault in the Third Degree. [1] 
https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-apartment-super-charged-with-labor-trafficking-for-raping-and-coercing-his-building-cleaner-over-a-six-year-period/ 

▫️Houma man arrested for human trafficking, LSP says two victims recovered
HOUMA, La. — State Police say that a man suspected of trafficking at least two women and forcing them to have sex with men for money was arrested recently in Jefferson Parish.
Henrys Suarez of Houma was booked on a count of human trafficking and one count of pandering.
» https://www.lsp.org/community-outreach/news/joint-investigation-leads-to-arrest-of-human-trafficker-and-recovery-of-trafficking-victims/
» https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/crime/houma-man-human-trafficking-two-victims-recovered/289-69bcb06d-6619-40ed-a5c2-c91326642d9b
» https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/crime/2024/01/23/houma-man-charged-with-human-trafficking-in-jefferson-parish/72329668007/ 

▫️Five Tampa children rescued from Gaza months after attack on Israel
Their mother's prayers for their safe return were answered by Project Dynamo, a veteran's group from Tampa that conducts rescue missions.
Project Dynamo has conducted 609 rescue missions of Americans who are stuck overseas or in natural disasters here at home. From Ukraine to the Middle East to Hawaii, they have rescued thousands of people.
https://www.fox13news.com/news/five-tampa-children-rescued-from-gaza-months-after-attack-on-israel 

▫️Police: ‘Eva’ referred to sex trafficking victims in South Beach as her ‘slaves’
SOUTH BEACH, Fla. – Alba Agenbroad, 43, who was born in Peru, was operating a prostitution ring out of apartments on Michigan Avenue, near Lincoln Road, and used Zelle for payments and sites like Eros, AdultSearch, and Sexy_Friends_Miami for marketing, according to a police arrest report in the case.
Some of the women said Agenbroad threatened to report them to immigration authorities and one of them was even afraid that Agenbroad wanted to take photographs of her 9-year-old daughter for prostitution when she offered to help promote her for modeling jobs, according to the police report.
Agenbroad has five pending cases in Miami-Dade court, including three on warrants, county records show. She appeared in court on Tuesday and her bond was denied for two new cases of human trafficking and prostitution. There was an ongoing investigation.
Detectives were asking anyone with information about the case to call Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
» https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/01/23/police-eva-referred-to-sex-trafficking-victims-in-south-beach-as-her-slaves/
» https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/miami-beach-woman-who-wore-pimp-necklace-arrested-on-sex-trafficking-charges-police/3213926/  (VIDEO) 

▫️Man accused of human trafficking in Springdale
SPRINGDALE, Ark.  — A Blytheville man is facing charges that include human trafficking after a disturbance at a hotel Tuesday, according to police.
Carl Edward Hawkins, 34, was arrested in connection with aggravated assault on a family or household member, human trafficking for commercial sex acts, terroristic threatening, second-degree assault on a family member, second-degree false imprisonment and a parole violation.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Springdale police were called to the Extended Stay hotel at 5000 Luvene Ave. for a disturbance involving a woman who said she was trying to get away from her boyfriend who had tried to hit her.
» https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/crime/man-arrested-human-trafficking/527-142d292c-6bef-4941-9d48-031771f7c82a   (VIDEO)
» https://www.pressreader.com/usa/northwest-arkansas-democrat-gazette/20240124/281917367950402
» https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2024/jan/24/springdale-police-arrest-man-accused-of-human/ 

▫️LA Sex Trafficker Had Victim's Teeth Pulled: Authorities
LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles man accused of sex trafficking a victim, taking her money and having her teeth pulled by an unlicensed dentist was convicted of numerous charges by a federal jury in Mississippi, authorities said.
Michael Deon Fulcher, 54, was convicted of sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday. His codefendant, Jonzie Hamilton, 35, previously pleaded guilty to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, authorities said.
https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/la-sex-trafficker-had-victims-teeth-pulled-authorities 

▫️Columbus man charged with abduction of 7-year-old boy
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A man was charged after he tried to abduct a 7-year-old boy during a birthday party in northeast Columbus over the weekend, according to Franklin County Municipal Court documents. One of the witnesses shined a flashlight into the car and found the boy. The witness said it looked like the child was getting off the lap of the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Elvis Wembengeno.
Documents say the witness opened the passenger door and the child had his pants around his ankles and no underwear on.
Elvis Wembengeno was charged with abduction and is being held on a $250,000 bond.
» https://www.10tv.com/article/news/crime/court-docs-man-charged-with-abducting-7-year-old-boy-during-birthday-party-columbus/530-5403c7cd-4c84-41ec-872d-1eb8c573a93b 
»

▫️Mervin King jailed for soliciting sex with minor
NARVON, Pa. — A Lancaster County man will serve up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges that he tried to arrange a sexual encounter with what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Mervin King, 36, of Narvon, was actually communicating with an undercover police officer posing as a relative of a 14-year-old girl in an operation conducted by the Lancaster County District Attorney's Human Trafficking Task Force, according to DA Heather Adams.
After pleading guilty to two counts of patronizing a victim of human trafficking, two counts of statutory sexual assault (11 years older), corruption of minors, criminal use of a communication facility, and two counts of indecent assault (person less than 16), King was sentenced to a prison term of two - 10 years by Lancaster County Judge Thomas Sponaugle.
» https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/mervin-king-sentencing-human-trafficking-lancaster-county/521-c925f89c-da27-467d-9be4-3f724213f6a0
» https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/narvon-man-sentenced-to-prison-after-trying-to-meet-with-cop-posing-as-teen-da/article_054f91ce-ba46-11ee-9cb9-93fb10d918d9.html 

▫️Former swim club board president pleads guilty to sexually exploiting children
A former board president of the Arlington Aquatic Club pled guilty today to conspiring to sexually exploit several children.
Mark Black, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to produce child pornography and one count of coercion and enticement one month before he was set to go to trial in federal court on Feb. 27, according to a press release from the U.S. Dept. of Justice. Black was part of two groups that found prepubescent girls online and convinced them to livestream themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct, the release says.
https://www.arlnow.com/2024/01/23/breaking-former-swim-club-board-president-pleads-guilty-to-sexually-exploiting-children/ 

▫️Madison man, lead administrator of child porn website sentenced to life
MADISON, Ala.  – A man was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in a website dedicated to advertising and distributing media of child sexual abuse, according to the Department of Justice.
On January 22, 2024, 58-year-old William Michael Spearman of Madison was sentenced to life in prison after he pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise in June.
https://whnt.com/news/madison/madison-man-lead-administrator-of-child-porn-website-sentenced-to-life/ 

▫️Former Virginia high school basketball coach charged with sexual abuse of minors, Possible Additional Victims Sought
Arlington County Police are investigating a former high school basketball coach charged with sexually-based offenses and asking for the public’s help to identify other possible victims.
Police identified two juvenile female victims during their investigation, both of whom were students at Washington-Liberty at the time of the incidents.
In the early 2000s, George Porcha, 53, of Winterville, North Carolina, was a girls’ basketball coach at Washington-Liberty High School (previously named Washington-Lee High School). In October of 2022, police began investigating Porcha after receiving information about possible offenses involving minors that occurred between 2000 and 2003, according to a police news release.
Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is asked to contact Detective P. Pena at 703-228-4183 or the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
» https://wtop.com/arlington/2024/01/former-virginia-high-school-basketball-coach-charged-with-sexual-abuse-of-minors/
» https://www.arlingtonva.us/About-Arlington/Newsroom/Articles/2024/Former-Basketball-Coach-Charged-Possible-Additional-Victims-Sought 

▫️Orange County, California Sheriff Seeks Additional Victims After Arrest of Suspected Child Sexual Predator
SANTA ANA, CA - Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials report that OCSO investigators are seeking the public’s assistance to track down additional victims, witnesses, and information related to a recent arrest of a suspected sexual predator.
On Friday, January 19, 2024, a Sheriff’s Department School Resource Officer assigned to the city of Mission Viejo was dispatched to respond to a substation regarding a minor who had been receiving lewd content from an adult male. Investigators from the Special Victims Detail were called and further investigated the minor’s contact with the adult male.
The suspect, Arian Fabian Ortega, 23, Santa Ana, arranged through a rideshare company to go to the city of Lake Forest to pick up the minor and take her to his apartment in the city of Santa Ana to have sex. Investigators found Ortega waiting for the minor and arrested him.  Ortega was booked into the Orange County Jail on multiple charges related to sexual communication with the intent to seduce a minor for sexual conduct.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips can be sent to OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.
https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/california/53401-orange-county-california-sheriff-seeks-additional-victims-after-arrest-of-suspected-child-sexual-predator 

▫️New effort raising awareness about human trafficking in Hampton Roads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dELgIU5WSg 

▫️Portland police host event to discuss human trafficking with community members

 

▫️Looking into the prosecution process of human trafficking cases in Tallahassee

▫️PPB Asian and Pacific Islander American Advisory Council discuss human trafficking
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2ZJXRHjGnY   

▫️Custer County deputies accused of ignoring and tasing teen "human trafficking victim"
A lawsuit has been filed against former deputies of the Custer County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) alleging that the deputies who responded to a call about a runaway teenager ignored signs of sexual assault and human trafficking and instead repeatedly tased a 16-year-old girl.

▫️Truckers Against Trafficking
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month but raising awareness is year round.
Frito-Lay Transportation is proud to partner with Truckers Against Trafficking to provide education around human trafficking and how to identify and prevent this crime. Anyone can play a role in combating human trafficking.

▫️Knoxville Rep. Jason Zachary files bill to criminalize 'abortion trafficking of minors'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjP_uCk13Mo

▫️Odessa PD: human trafficking prevention month
The Odessa Police Department, in collaboration with guest speakers from Harmony Home, will address vital concerns related to child trafficking prevention.
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XotQziuX-

▫️NC attorney general highlighting local efforts to prevent human trafficking
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUtNhKUmJRQ  ▫️Legislation would expunge charges against human trafficking victims. Ohio

 

▫️ (UPDATE)  "THIS IS ABSURD!" Moment Pastor & Wife Are Arrested for Alleged Child Abuse, Kidnapping & Neglect
BLACKWELL, Okla.  – A Blackwell pastor and his wife were arrested this week following serious allegations of child abuse, kidnapping and neglect. Body-worn camera footage provided to the station on Thursday documents the moments they were taken into custody at their home.
Keith Holt was arrested on child abuse, kidnapping, and child neglect. Candy Holt was arrested on enabling child abuse, kidnapping, and child neglect.
» https://breaking911.com/this-is-absurd-moment-pastor-wife-are-arrested-for-alleged-child-abuse-kidnapping-neglect/
» https://kfor.com/news/local/blackwell-pastor-and-wife-arrested-for-alleged-child-abuse-kidnapping-neglect/     (VIDEO)
»

▫️Female Inmate Sues City Of New York After Being Sexually Assaulted By Male Predator Who Was "Instructed" To Claim He Was Transgender In Order To Be Housed With Women
Known only as Rose Doe, the inmate says she was subjected to repeat abuse by a male who was permitted to stay in women’s protective custody after claiming to be “transgender.”
According to the suit, DOC records show that at the time the male entered the women’s housing unit, he was being investigated for his potential involvement in a prostitution ring operating within Rikers Island.
https://reduxx.info/breaking-female-inmate-sues-city-of-new-york-after-being-sexually-assaulted-by-male-predator-who-was-instructed-to-claim-he-was-transgender-in-order-to-be-housed-with-women/ 

▫️Tampa man sentenced to 15 years in prison for enticing a child into producing child sexual abuse material
TAMPA, Fla.  - Joshua Friedbauer, of Tampa, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for enticement of a minor and receipt of child sex abuse material.
Friedbauer is also responsible for an Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act assessment of $3,000 and a Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act assessment of $10,000. Friedbauer had pleaded guilty on July 5, 2023.
According to court documents, around June 2021, Friedbauer visited the Philippines and met the impoverished 13-year-old child victim through her mother.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa, with assistance from the Philippine National Police.
https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/01/23/tampa-man-sentenced-15-years-prison-enticing-filipino-child-into-producing-child-sexual-abuse-material/ 
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️South Carolina: Sex trafficking operation uncovered
The DOJ says that between Dec. 2022 and July 2023, three suspects maintained a sex trafficking operation involving three victims who were minors and runaways. Members used violence, force, fraud, and controlling tactics to obtain commercial sex, according to the DOJ.
Officials say Antonio Marquis Nicholson, 32, of West Columbia, took a minor from North Carolina to South Carolina to engage in illegal sexual activity. As part of the investigation, the following people were charged:
• Rebecca Perry: trafficking in persons, victim under 18 years old – 1st Offense.
• Antonio Nicholson: 4 counts of trafficking in persons, victim under 18 years old – 1st Offense.
• Jared H. Pease, 56: 3 counts of trafficking in persons, victim under 18 years old – 1st Offense.
• Terrell Counts, 32: trafficking in persons, victim under 18 years old – 1st Offense.
• Monesha Tatayana Lapri Gary, 24: 4 counts of trafficking in persons, Victim under 18 years old – 1st Offense.
» https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-sex-trafficking-operation-uncovered-new-details/46527552#    (VIDEO)
» https://www.golaurens.com/news/clinton-woman-indicted-in-child-sex-trafficking-conspiracy/article_5c46a35e-bb3c-11ee-8b85-d3233ede2719.html 
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/four-indicted-interstate-child-sex-trafficking-conspiracy
»

▫️Tyler man arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting 7-year-old girl
TYLER, Texas — A Tyler man has been arrested for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
According to Smith County judicial records, Eugenio Gonzalez-Hernandez, 19, was arrested Tuesday by the Smith County Sheriff's Office.
https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/tyler-man-arrested-sexual-assault-of-child/501-182ee20c-f38b-40af-8ab6-701c8c2026cc 

▫️U.S. Attorney Charges Bedford Hills Man With Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor And Attempted Enticement
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging JAMES COLLINS, JR., with enticing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and with sexual exploitation of a minor.  COLLINS was arrested this morning and will be presented later this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/us-attorney-charges-bedford-hills-man-sexual-exploitation-minor-and-attempted 

▫️Fairfield police: School employee charged for possession child porn
FAIRFIELD — An employee of Fairfield Public School has been arrested and charged with possessing child pornography, officials say. In a release, Fairfield police Sgt. Michael Stahl said Peter Wheeler, Jr., a 23-year-old, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with first-degree possession of child pornography. He said Wheeler was held on $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Bridgeport on Feb. 6.
Wheeler was immediately removed from having any further interactions with students and staff and not permitted into any buildings.
https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/fairfield-school-employee-possession-child-porn-18624495.php 

▫️Care for victims begins as a prostitution ring is busted in Charlottesville
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Experts say the prostitution ring busted on January 24 is a textbook case of human trafficking. The perpetrator, Brian Lamont Turner, has been arrested, and it's time to take care of the victims.
https://www.cbs19news.com/story/50378758/care-for-victims-begins-as-a-prostitution-ring-is-busted-in-charlottesville    (VIDEO) 

▫️High-Ranking FDIC Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Exploitation, Investigators Say There May Be More Victims
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DOJ) – A Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) attorney pleaded guilty today to conspiring to sexually exploit numerous children.
According to court documents, between January 2018 and October 2021, Mark Black, 50, of Arlington, was a member of two online groups dedicated to exploiting children. The goal of the two groups was to locate prepubescent girls online and convince them to livestream themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Black and his co-conspirators would covertly record this conduct and share the videos with each other.
https://breaking911.com/high-ranking-fdic-lawyer-pleads-guilty-to-child-sex-exploitation-investigators-say-there-may-be-more-victims/ 

▫️Sex Trafficking: an NBA G Leaguer’s arrest provides glimpse into an evil subculture
The shocking arrest of a Sacramento Kings G League player for murder in Las Vegas grabbed headlines nationwide for its sensational mix of murder and professional sports in America’s adult playground.
But the Chance Comanche case provides a window into something more: America’s pimp-prostitute subculture, which is the arena for much of the sex trafficking that occurs in our nation today. Moreover, it illustrates why it can be so challenging for law enforcement and lawmakers to tell the difference between victims and victimizers.
https://capitolweekly.net/sex-trafficking-an-nba-g-leaguers-arrest-provides-glimpse-into-an-evil-subculture/ 

▫️Broadview Heights massage parlor raided by Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force
A Northeast Ohio massage parlor is suspected in a sex-for-pay operation. The release says there were two people at the spa who were living and working there but did not say if they were victims or if there were any arrests.
Anyone with information about the business is asked to call the tip line of the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force at (216) 443-6085.
» https://fox8.com/news/sex-investigation-at-broadview-heights-massage-parlor/
»

▫️Gerald Spoto case: Former Bucks County child care worker facing more charges of sexual abuse
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, Pa  - A former Bucks County child care worker is facing more charges of sexual abuse after prosecutors say two more victims have come forward.
On Wednesday, 41-year-old Gerald Spoto was charged with indecent assault, corruption of minors and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.
Police say the allegations date back to the 1990s when he was working for Neshaminy Kids Club. He provided after-school care at Herbert Hoover Elementary School.
Investigators say that's where Spoto met and groomed his victims who were as young as 7.)
» https://6abc.com/gerald-spoto-case-sex-assault-bucks-county-neshaminy-kids-club-herbert-hoover-elementary-school/14357838/    (VIDEO)
»

▫️Biathlon champ was harassed for years, SafeSport inquiry finds
U.S. biathlon national champion Joanne Reid was sexually harassed and abused for years by a ski-wax technician while racing on the World Cup circuit, a watchdog group that oversees sex abuse allegations in Olympic sports found. 
Its 18-month investigation found that Petr "Gara" Garabik had engaged in repeated sexual harassment and unwanted sexual contact with Reid. The Czech citizen was suspended for six months and put on probation until December 2024.
https://www.espn.com/olympics/biathlon/story/_/id/39384598/biathlon-champ-was-harassed-years-safesport-inquiry-finds 

▫️Florida man accused of having child sexual abuse material, animal porn
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. – A disturbing discovery in a rural Florida county has sheriff’s deputies investigating whether a 59-year-old man is a would-be child kidnapper.
The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office said an unrelated investigation into Thomas McClain revealed he was looking up sexual abuse material online depicting children and animals.
But they said they’re also investigating whether McClain did more than just look. In just the last week, there have been two attempted child abductions reported in the area.
The first happened in the Dewberry Farms area on Jan. 15.
https://www.local10.com/news/florida/2024/01/24/florida-man-accused-of-having-child-sexual-abuse-material-animal-porn/ 

▫️Former guardsman found guilty of sexually abusing child in West Gardiner
A jury convicted Aaron C. Engroff, 34, of Holden, of three charges related to the abuse of a 9- or 10-year old girl.
https://www.centralmaine.com/2024/01/24/former-guardsman-found-guilty-of-sexually-abusing-child-in-west-gardiner/ 

▫️Alleged Manhattan child rapist arrested
A Bronx man has been arrested in the Manhattan rape of a 10-year-old girl, police say, days after community advocates issued a public plea for help bringing the child sex predator into custody.
The arrest of Drequan Drayton-Howard Wednesday comes more than two weeks after the disturbing attack put East Harlem on edge, and leading to the community demanding action from police and neighbors. He is charged with rape, sex abuse and child endangerment in the Jan. 6 attack.
» https://www.fox5ny.com/news/east-harlem-10-year-old-girl-raped-suspect-arrested-charged    (VIDEO)
» https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/harlem-child-rape-arrest/5069802/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/press-release/us-marshals-arrest-east-harlem-child-rapist 

▫️ (UPDATE) Miami Beach woman accused of running sex trafficking ring arrested, called victims "slaves"
A Miami Beach woman accused of running a sex trafficking ring that preyed on multiple vulnerable women who she referred to as "slaves" has been arrested on more than a dozen charges, authorities said.
Alba Agenbroad, 43, surrendered to police on Monday to face human trafficking and prostitution related charges, an arrest report said. The arrest comes after at least three victims have come forward with similar allegations against Agenbroad, the report said.

▫️Feds Charge Former Coach With Sexual Exploitation, Enticement Of Minor
BEDFORD, NY — A man at the center of a lawsuit alleging a "horror story" of sexual abuse of children in Mount Kisco and Chappaqua is now facing federal charges.
Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced on Wednesday the unsealing of a complaint charging 67-year-old James Collins, Jr., of Bedford Hills, with enticing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and with sexual exploitation of a minor.
https://patch.com/new-york/bedford/feds-charge-former-coach-sexual-exploitation-enticement-minor 

▫️Richmond Couple Convicted of Forced Labor and Human Trafficking
EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA — A federal jury in the Eastern District of Virginia convicted Harmanpreet Singh, 30, and Kulbir Kaur, 43, of multiple charges related to forced labor and human trafficking. The Richmond-area couple operated a gas station and convenience store in North Chesterfield, Virginia.
Evidence presented during the two-week trial revealed that from March 2018 to May 2021, Singh and Kaur forced Singh’s cousin to work at their store under severe conditions. The victim, initially enticed to the U.S. with promises of education, was compelled to work as a cashier, prepare food, clean, and manage store records. Coercive methods used by the couple included confiscating the victim’s immigration documents, physical abuse, threats, and providing degrading living conditions. The victim was made to work long hours for minimal pay.
https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2024/01/24/richmond-couple-convicted-of-forced-labor-and-human-trafficking/ 

▫️San Bernardino police arrest traveling carnival worker, say he used job to find child sex abuse victims
Authorities arrested a man who worked for traveling carnivals and allegedly used that job to build relationships with women to sexually assault their children, the San Bernardino Police Department said. A police statement said that on Oct. 25, the department investigated a victim’s sexual abuse allegation and arrested a suspect, James Donnelly, who according to jail logs is 58.
Authorities discovered two additional victims, a man and a woman, who reported they were sexually abused by Donnelly for over seven years, starting at the age of 10, the police statement said. Donnelly worked for traveling carnivals for the past 30 years, traveling from California to Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Colorado, the police statement said.
SBPD’s statement said Donnelly built relationships with women who lived near the carnivals that allowed him to have access to children who he allegedly sexually assaulted.
Police said that anyone with information regarding Donnelly can contact Detective A. Madrigal at madrigal_ap@sbcity.org or 909-384-5631.
» https://www.sbsun.com/2024/01/24/san-bernardino-police-arrest-traveling-carnival-worker-say-he-used-job-to-find-child-sex-abuse-victims/
» https://mediatrending.biz.id/san-bernardino-police-arrest-traveling-carnival-worker-saying-he-used-his-job-to-find-child-sex-abuse-victims-san-bernardino-sun/
»

▫️Charlottesville man Brian Turner accused of multi-state prostitution ring
The prostitution ring spanned from South Carolina to Pennsylvania, officials said.

▫️Johnson County middle school custodian accused of possessing child sexual abuse images
A 52-year-old custodian at an Olathe middle school is accused of possessing images depicting child sexual abuse, according to court records.
Johnson County prosecutors charged John T. Houghton, of Mission, with a single felony of sexual exploitation of a child.
https://www.aol.com/news/johnson-county-middle-school-custodian-234316990.html 

▫️Ventura man using name ‘Rhythmic’ on Snapchat charged with human trafficking
Authorities with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Unit began an investigation into Oxnard resident Victor Manuel Avalos Jr. in Dec. 2023 after receiving tips about a person posting videos of a teen girl on Snapchat.
“Those same CyberTips also reported that the account had posted a ‘menu’ of available [child sexual assault material] for others to order and purchase,” a news release from the VCDA’s office stated.
Officials also believe there may be additional victims that Avalos had been in contact with using his Snapchat name “Rhythmic.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.
» https://news.yahoo.com/ventura-man-using-name-rhythmic-015943768.html
» https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/prosecutors-charge-young-man-with-selling-child-pornography-sexually-assaulting-10-year-old/ 

▫️Juvenile detention center operators sued over alleged child sex abuse cover-ups
LITTLE ROCK — Nine lawsuits are being filed against private contractors operating Arkansas state juvenile detention centers, accusing them of covering up child sex abuse by staff members over the last two decades.
Attorney Joshua Gillispie, managing partner of Gillispie Law Firm in North Little Rock, says the issue of child sex abuse in Arkansas' juvenile detention system is widespread and often silenced.
"Each of these nine victims were sexually abused as children by staff working for these private contractors," Gillispie said.
https://cbsaustin.com/news/nation-world/juvenile-detention-center-operators-sued-over-alleged-child-sex-abuse-cover-ups-arkansas-private-contractors-youth-services-department-of-human-services-sexual-assault-foia    (VIDEO) 

▫️Kline & Specter Wins $37.5M For Sex Trafficking Victims
On October 6, 2023, Arbitrator William Ricci announced that the North American Motors Inns, now known as the Philly Inn & Suites, and owner Ramara, Inc., which previously owned the West Philadelphia hotel when the trafficking occurred, as well as its former president Richard Melius, must pay sex trafficking victims, T.E., K.C. and V.S. $37.5 million.
Kline & Specter filed these civil suits in 2020 and 2021 to hold the hotel accountable for ignoring obvious and clear signs of sex trafficking.
https://cseinstitute.org/kline-specter-wins-37-5m-for-sex-trafficking-victims/ 

▫️Court documents show multiple minors involved in child sex assault by former church music teacher
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. - New disturbing details against a former music teacher at the First United Pentecostal Church, who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child in a position of trust, shows multiple minors were involved in an inappropriate relationship.
In December, Robert Gordon pleaded guilty to Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust, Unlawful Sexual Contact, and Enticement of a Child, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
https://krdo.com/news/13-investigations/2024/01/24/court-documents-show-multiple-minors-involved-in-child-sex-assault-by-former-church-music-teacher/ 

▫️How US archdiocese helped priest accused of abusing deaf children
Gerard ‘Jerry’ Howell was supported by New Orleans’s archbishop after credible sexual abuse allegations were made against him by dozens of children.
For decades, Gerard “Jerry” Howell had avoided punishment for what his own church considers credible sexual abuse allegations leveled against him by dozens of children – including many deaf youths whom he met through his work.
Now, he’s found another way around what little administrative accountability he eventually faced, this time with the help of New Orleans’s archdiocese and its archbishop.
» https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/25/new-orleans-archbishop-priest-sexual-abuse-allegations
»  https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/how-us-archdiocese-helped-priest-accused-of-abusing-deaf-children/
»

▫️Man sues Archdiocese of Denver, two disgraced priests, alleging sexual abuse when he was a boy
The suit names the Archdiocese of Denver and two disgraced priests, James Moreno and Robert Whipkey – both identified as child sex abusers in reports issued by state Attorney General Phil Weiser in 2019 and 2020.
“I don’t want to talk to anybody,” Moreno told a 9NEWS reporter before closing the door to his home. No one answered a door at Whipkey’s home, and he did not respond to a message left there.
Investigators working for Weiser’s office found credible evidence that Moreno sexually abused a teenage boy in Denver between 1978 and 1980. During the investigation, Moreno admitted the abuse.
Those same investigators found credible evidence that Whipkey was repeatedly naked while in the presence of four sixth-grade boys who shared a cabin with him during a 1998 retreat in the mountains west of Colorado Springs. In 2008, he was convicted of indecent exposure after a police officer saw him jogging naked on a high school’s track in Weld County.
» https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/man-sues-catholic-church-two-priests-alleging-years-of-sexual-abuse-when-he-was-a-boy/73-99b3f94e-002e-4be7-aeba-163fc68daf64
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/man-sues-archdiocese-of-denver-two-disgraced-priests/ 

▫️Church youth worker sentenced to prison for molesting child
A Fillmore man who worked as a youth coordinator at a local church will spend two years in state prison for molesting a child who he met while she was attending religious classes.
Vidal Vargas Morales, 63, was sentenced on Tuesday to two years in state prison after he was convicted of one felony count of lewd acts upon a child who was 15 years old at the time.
https://ktla.com/news/local-news/church-youth-worker-sentenced-to-prison-for-molesting-child/ 

▫️Two organizations in Macon join forces to fight human trafficking
The Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office along with 'Out of Darkness' held a Symposium to highlight the impacts in Middle Georgia.

▫️MoDOT helping 'put the brakes on human trafficking'
Helping spread awareness is the Missouri Department of Transportation, which joined the "Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking" pledge in 2018. Heather Luebbert is the Commercial Motor Vehicle Program Manager with MoDOT. Speaking on KMA's "Morning Show" program Wednesday, Luebbert says the state agency has continuously been producing various posters and flyers in their buildings along with videos and training materials for employees.
https://www.kmaland.com/news/modot-helping-put-the-brakes-on-human-trafficking/article_e67d23fc-badf-11ee-9f75-8fd5f729d05e.html 

▫️One More Child Calls for More Aggressive Fight Against Human Trafficking
Leaders hold press a conference at the Florida Capitol to bring attention to the severity of human trafficking and the need to stand with survivors

▫️Attorney General Ashley Moody Recognizes One More Child for Their Anti-Trafficking Efforts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLSeYbriqtU 

▫️We Need to Put an END to Human Trafficking | Rep. Anna Paulina Luna
This Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we need to focus on strengthening our borders to combat this horrible crime. Together, we can protect lives and put an end to human trafficking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaPB2GqhmeQ

 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Former WWE employee files sex abuse lawsuit against the company and Vince McMahon
A former WWE employee filed a federal lawsuit Thursday accusing executive Vince McMahon and another former executive of serious sexual misconduct, including offering her to a star wrestler for sex.
The graphic 67-page suit from Janel Grant, who worked in the company's legal and talent departments, also includes allegations that McMahon, now 78, forced her into a sexual relationship in order for her to get and keep a job and passed around pornographic pictures and videos of her to other men, including other WWE employees.
McMahon stepped down as WWE's CEO in 2022 amid an investigation into allegations that match those in the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, where WWE is based.
» https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/25507320/vince-mcmahon-accused-of-sex-trafficking-former-wwe-staffer/
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-13008179/Former-WWE-employee-files-sex-abuse-lawsuit-against-company-Vince-McMahon.html
» https://www.newsweek.com/lawsuit-accuses-wwe-vince-mcmahon-sex-trafficking-staffer-1864068
»

▫️Warren County Sheriff’s Office Apprehends Suspect in Undercover Operation Targeting Online Solicitation of Minors
During the operation, an adult male initiated unprovoked contact with an investigator who was acting undercover as a juvenile under the age of 15. The suspect, later identified as 43-year-old Aaron Wayne Smith from Wise County, Virginia, engaged in a conversation where he requested lewd content and photos. He also transmitted obscene materials to the investigator.
Smith’s activities were meticulously documented, leading to his positive identification. On January 24, 2024, investigators traveled to Wise County and apprehended Smith on 10 felony charges. These charges include multiple counts of using communication systems to facilitate offenses involving children and possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography.
» https://royalexaminer.com/warren-county-sheriffs-office-apprehends-suspect-in-undercover-operation-targeting-online-solicitation-of-minors/
» https://www.wjhl.com/news/crime/wise-county-man-arrested-on-child-porn-charges-sheriffs-office-says/ 

▫️Two arrested in Napa on pimping, pandering allegations
Two men who were arrested in south Napa face prostitution-related charges involving two women, according to court and jail records. Kevin Don Henry, a 44-year-old Richmond resident, and 35-year-old Rewia Lynel Beamon of Suisun City were detained Monday night outside the SpringHill Suites hotel at 101 Gateway Road East.
Criminal complaints state the arrests resulted from a Napa Special Investigations Bureau operation to rescue human trafficking victims, and that NSIB communicated with a woman who was advertising sexual services.
https://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/crime-courts/prostitution-human-trafficking-arrests-napa/article_76c87788-bbdd-11ee-b0e7-97e5e216e446.html 

▫️Orlando man arrested, charged with multiple counts of sex abuse of a child under 12 years old
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 49-year-old Orlando man, who is accused of multiple sex crimes against children under 12 years old. On Wednesday night, Muhamad Adi was arrested charged with 11 counts related to child sexual abuse.
Adi is currently in the Orange County Jail, he is being charged with lewd/lascivious molestation, sexual battery on a child under 12, sex assault – custodian sex battery of victim under 12, as well as eight other counts related to child sexual abuse or performance.
https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orlando-man-arrested-charged-with-multiple-county-sex-abuse-child-under-12-years-old/J6A5ONNPRFC6BIEK3DU3S55NXU/ 

▫️Suspect arrested for allegedly 'sextorting' 30 victims, including five minors in Franklin County
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — A Florida man is facing extradition to Pennsylvania for the sexual exploitation and abuse of multiple Franklin County teens.  Thirty additional victims were found across the United States and internationally, according to PSP. The sextortionist was eventually identified as Alvaro Andres Valarezo Sandoval, 34, who was living in Miami. According to PSP, Valarezo Sandoval is an Ecuadorian national with the assistance of the U.S. Immigrants and Customs Enforcement. 
» https://www.fox43.com/article/news/crime/suspect-arrested-sextorting-five-minors-franklin-county/521-6a31a995-4ce2-45d5-b158-56bb06bfd24b
» https://tristatealert.com/psp-florida-police-arrest-man-they-say-sextorted-children-in-franklin-co-across-country/ 

▫️NY woman charged in Cary human trafficking, prostitution at massage parlor
CARY, N.C. – A woman from New York is facing charges of promoting prostitution and human trafficking at a Cary massage parlor.
Court records show Hong Yu Li of Flushing, New York is charged with human trafficking adult victim, promoting prostitution for profits, sexual servitude of an adult victim, and involuntary servitude of adult victim.
https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/ny-woman-charged-in-cary-human-trafficking-prostitution-at-massage-parlor/ 

▫️Jonesville police arrest man in predator sting
Jonesville police arrested a Hillsdale man after an anti-trafficking group confronted him in a sex predator sting. The Jonesville Police Department arrested Mark Shemwell, 45, on Tuesday evening, according to Jonesville Police Chief Mike Lance. Shemwell faces charges of solicitation of a minor for immoral purposes and using a computer in commission of a crime.
Shemwell was an English teacher at North Adams-Jerome Public Schools, according to LinkedIn, and part owner of Shemwell’s Academy of Martial Arts in Jonesville.
https://hillsdalecollegian.com/2024/01/police-arrest-man-in-predator-sting/ 

▫️Sex offender found at Valpo church with child, records show
VALPARAISO — A 38-year-old sex offender who has been accused in the past of getting an underage girl pregnant and sleeping at the home and in a tent with another 16-year-old girl is back behind bars after being discovered this week staying at a Valparaiso church in the presence of a 4-year-old child, records show.
Adam Zuleger was found Tuesday at the Living Hope Church at 115 Calumet Ave. in the presence of the child who was also staying at the site, Valparaiso police said.
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/adam-zuleger-sex-offender/article_fa8df0bc-bb91-11ee-a36b-0f4c6f17b46b.html 

▫️Attempted kidnapping of teen in Portage Park prompts CPD alert
Chicago Police are warning residents on the Northwest Side of an attempted kidnapping on Tuesday in Portage Park. A 14-year-old girl was walking about 3:40 p.m. near Long and Pensacola avenues when she was approached by a man standing behind a garage in the 5300 block of West Cullom Avenue, according to an alert from Chicago police. 
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Area Five detectives at (312) 746-6554.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2024/1/25/24051115/attempted-kidnapping-portage-park-teen-girl-chicago-crime-police-cpd-city-hall-alert 

▫️Hillsboro babysitter arrested for alleged child sex crimes, more victims sought
HILLSBORO, Ore. — A Hillsboro man who worked as a babysitter was arrested in December on allegations that he sexually abused multiple children. Police believe that there may be other victims who have not yet been located.
Brian Henning, 33, was arrested on Dec. 13 and later indicted on two counts of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, nine counts of first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of attempted first-degree sexual abuse, one count of using a child in a display of sexual content, and four counts of luring a minor as a sex crime.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Hillsboro Police Records at (503) 681-6175 and request to speak with Detective Schwartz.
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/crime/hillsboro-babysitter-child-sex-crimes-abuse-arrest-victims/283-0be258c2-3dd1-49f1-aa59-6f441bc25b6e 

▫️Albany man arrested at location he expected to have sex with 13-year-old
BATON ROUGE - After a covert operation by the FBI Human Trafficking Division, an Albany man was arrested for child pornography and attempted carnal knowledge of a juvenile. 
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office said an undercover agent reached out to Tyler Tantillo, 30, posing as a 13-year-old girl. Tantillo was arrested and booked for indecent behavior with juveniles, attempted carnal knowledge of a juvenile, computer-aided solicitation of a minor, and pornography involving juveniles.
https://www.wbrz.com/news/albany-man-ambushed-by-law-enforcement-at-location-he-expected-to-have-sex-with-13-year-old/ 

▫️School employee in Howard County charged with sex abuse faced similar allegations in 2021
A private school employee who earlier this month was charged with sexual abuse of a minor in Howard County now faces similar charges in Baltimore County related to incidents that were first investigated in 2021, court records show.
Dameon Patterson, 31, of Elkridge, is charged with sexual abuse of a minor, two fourth-degree sex offenses and a third-degree sex offense in Baltimore County District Court, according to court records.
https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/howard-baltimore-county-sex-abuse-patterson-XR2DZYE4OBF75LUIQAJZRPSWHQ/ 

▫️Deputies seek other victims of so-called ‘elite’ baseball coach accused of sex crimes with children
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County deputies are asking for help finding additional potential victims of a man who they say worked in local youth sports and is accused of committing sex crimes involving children. 38-year-old Julio Acosta-Morgado was booked into jail in Jacksonville back in November on a slew of sexual battery and molestation charges.
Deputies are urging anyone who thinks they may have been victimized by Acosta-Morgado to come forward.
» https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/world/baseball-coach-accused-of-child-sexual-abuse/video/42b57826a24ec109e7bcab30fe5c8c50    (VIDEO)
» https://www.wftv.com/news/local/deputies-seek-other-victims-so-called-elite-baseball-coach-accused-sex-crimes-with-children/TXYUUXYVTZF5ZMZGAZM356S3JM/ 

▫️Sex abuse claims have trailed coach in luxe Miami area town. Why’s he still training kids?
In the span of just over a decade, Key Biscayne police received a series of complaints about a gymnastic coach’s allegedly abusive behavior with young girls, police reports and interviews with the Herald reveal.
The coach’s name: Oscar Nicolas Olea. He is 38. He has not been charged with any crimes and continues to teach gymnastics to girls, teenage and younger. He and his lawyer deny he has done anything wrong and several parents reached out to Herald reporters to offer their praise for the coach.
But a Miami Herald investigation has uncovered at least five alleged victims, all of whose stories were brought to the attention of the Key Biscayne Police Department.
https://www.aol.com/ritzy-village-dark-secret-gymnastics-123000905.html 

▫️Convicted child sex offender helps oversee Islamic boarding school
After he was convicted in 2016 of molesting a girl and sexually abusing a young woman, Mohammad Saleem was told by a judge that he’s no longer allowed “at or in the Institute of Islamic Education.”
That’s the religious boarding school in Elgin that the Muslim scholar founded years earlier. He was running the school when he committed the crimes that now require him to register as a child sex offender for the rest of his life — with his name, photo and address in an online database maintained by the Illinois State Police.
But Saleem still helps supervise the school. And though Illinois law bars child sex offenders from living within 500 feet of a school, Elgin police records show his current residence is “well within” that distance.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2024/1/26/24041886/child-sex-offender-muslim-scholar-mohammad-saleem-institute-of-islamic-education-elgin 

▫️(UPDATE) Boston man admits to forcing teenage girl to have sex for money in 3 states
A Boston man pleaded guilty to bringing a 17-year-old girl from Massachusetts to New York and Connecticut to engage in sex acts, authorities said Wednesday, Jan. 24.
Leon Blount III, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, a press release from Acting United States Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levy’s office read. Blount was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2023 and has been in custody since September 2022.
» https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/01/boston-man-admits-to-forcing-teenage-girl-to-have-sex-for-money-in-3-states.html
» https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/01/24/boston-man-pleads-guilty-to-trafficking-minor-in-three-states/ 

▫️Kidnapped woman rescued after waving for help from stolen SUV, California cops say
After deputies pursued a speeding, stolen rental car, they learned the passenger had been kidnapped, according to a California sheriff’s department.
As the driver, identified as 41-year-old Harvey Gobert, drove “recklessly inside the apartment complex,” the female passenger “placed her hands outside the window waving for help.”
https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article284646265.html 

▫️Fairhope man admits paying women to molest their children while he watched
FAIRHOPE, Ala. - A Fairhope man on Thursday pleaded guilty to federal child exploitation and child pornography charges, admitting that he paid women and then watched them molest their children in live video chats.
Jeremy Dixon Kinsey, 53, pleaded guilty to five counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. In exchange for the plea, the U.S. Attorney’s Office agreed to ask a judge to dismiss other charges to sentence him to the low end of advisory guidelines. He faces a mandatory-minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Kinsey admitted to giving three different women money or other items of value. The plea agreement cites 10 recordings that depict three different children.
https://www.fox10tv.com/2024/01/26/fairhope-man-admits-paying-women-molest-their-children-while-he-watched/    (VIDEO) 

▫️Former San Antonio dentist gets 30 years for child sexual abuse material
SAN ANTONIO – A former San Antonio dentist was sentenced to 30 years for producing Child Sexual Abuse Material.
Abiel Alejandro Saldivar, 33, was sentenced Wednesday in federal court to a lifetime supervised release, $45,000 restitution to victims, and ordered to pay $55,100 in special assessments for producing child pornography.
Saldivar messaged numerous minors on various social media platforms claiming that he had nude images of the children he was messaging and threatened to post them publicity if they refused to record sexual activity for him.
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/former-san-antonio-dentist-gets-30-years-for-child-sexual-abuse-material-bexar-county-tragic-children-porn-money-victims 

▫️Missouri man who sexually assaulted children sentenced to 16 years in prison
Bray, who was living in Lincoln County at the time his crimes were discovered, pleaded guilty in August to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Bray also admitted sexually abusing a 4-year-old and an 8-year-old.
https://www.kttn.com/missouri-man-who-sexually-assaulted-children-sentenced-to-16-years-in-prison/ 

▫️Atlanta mayor, airport officials hold human trafficking press conference | Full video
ATLANTA — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport officials and Atlanta leaders took a stance in combating human trafficking on Thursday at a news conference. 
“One agency cannot do it alone,” said Jennifer Swain, the executive director of youthSpark during a press conference about human trafficking at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Thursday.)
» https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/organization-in-atlanta-works-to-fight-youth-trafficking/85-5acac6e8-1336-4515-be28-32be052d6dad
»  https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/atlanta-leaders-atlanta-aiport-human-trafficking/85-3b02ea6a-714b-4272-b60c-96b3370abafd
»

▫️Assistance for human trafficking victims in NY, NJ
NEW YORK  – More than 600 victims of human trafficking were identified in New York State in 2021, according to the latest statistics from the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
In New Jersey that same year, 230 victims were identified.
https://pix11.com/resources/assistance-for-human-trafficking-victims-in-ny-nj/    (VIDEO) 

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Month: Showing truck drivers the signs
Tri-Cities, Wash. - Human trafficking happens all around us according to Senior Director of Industry Training Outreach for Truckers Against Trafficking. The organization is trying to leverage bystander intervention and use eyes already on the road to stop labor and sex trafficking nationwide.
The organization offers training to anyone but focuses its efforts on semi-truck drivers and bus drivers who Cyrus said are already in areas where trafficking happens.
https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/new-training-helps-truckers-recognize-the-signs-of-human-trafficking/article_0d15bd64-bb8d-11ee-a011-cf5bb0584975.html    (VIDEO) 

▫️REVEALED: Deepfake porn creators and publishers got away with producing 415,000 images last year - and making the warped pictures remains LEGAL in 44 states
More than 415,000 pornographic deepfake images were uploaded to the internet last year – but only six states have outlawed the creation and distribution of such content.
This failure of the law to keep pace with the real world lays bare how the perpetrators who create fake sexual images, and the websites which publish them, largely go unpunished. Meanwhile, victims who are depicted without consent have their lives turned upside and must fight to have the humiliating content removed from the internet, which can be nigh on impossible.
The issue of the rise in deepfake porn received renewed attention this week after AI-generated explicit images of Taylor Swift were published by a porn website and shared widely on X. The creation and distribution of the content was likened to a form of sexual assault.
But it's not only celebrities who are depicted in these fake images, which can be easily made using online AI tools which charge a small fee. Moms and schoolgirls have also fallen victim to the cruel trend.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13007753/deepfake-porn-laws-internet.html 

▫️State leaders battle human trafficking concerns
Georgia leaders are encouraging members of the public to recognize and help prevent human trafficking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97SSFSCKPVw\ 

They’re runaways, foster kids, homeless teens, impoverished single mothers, drug addicts: disadvantaged and vulnerable young women in desperate need of a helping hand. Each one is someone’s daughter, someone’s sister, someone’s mother — and most of them were born and raised right here in Suffolk County. 
These women are the key currency in local sex trafficking rings that law enforcement officials say are active throughout the county. Traffickers operate on the principal that a bag of drugs sells once, but a person’s body can be sold over and over again. 
“If you’re on the street, you’re vulnerable. If you don’t have a place to live, if you have to support a child, if you do not have a job — sometimes, unfortunately, these women take on desperate measures just to live,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr., who in 2018 launched the nation’s first anti-trafficking unit operating inside a correctional facility. 
The unit identifies victims who come through the Riverside-based county jail and helps them get services and support. Since its inception, Mr. Toulon said in an interview last week, the unit has conducted more than 5,000 interviews, and identified 327 victims and 205 traffickers.
https://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2024/01/opioids-fueling-rise-in-countywide-sex-trafficking/ 

▫️Community Organization Combats Human Trafficking
A summit on human trafficking awareness at Cal Expo last week showcased three survivors of human trafficking who shared their experiences with roughly 100 people, many of whom were women and teenagers.
Hosted by Project Take (https://www.empactorg.com/project-take) , an interactive trafficking prevention program that educates teens and young adults on how to navigate through dangerous situations and how to locate support systems, the survivors were joined by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office, the Sacramento Sheriff’s office and other community organizations who support youth victims of trafficking.
Leia Schenk, founder of the community organization EMPACT (https://www.empactorg.com/)  and creator of Project Take, didn’t know how severe human trafficking in Sacramento was until about four years ago when she started driving around the city helping parents look for their missing children and saw it for herself.
https://sacobserver.com/2024/01/community-organization-combats-human-trafficking/ 

▫️Jessica González-Rojas on helping trafficking victims
https://youtu.be/CddJdUsNKEs

▫️This nonprofit is looking for tattoo artists to cover up the scars of human trafficking victims
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.  - A West Coast-based nonprofit helps human trafficking survivors cover up or remove branding tattoos.
The organization, called Soul Survivor Ink, is looking for tattoo artists, aestheticians and removal technicians who specialize in cover-ups and removals.
Soul Survivor Ink began partnering with the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force last year.
» https://www.live5news.com/2024/01/25/this-nonprofit-is-looking-tattoo-artists-cover-up-scars-human-trafficking-victims/    (VIDEO)
» https://www.kktv.com/2024/01/25/this-nonprofit-is-looking-tattoo-artists-cover-up-scars-human-trafficking-victims/ 

 

▫️TEXAS’ RIGHT TO DEFEND ITSELF: Tim Kennedy On TX Border - These Are Not ‘Refugees’
Dana (@DLoesch/@DanaLoeschRadio) talks with Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) UFC Fighter, Ranger, sniper, and Special Forces Operator, on the human trafficking, drug trafficking that the Biden Administration is allowing at our southern border.
Texas is doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing - invoking Texas’ constitutional authority to defend itself - this fight that Biden is having with Texas is getting interesting…and also eye-opening as the position of the Federal Government is to NOT SECURE OUR BORDER.
Tucker:

 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Texas DPS IPC program hits milestone in child rescues
AUSTIN  - Texas DPS troopers recently hit a milestone when it comes to child rescues.
Since 2009, troopers have rescued 600 children during traffic stops, and DPS credits the Interdiction for the Protection of Children Program (IPC). Lieutenant Greg Reyero joined News 3 at Six Thursday to talk about the program and what their training looks like.
» https://www.kbtx.com/video/2024/01/26/texas-dps-ipc-program-hits-milestone-child-rescues/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.kbtx.com/2024/01/26/texas-dps-ipc-program-hits-milestone-child-rescues/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.fox4news.com/video/1401980   (VIDEO) 

▫️Texas agencies crack down on online child predators, 12 San Antonio, 8 Boerne men arrested for soliciting children online
Eight men were booked into the Kendall County Jail Thursday, January 25, after the Boerne Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety teamed up to trap men looking for children and sex-for-hire online.
The San Antonio Police Department issued a statement Tuesday, January 23, saying 12 men were arrested for soliciting sex from children online. The sting operation was conducted by SAPD’s Human Exploitation Unit which employed undercover female officers to apprehend the men.
North Texas is getting in on the sting operations too, according to a story from Fox 4 in Dallas. According to the news outlet, a massive operation involving numerous federal, state, and local agencies led to the arrest and felony charging of 53 people soliciting sex online.
» https://www.lmtonline.com/news/local/article/texas-human-trafficking-sting-18630668.php
» https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/texas-human-trafficking-sting-18630668.php
»  https://www.fox4news.com/news/53-arrested-in-north-texas-human-trafficking-sting
» https://www.boernestar.com/article/7114,eight-out-of-towners-nabbed-in-prostitution-sting
»

▫️Five arrested in anti-human trafficking operation near Effingham
EFFINGHAM, Ill. — A recent anti-human trafficking operation in the Effingham area resulted in five people being arrested, Illinois State Police announced.
The arrests were made on Thursday and four of those people were subsequently charged with solicitation of a sexual act:
• Justin P. Covey, 32 of Irvine, Ky.
• Scott Grote, 38 of Centralia, Ill.
• David Hackett, 71 of Tuscola, Ill.
• Thad White, 50 of Cowden, Ill.
• The fifth person arrested was Daniel Bennett, 38 of Bethany, Ill. He was charged with indecent solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a child, and solicitation to meet a child.
» http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/63765-illinois-state-police-leads-anti-human-trafficking-operation
» https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/five-arrested-in-anti-human-trafficking-operation-near-effingham/
» https://www.wandtv.com/news/anti-human-trafficking-operation-results-in-five-arrests-in-effingham/article_2c3eebc8-bc98-11ee-9af6-8b9a95993ccd.html 

▫️‘I didn’t do nothing:’ Video shows woman’s hotel arrest in Osceola child kidnapping case
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A woman was arrested at a Palm Coast hotel after deputies said she kidnapped a child from Osceola County, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they responded to the Microtel Hotel along Kingswood Drive around 7:20 p.m. Thursday after receiving information from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office about a child kidnapping case.
Inside the room, investigators found a 3-year-old child who appeared to be unharmed, the report said. Crystal Williams, 37, was arrested while the child was safely returned to her mother.
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/01/26/i-didnt-do-nothing-video-shows-womans-hotel-arrest-in-osceola-child-kidnapping-case/ 

▫️Mattoon Police arrests Wisconsin kidnapping suspect, rescues victim
Officials with the Mattoon Police Department said that on Wednesday, they were contacted by Wisconsin police officers who were investigating a kidnapping in their jurisdiction. They said 31-year-old Alexander Shultz had kidnapped an adult woman and they had reason to believe they were in Mattoon.
Mattoon Police gathered further information through local resources and later found Shultz’s car on Lakeland Boulevard.
Shultz was taken into custody without incident for outstanding warrants from Wisconsin. He is being held at the Coles County Jail, awaiting extradition to Wisconsin on those warrants and for charges stemming from the kidnapping. Officials said they later learned Shultz is on parole for sex crimes and had cut a monitoring device off his person.
The kidnapping victim was later reunited with her family members, officials added.
https://www.wcia.com/crime/mattoon-police-arrests-wisconsin-kidnapping-suspect-rescues-victims/ 

▫️Human Trafficking Biggest Money-Maker for Fresno Gangs. Police Efforts Pushing Crime to the Coast
Illegal drugs and guns aren’t making the same money for gangs they used to, says Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama. The real money is in people.
“We’ve even heard the gangsters say basically, it’s the girls that are moving the money, it’s the girls,” Balderrama said.
In 2020, officers made 14 arrests, followed by 27 in 2021 and 35 in 2022. In the last four months, VICE has arrested 17 gang members in connection with the human trafficking of 12 juvenile victims.
Debra Rush, CEO and co-founder of the anti-human trafficking organization Breaking the Chains, said the prosecution of gangs and human trafficking has pushed pimps away from Fresno and out to coastal communities.
https://gvwire.com/2024/01/26/human-trafficking-biggest-money-maker-for-fresno-gangs-police-efforts-pushing-crime-to-the-coast/ 

▫️ (UPDATE) Vince McMahon resigns as chairman of TKO Group amid sex trafficking allegations
Vince McMahon has resigned as chairman of TKO Group amid allegations of sex trafficking and abuse in a federal lawsuit filed on Thursday.
According to a federal lawsuit filed Thursday, Janel Grant, who worked at the company’s headquarters, alleged that McMahon sexually exploited her and attempted to traffic her to other WWE employees.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-13013027/Vince-McMahon-resigns-WWE-parent-company-sex-abuse-lawsuit-filed.html
» https://ktla.com/entertainment/vince-mcmahon-resigns-as-chairman-of-tko-group-amid-sex-trafficking-allegations/ 

▫️Toddler, two, is found dead in home of Massachusetts Police Lieutenant James Feeley more than a month after he was charged with child rape
A two-year old girl was found unresponsive at the home of a longtime Massachusetts cop who was arrested last month for allegedly raping a child under the age of 12.
Winthrop Police lieutenant James Feeley, 56, is currently being held on $200,000 bail on charges including aggravated rape of a child and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14, and was therefore not at the home when the toddler was found.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13012741/toddler-dead-home-police-lieutenant-child-rape-James-Feeley.html 

▫️Feds charge NYPD officer with ‘heinous’ sexual exploitation of a child
An NYPD officer was arrested for allegedly arranging to take sexually explicit photos of a 9-year old, according to federal prosecutors. Additionally, police in Colombia say the same officer arranged for sexually explicit material of a 1-year-old girl.
Before his arrest, 46-year-old Angad Beharry of Yonkers was assigned to NYPD’s counterterrorism unit. He was suspended without pay, according to the department, and charged by the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan with one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography.
Gisainet Cristina Chirinos Viloria, a 23-year-old Venezuelan citizen currently living in Indiana, was also arrested for providing the images of the 9-year old and is being held without bail, according to prosecutors.
The U.S. attorney's office said that in October 2022 the Colombian National Police arrested the mother of a 1-year old in Medellin, Colombia, who also communicated with Beharry through Facebook. Beharry allegedly asked for explicit material depicting sex acts between the mother and the infant, among other requests.
» https://gothamist.com/news/feds-charge-nypd-officer-with-heinous-sexual-exploitation-of-a-child
» https://www.publicnow.com/view/64CD30B760170609EA7BA036AA26DA526A26AB51?1706284068 

▫️Georgia man arrested after he described sex acts to child, threatened to kill students
FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. — A Peachtree City man was arrested by Floyd County Sheriff’s deputies for threatening to shoot school children and having inappropriate contact with a child while online.
According to arrest affidavits from the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Andrew Garrett Burke, 27, was charged with multiple felonies after “engaging in graphic written matter describing sex acts” to a child he thought was younger than 16 years old. He also faces charges for terroristic threats after threatening to “shoot up a school or kill a few people,” according to sheriff’s office records.
Burke is also accused of sending inappropriate photos of himself and multiple videos of himself engaging in sexual activities to someone he believed was a minor. In total, Burke was charged with obscene internet contact with a child, electronically furnishing obscene material to minors, and making terroristic threats.
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/georgia-man-arrested-after-he-described-sex-acts-child-threatened-kill-students-deputies-say/TG36L3KY35GJFBTVPP6L5Z2IFQ/ 

▫️Video shows man punching alleged teen sex predator outside Las Vegas courtroom
LAS VEGAS  — A man charged with sexually assaulting a teenager was punched outside of a Las Vegas courtroom, video the 8 News Now Investigators obtained Friday reveals.
Yousuf Azami, 59, was scheduled to have his preliminary hearing on kidnapping, lewdness and sex assault charges on Tuesday, Jan. 23. For some reason, Azami walked out of the Las Vegas Justice Court courtroom before the hearing. A man, believed to be connected to the victim in the case, then walks up to Azami and punches him, knocking Azami to the ground, the video shows.
» https://www.8newsnow.com/investigators/video-shows-man-punching-alleged-teen-sex-predator-outside-las-vegas-courtroom/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.ktsm.com/news/national-news/video-shows-man-punching-alleged-teen-sex-predator-outside-las-vegas-courtroom/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Individual Indicted and Arrested for Sex Trafficking of Children, Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, and Production and Receipt of Child Exploitation Material
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Cándido López-Lebrón, 59, with sex trafficking of children. The United States Coast Guard Investigative Service was in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of the Department of Homeland Security.
According to court documents, López-Lebrón, from November 2022, to December 2023, knowingly affecting interstate commerce, recruited, enticed, harbored, transported a female minor between the ages of 11 and 12 years old
https://www.justice.gov/usao-pr/pr/individual-indicted-and-arrested-sex-trafficking-children-coercion-and-enticement-minor 

▫️FBI Arrests Two Individuals in Two Child Exploitation Cases
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned two separate indictments charging two individuals for child exploitation.
According to court documents, Willie Torres-Gerena, 57, of Arecibo, PR, transported a 16-year-old female minor with the intent that the minor engaged in sexual activity.
In an unrelated case, FBI agents arrested Samuel Quiñones-Vargas, 55, of Camuy. According to the indictment, from on or about July 2023, through October 2023, Quiñones-Vargas possessed and transported child exploitation material, including child pornography of a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-pr/pr/fbi-arrests-two-individuals-two-child-exploitation-cases 

▫️Ex-NORAD employee found guilty of role in online child sexual predator ring
AKRON, Ohio — A jury on Friday found a former employee of the North American Aerospace Defense Command guilty of being part of an organized online ring of child predators.
Richard Eby, 61, faces up to 50 years in prison after a jury in federal court in Akron found him guilty of three charges — conspiracy to engage in the sexual exploitation of children, conspiracy to receive visual depictions of minors in sexually explicit conduct and conspiracy to access with the intent to view child pornography.
Prosecutors filed charges in Northeast Ohio against Eby and six others. The group conspired in an online video chatroom called Chateen and worked together to trick girls as young as 9 to undress and perform sex acts on camera.
» https://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2024/01/ex-norad-employee-found-guilty-of-role-in-online-child-sexual-predator-ring.html
» https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ex-norad-employee-found-guilty-of-role-in-online-child-sexual-predator-ring/ar-BB1hk5gT 

▫️Trans-Identified Male Found Guilty of Torturing Victim, Treated Corpse "Like Garbage"
! This article contains details that may be disturbing to some readers
A trans-identified male was one of two men found guilty this week in a San Francisco court of the brutal torture and murder of a young man. George Randall Saldivar was just 23 when he visited his killers, Gerald Rowe and Angel Anderson, at Rowe's apartment in Downtown San Francisco. He would later leave the residence in a suitcase after being tortured, tied up and injected with fentanyl before being tossed in the bay. 
David Anderson, 41, who identifies as transgender and uses the name “Angel,” hung 23-year old George Randall-Saldivar from the ceiling by a noose before raping him and injecting the victim with a lethal dose of fentanyl, the court heard.
» https://reduxx.info/trans-identified-male-found-guilty-of-torturing-victim-treated-corpse-like-garbage/
» https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/san-francisco-jury-returns-verdict-in-torture-poisoning-murder/
» https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/downtown-san-francisco-torture-killing-rowe-convicted/ 

▫️Two plead guilty to sex-trafficking girls at Lake Worth Beach motel
LAKE WORTH BEACH — A man and a woman accused of human trafficking involving two juveniles at a Lake Worth Beach motel pleaded guilty this month to federal charges, the U.S. Attorney's Office reported Friday.
Ricardo Tobon Flores and Maria Barrios Calero, both 44, each pleaded guilty to two counts of sex trafficking in separate plea hearings Jan. 9 and Jan. 23. As part of their plea agreements, Calero admitted that she planned with Flores for Flores to pay her to have sex with two minor girls at a Lake Worth Beach motel.
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/crime/2024/01/27/two-plead-guilty-to-sex-trafficking-girls-at-lake-worth-beach-motel/72371792007/
» https://www.wptv.com/region-c-palm-beach-county/lake-worth-beach/2-suspects-plead-guilty-to-sex-trafficking-girls-after-lake-worth-beach-motel-owner-alerts-detectives 

▫️Concord Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses
CONCORD – A Concord man was sentenced today in federal court for sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Scott Wilkinson, age 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 240 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release.  Wilkinson was also ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution.
“The pain and trauma that Wilkinson caused the survivor and the survivor’s family is inconceivable,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “Not only did Wilkinson sexually exploit a child, but he produced child sexual abuse material from his crime."
https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/concord-man-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison-child-exploitation-offenses 

▫️Hetrick convicted on all 10 charges, including human trafficking
HOLLIDAYSBURG — An Alexandria man is facing a lengthy prison sentence after a Blair County jury rejected his version of a family outing and convicted him Wednesday of raping an unconscious 14-year-old girl at a local motel in 2021 during a setup arranged by the man’s cousin.
Donald Lennon Hetrick, 39, formerly of Williamsburg, showed no emotion in court as guilty verdicts were announced for each of the 10 charges in the county’s first human trafficking case to be presented to a jury.
First Assistant District Attorney Nichole Smith, who asked the jury in her closing for guilty verdicts, praised the jury for its conclusions.
“These results show that a Blair County jury won’t tolerate this kind of activity in their community,” the prosecutor said.
» https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2024/01/man-guilty-in-rape-of-teen/
»  https://www.wtaj.com/news/local-news/blair-county-jury-finds-man-guilty-in-human-trafficking-case/
»

▫️Police need help finding man accused of sexually abusing a child
Des Moines police asked the public Friday for help finding a man who is accused of sexually abusing a child.
Jermaine Tyrone Patton, 45, who has active felony warrants for sexual abuse of a child, has been missing for two years and is believed to have left the state, the Des Moines Police Department posted on its Facebook page.
Anyone with any information about Patton's whereabouts should contact their local police or submit tips to Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com.
» https://www.kcci.com/article/jermaine-patton-des-moines-iowa-man-accused-of-sex-crimes-against-child/46554793#   (VIDEO)
» https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2024/01/26/des-moines-police-need-help-finding-man-accused-of-sexually-abusing-child-jermaine-patton/72371091007/ 

▫️Retired School Teacher Sentenced to Federal Prison for Traveling to Engage in Sex with a Minor
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Leroy Lawrence Bolger, Jr., 75, of Kingsland, Georgia, was sentenced to more than three years in federal court after pleading guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
On March 1, 2022, Bolger drove from Kingsland, Georgia to a predetermined location in Beaufort, South Carolina to meet the purported father and 13-year-old daughter, and to engage in illicit sexual conduct with the girl.  When Bolger arrived, he encountered law enforcement officers instead and was placed under arrest.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/retired-school-teacher-sentenced-federal-prison-traveling-engage-sex-minor 

▫️New Bern woman sentenced to over six years for sex trafficking of a minor
Craven County, NC — A New Bern woman will spend the next six and a half years behind bars after pleading guilty to charges related to sex trafficking of a minor.
Brittney Chantel McCoy, 34 of New Bern received her sentence on Friday, Jan. 26
Nobles, who was previously sentenced to 48 months for her role, allowed McCoy and the minor to entertain the commercial sex dates in her home in exchange for a portion of the money they earned. Later that same month, McCoy took the minor to Jacksonville, NC to engage in commercial sex. Nobles was again promised a share of the proceeds but when she did not receive any money, Nobles called authorities to report McCoy for exploiting and sex trafficking the minor.
https://wlos.com/news/local/new-bern-woman-sentenced-to-over-six-years-for-sex-trafficking-of-a-minor 

▫️School Instructional Assistant Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Tyler Edward Perkins, age 30, of Huntingtown, Maryland, today to seven years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possession of child pornography.  The statement of facts also established that Perkins distributed child sexual abuse material to others.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/school-instructional-assistant-sentenced-seven-years-federal-prison-possession-child 

▫️DOJ Alleges Andrew Cuomo Sexually Harassed at Least 13 Female State Employees
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/01/doj-says-andrew-cuomo-sexually-harassed-least-13/ 

▫️75-year-old man sentenced to 375 years for child sex crimes
WALKER COUNTY, Texas — On Jan. 18, in the first trial of 2024, a Walker County jury handed a 75-year-old man a prison sentence that will put him in jail for the rest of his life.
Juan Manuel Espinoza was convicted of multiple crimes related to child sex abuse going as far back as 2001, according to testimony from one victim. Some of the victims that testified against Espinoza ranged from 19 to 29 years of age, and said that they were abused by him as early as five years old--sometimes on a daily basis--while they lived under the same roof as him.
https://www.kagstv.com/article/news/crime/walker-county-jury-hands-juan-manuel-espinoza-375-year-sentence-for-child-sex-crimes/499-9014327c-9040-466d-b9c6-5b6085576793 

▫️Laurel Community Spotlight: Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Did you know that 57% of victims of human trafficking are minors? Mayor Keith Sydnor and Laurel Native Robert Windley worked together to shine a light on the heinous crime and bring awareness to the City of Laurel.

▫️$10 million settlement reached in clergy child sexual abuse case in Orange, LA counties
The Diocese of Orange and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles have reached a combined $10 million settlement in a clergy child sex abuse case involving two of Orange County’s most notorious predators, attorneys with a high-profile sexual abuse law firm announced on Friday, Jan. 26.
The settlement — which includes $9.5 million from the Diocese of Orange and $500,000 from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles — heads off what was expected to be among the first to go to trial of a massive wave of lawsuits filed against Roman Catholic dioceses statewide by now-adult survivors who were given a three-year window under state law to file civil complaints regarding decades-old abuse.
It is believed to be the single largest settlement received by an individual against a religious organization, said attorney Morgan Stewart, whose Irvine-based firm — Manly, Stewart & Finaldi — represents more than 200 alleged clergy sexual abuse victims across the state.
https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/10-million-settlement-reached-in-clergy-child-sexual-abuse-case-in-orange-la-counties/ 

▫️Texas Casa in search of more volunteers
Texas ranks second in the most reported cases of child sex trafficking.

▫️Idaho troopers bound for border
Gov. Brad Little said Friday he is following up on a promise he made during his State of the State and Budget Address to send two more teams of Idaho State Police troopers to the Texas-Mexico border.
The troopers will be deployed in their new mission in the coming weeks.
https://cdapress.com/news/2024/jan/27/idaho-troopers-bound-for-border/ 

▫️Expo on human trafficking set for March in Kennewick
TRI-CITIES, Wash. - The Columbia Center Rotary works to fight human sex trafficking and will host a Shine-A-Light: Human Trafficking Education and Prevention Expo on Saturday, March 2.
The Shine-A-Light Expo will offer resources and information from local agencies and will feature a guided "red flag" demonstration bedroom to help attendees recognize some signs of human trafficking.
Local law enforcement and allies of trafficking victims will also speak at the expo on topics, including "How bad is trafficking in the Tri-Cities?" "How can I detect and help local victims" and more.
https://www.nonstoplocal.com/tri-cities-yakima/news/expo-on-human-trafficking-set-for-march-in-kennewick/article_a6df5de1-54ce-5bf0-9ef9-614695b58de5.html 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Attempted kidnapping suspect arrested after girl reported him on her walk to school, Glendale PD says
Glendale Police officers responded to the area of 43rd and Peoria avenues on the morning of Jan. 26 after the girl made a report "that an unknown adult male had attempted to grab her as she walked to school."
Investigators obtained and reviewed video footage. They found the suspect and his car seen in the footage.
37-year-old Joseph Ruiz was arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping charges.
» https://www.azfamily.com/2024/01/27/man-arrested-alleged-attempted-kidnapping-glendale-student/  (VIDEO)
» https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/attempted-kidnapping-suspect-behind-bars-after-girl-reported-him-on-her-walk-to-school-glendale-pd-says 

▫️Investigation underway after attempted kidnapping in Grayslake
GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — Two men are on the run after a kidnapping attempt in Grayslake on Friday. According to police, a person was walking in the 700 block of Cherry Creek Drive in the afternoon when a gray minivan approached them, and a man exited the vehicle wearing a surgical mask and a black hooded shirt, attempting to force the victim into the minivan.
The victim was able to escape, and the vehicle left the area and was last seen driving towards Atkinson Road. The investigation is ongoing and there is no other information at this time.
» https://wgntv.com/news/northwest-suburbs/investigation-underway-after-attempted-kidnapping-in-grayslake-police/
» https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2024/01/27/suspect-attempts-to-forcibly-kidnap-child-into-minivan-in-grayslake-neighborhood/ 

▫️Leader of human smuggling organization pleads guilty to conspiracy to transport noncitizens for profit following HSI Sells investigation
SELLS, Ariz. – A Honduran national pleaded guilty Jan. 24 to conspiracy to transport noncitizens for profit. Special agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Sells investigated the case.
Sentencing for Maria Mendoza-Mendoza aka “La Guera,” 51, of Honduras, is scheduled for April 2 before U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins.
Mendoza-Mendoza admitted that she was a leader of a smuggling organization that smuggled over 100 migrants from Honduras into the United States and that, as a leader, she coordinated human smuggling and money laundering events.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/leader-human-smuggling-organization-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-transport-noncitizens 

▫️Kettle Falls man accused of committing multiple child sex crimes
According to the Stevens County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), Jacob Karns, 24, was arrested on Jan. 24 after the Eastern Washington region Missing and Exploited Children's Task Force (MCTEF) notified law enforcement the day prior of a child pornography investigation. He faces charges of multiple felonies, including child molestation, sexual exploitation of a minor, and possession and dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Karns will likely be charged federally as well, SCSO said.
https://www.khq.com/news/kettle-falls-man-arrested-after-committing-multiple-child-sex-crimes/article_0c7e2d80-bd51-11ee-90b4-a74680c3ec20.html 

▫️ (UPDATE)   American founder of Haitian orphanage sexually abused 4 boys, prosecutor says
DENVER  - An American founder of a Haitian orphanage forced four boys who lived in the institution to engage in sexual acts more than a decade ago, a prosecutor said Friday.
Michael Geilenfeld, 71, is a "dangerous, manipulative and cunning child sexual predator" who for decades has preyed on poor children while working abroad as a missionary, Jessica Urban, a prosecutor with the Justice Department's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, said during a detention hearing in Denver federal court.
» https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/american-founder-haitian-orphanage-sexually-abused-4-boys-106726642
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-13012545/American-founder-Haitian-orphanage-sexually-abused-4-boys-prosecutor-says.html
» https://halifax.citynews.ca/2024/01/26/american-founder-of-haitian-orphanage-sexually-abused-4-boys-prosecutor-says/ 

▫️Texts show Metro Transit recruiting drivers to transport illegal aliens in Minnesota
Crime Watch has been receiving messages for weeks alleging that illegal aliens are arriving and/or are being transported into the state of Minnesota.
A recent media report claimed that Minnesota was one of the top destinations for “migrants” accepting free tickets from other states (reported in the Star Tribune, which we will not directly link to).
We’ve now exclusively obtained what appear to be screenshots of internal text messages from Metro Transit Minnesota’s Transit Control Center (TCC) dated Friday, Jan. 26 asking for “ops” (drivers) to volunteer to operate “artic buses” (articulated buses) up to St. Cloud Airport.
https://crimewatchmn.medium.com/texts-show-metro-transit-recruiting-drivers-to-transport-illegal-aliens-in-minnesota-4c52c2c77deb 
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️17-year-old human trafficking victim rescued by Miami-Dade Police; man arrested
MIAMI — A 17-year-old girl who was presumed missing for five years was found and rescued from an alleged human trafficker in Miami-Dade County on Saturday morning.
Miami-Dade Police stated in a press release that the victim was rescued by detectives from its Human Trafficking Squad and the suspect — who was identified as 27-year-old Christian Manuel Carvajal — was arrested and charged with human trafficking.
Upon arrival at the meetup location in Doral, a young girl matching the description of the missing juvenile appeared to step out of a white Mercedes-Benz that was being driven by Carvajal.
» https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/man-appears-in-court-over-alleged-human-trafficking-of-teen-girl-missing-since-2019/3218223/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/17-year-old-human-trafficking-victim-rescued-by-miami-dade-police-man-arrested/ 
» https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/man-arrested-teen-rescued-in-doral-in-connection-to-human-trafficking-case/
»

▫️Florida Crime Files: 2 youth baseball coaches, karate instructor facing child sexual abuse charges
Karate instructor Gino Lucciano Carrera Servin was arrested Wednesday and charged with battery and lewd/lascivious molestation of someone under 18 years old after the incident that happened during the week of March 12, 2023, according to an arrest affidavit.
A Seminole County baseball coach was arrested after he allegedly sent obscene images to a minor in December last year, deputies said. Joshua Montero, 47, was arrested in Longwood when deputies responded to a lewd and lascivious report on January 16. 
An Orange County ‘elite’ youth baseball coach is accused of child sexual abuse and deputies are searching for more victims. Julio Cesar Adon Acosta Morgado, 38, was arrested and is awaiting trial for sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation charges stemming from Jacksonville, according to deputies. 
https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/florida-crime-files-2-youth-baseball-coaches-karate-instructor-facing-child-sexual-abuse-charges 

▫️2 are in custody in Mississippi after baby girl is found abandoned behind dumpsters
HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. — Two people have been taken into custody as part of an investigation into the abandonment of a newborn girl who was found last week behind dumpsters in Mississippi. Authorities say the two people were arrested Friday. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office didn't provide further details.
» https://www.wandtv.com/news/national/2-are-in-custody-in-mississippi-after-baby-girl-is-found-abandoned-behind-dumpsters/article_f478c7f2-aac3-5415-91bc-84e68bdfb2d8.html
» https://www.fox4news.com/news/baby-girl-found-abandoned-behind-dumpsters-in-mississippi-2-in-custody 

▫️Jennings: Two children have been found
JENNINGS, Mo. — St. Louis County Police Department announced that they have found two children previously reported missing Saturday afternoon.
Jennings police responded to a call about a stolen car with two children inside on the 7100 block of Idlewild in Jennings around 3.30 p.m. Officers describe the victims as a 7-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. The boy was found quickly after the theft in Jennings and the girl was found in St. Louis city later that same day, according to the police statement.
https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/abduction-2-missing-children-found-police-not-caught-suspect/63-b84092f3-5f59-44b3-ab16-fe390e487a61 

▫️Racine pastor charged with sexually assaulting a child, woman
RACINE, Wis. — A Racine pastor is charged with sexually assaulting a child. Bernabe Leon Alvarez, 37, faces attempted sexual exploitation by a therapist, repeated sexual assault of a child and child enticement.
Police say a victim of the abuse came forward in January 2023. She told investigators she was 14 years old when Leon Alvarez first touched her inappropriately.
» https://www.wisn.com/article/racine-pastor-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-a-child-woman/46562164#   (VIDEO) 
» https://youtu.be/5OlDPHXTHuM

▫️Ossian man arrested for human trafficking related to investigation out of Kentucky
OSSIAN, Ind. - An Ossian, Indiana man is awaiting extradition after being arrested in connection with a child exploitation investigation out of Kentucky according to Indiana State Police.
The suspect, Zavian Leon Jones, 23, was taken into custody and taken to the Wells County Jail. The Christian County, Kentucky arrest warrant was for the following felony charges:
• Human Trafficking (Commercial Sexual Activity, Victim Under 12 (1 Count)
• Use of a Minor Under 16 in a Sexual Performance (1 Count)
• Procuring a Minor by Electronic Means  (4 Counts)
» https://www.wane.com/top-stories/ossian-man-arrested-for-human-trafficking-related-to-investigation-out-of-kentucky/
» https://wowo.com/ossian-man-arrested-for-human-trafficking-charges/ 

▫️  (UPDATE) Laredo teacher arrested in child predator operation placed on leave
A United ISD band teacher accused of driving over 1,500 miles to Virginia with the intent of having sex with a teenage girl has been placed on administrative leave.
“Law enforcement authorities notified the United Independent School District that district employee David Ortiz was arrested out of state on serious charges,” the district said in a statement.
Ortiz, 32, was charged on Friday, Jan. 12 with production of child sexual abuse material, use of communication device to solicit a minor, attempted indecent liberties with a minor. He also faces eight counts of use of a communication device to solicit a minor (second or subsequent offense).
https://www.lmtonline.com/local/article/laredo-teacher-arrested-child-predator-operation-18631717.php 

▫️Inside the Facebook profile of a migrant smuggler
Three members of the Northeast Cartel have pled guilty to human trafficking on the border between Mexico and the United States. The case has shone a light on how criminals recruit clients and victims via social media.
https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-01-28/inside-the-facebook-profile-of-a-migrant-smuggler.html 

▫️'On the Record': Ending human trafficking in Florida

▫️Midwestern State University - Human Trafficking Awareness Red Talk
The Redwine Honors Program will present Human Trafficking Red Talk at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, in Legacy Hall's Multipurpose Room.
https://calendar.msutexas.edu/event/human-trafficking-awareness-red-talk/ 

▫️The Cool Aunt: Sex Trafficking Awareness Presentation - January 31, 2024, 7 PM - Red Lake Secondary Complex Cafeteria
A survivor and appointed member of the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, Rachel has extensive experience teaching, training,
https://www.redlakenationnews.com/story/2024/01/29/events/the-cool-aunt-sex-trafficking-awareness-presentation-january-31-2024/119841.html 

▫️Know the Signs: Human Trafficking Awareness Training | Wed., Jan. 31, 6.30 p.m.
This pivotal virtual event is in collaboration with The Lifeboat Project as a crusade against the global crisis of human trafficking.
https://www.orlandoweekly.com/event/know-the-signs-human-trafficking-awareness-training-35984613 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Operation Reclaim & Rebuild: 54 adults, 11 children rescued, 539 arrests
Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna announced Tuesday the arrest of hundreds of people caught during a weeklong human trafficking operation.
A total of 539 criminal arrests were made, including 40 suspected traffickers and exploiters, and 271 suspected sex buyers.
» https://ktla.com/news/local-news/l-a-sheriff-to-announce-hundreds-of-arrests-in-human-trafficking-operation/  (VIDEO)
»  

▫️Operation Reclaim & Rebuild: 7 Rescued, 25 Snagged in San Bernardino Human Trafficking Sting
In a concerted effort to clamp down on human trafficking and sexual slavery, authorities in San Bernardino County have netted 25 individuals for solicitation and pandering, as part of the statewide initiative Operation Reclaim & Rebuild.
The operation successfully rescued seven individuals from forced engagement in sex acts. Resources and services were extended to these victims in an attempt to alleviate the trauma inflicted by such violations of dignity.
» https://hoodline.com/2024/01/25-snagged-in-san-bernardino-sting-reclaim-rebuild-tackles-human-trafficking-trade/
» https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/california/53458-san-bernardino-county-deputies-arrest-25-for-soliciting-prostitution-and-pandering-in-operation-reclaim-rebuild 

▫️3 Rescued, 6 arrested after sex trafficking detail in Visalia
VISALIA, Calif. - The Tulare County Sheriff’s Human Trafficking Unit says they rescued three women who were victims of human trafficking, during a weekend-long human trafficking detail in the Visalia area.
Sherriff’s officials say six men were arrested as a result of the human trafficking detail for soliciting prostitution -one of them for soliciting prostitution with a minor for sex.
» https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/crime/6-arrested-after-sex-trafficking-detail-in-visalia-deputies-say/
» https://abc30.com/human-trafficking-six-arrested-soliciting-prostitution-sting-operation/14371161/ 

▫️3 Rescued, 7 arrested in multi-agency operation in Kern County child sexual exploitation case
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.  — California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced seven suspects were arrested in a multi-agency, two-day sexual predator operation in Kern County.
Officials said the operation targeted adults who allegedly tried to sexually exploit children through using undercover agents and detectives who posed as minors online soliciting on websites commonly used by victims of sex trafficking.
Additionally, agents and officers rescued three sex trafficking victims who were with the suspects arrested. The victims were provided support through victims services.
The suspects were taken into custody. They face charges by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office of the following:
Pimping; Pandering; Human trafficking of a minor; Contacting a minor for the purpose of committing a felony; Meeting with a minor for the purpose of committing a lewd act
» https://www.kget.com/news/crime-watch/7-arrested-3-victims-rescued-following-sex-predator-sting-in-kern-county-california-doj/
» https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/multi-agency-operation-in-kern-county-arrests-7-in-child-sexual-exploitation-case-crime-bakersfield-california
» https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-seven-arrests-part-sexual-predator-apprehension
» https://www.bakersfield.com/news/7-arrested-in-kern-in-human-trafficking-investigation/article_2aa90bdc-bf12-11ee-9f86-efe4a16a935e.html 

▫️VIDEO: Amarillo police: 5 arrested for online solicitation of minors over weekend
https://www.newschannel10.com/video/2024/01/29/video-amarillo-police-5-arrested-online-solicitation-minors-over-weekend/   (VIDEO) 

▫️3 Amarillo men arrested for online solicitation of minors
AMARILLO, Texas - Undercover officers arrested 23-year-old Gregory Enriquez, 23-year-old Michael Markley and 35-year-old Phillip Davis for online solicitation of a minor, according to DPS officials.
Officials say the suspects were arrested when they arrived at an undisclosed location after soliciting sex online with investigators posing as minors.
» https://www.newschannel10.com/2024/01/29/3-amarillo-men-arrested-online-solicitation-minors/   (VIDEO)
» https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/3-arrested-by-dps-in-sting-targeting-child-sexual-predators-human-traffickers-amarillo-area-department-of-public-safety-gregory-enriquez-michael-markley-phillip-davis-national-human-trafficking-prevention-month 

▫️Human Trafficking Task Force Leads to Arrest of 187 Individuals in Dallas Area
Upon agreement to services and a price, the individuals were directed to meeting locations where law enforcement awaited to take them into custody. The operation led to the arrest of 134 individuals. Notably, among those apprehended were known human traffickers, individuals in positions of public trust such as teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, violent criminals, and convicted sex offenders.
In a subsequent two-day operation conducted in January, the task force arrested an additional 53 individuals, encompassing laborers, engineers, business professionals, truck drivers, attorneys, and accountants.
http://www.irvingweekly.com/s/7086/Human-Trafficking-Task-Force-Leads-to-Arrest-of-187-Individuals-in-Dallas-Area.php 

▫️Candido Lopez-Lebron arrested, indicted for child exploitation and sex trafficking children
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Candido Lopez-Lebron, 59, with sex trafficking of children.
According to court documents, from November 2022 to December 2023, Lopez-Lebron recruited, enticed, harbored and transported a girl between the ages of 11 and 12 for commercial sex.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/candido-lopez-lebron-arrested-indicted-child-exploitation-and-sex-trafficking 

▫️Bond reduction former Town and Country police sergeant accused of child sex abuse today
A former Town and Country police sergeant has a bond reduction hearing Monday in Jefferson County

▫️Indianapolis police officer charged with sex crimes against minor
An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officer is facing multiple child seduction charges after being accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old, according to court records.
Paul Humphrey, 50, faces four counts of sexual misconduct, three counts of child seduction, attempted obstruction, official misconduct and voyeurism.
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2024/01/29/indianapolis-police-officer-paul-humphrey-charged-with-child-seduction/72394028007/ 

▫️Detroit men bound over to circuit court for alleged human trafficking
Two Detroit men were bound over to Macomb County Circuit Court on Jan. 26 for human trafficking, the prosecutor's office announced Monday. 
On Nov. 3, 2023, a human trafficking victim escaped from Aaron Kaycee-Lynardo Streety, 38, and Bernard Desean Harris, 23, who allegedly forced her to perform sex acts with multiple men for money at a Warren motel, prosecutor's said.
Both defendants are in the Macomb County Jail and are scheduled to be arraigned on Feb.12. 
» https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/detroit-men-human-trafficking-warren-motel-macomb-county-circuit-court/
» https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2024/01/30/2-men-are-bound-over-to-macomb-county-circuit-court-for-their-alleged-role-in-human-trafficking-ring/
» https://www.macombdaily.com/2024/01/29/detroit-men-charged-with-sex-trafficking-a-woman-in-a-warren-motel/ 

▫️Former Poudre School District paraprofessional pleads guilty to child abuse, assault
A former Poudre School District paraprofessional who faced more than 100 charges related to child abuse pleaded guilty Monday to less than a dozen counts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4cZTbs_1zI 

▫️Glendale Police are giving an update on an attempted abduction of a young girl
GLENDALE, AZ  — Glendale police described a frightening scenario for an 11-year-old girl that led to the arrest of a man who allegedly tried to kidnap her late last week. Joseph Leroy Ruiz, 37, was arrested after police say he tried to grab a fifth grader who was walking to school around 8 a.m. on Friday.
» https://www.aol.com/m/9d168837-0d75-329f-bbaa-d449e983dbc6/live-police-to-release-new.html   (VIDEO)
»

▫️Honolulu police investigate kidnapping of teen girl in Mililani
Honolulu police are investigating after a 16-year-old girl was allegedly abducted in Mililani last Friday.
The kidnapping happened on Friday around 8 p.m.  Authorities said the victim told police she was at Mililani Town Center when she was forced into a white van against her will.
She was able to escape from the van the following morning, investigators said. Police have identified the suspect as a male but no additional details were given.
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/01/29/hpd-investigating-after-teen-girl-is-allegedly-kidnapped-mililani-town-center/ 

▫️Detroit men charged with sex trafficking a woman in a Warren motel
A convicted human trafficker was one of two men ordered to stand trial on allegations of human trafficking at a Warren motel, officials said Monday.
Aaron Kaycee-Lynardo Streety, 38, and Bernard Desean Harris, 23, both of Detroit, were bound over Friday for trial in Macomb County Circuit Court by 37th District Court Judge Michael Chupa in connection with alleged human trafficking.
Investigators said a human trafficking victim in November was able to escape the pair who forced her to perform sex acts with multiple men in exchange for money at a Warren motel.
https://www.macombdaily.com/2024/01/29/detroit-men-charged-with-sex-trafficking-a-woman-in-a-warren-motel/ 

▫️Lubbock man accused of child sexual abuse that lasted years, records say

▫️HPD Human Trafficking Investigation Leads to Arrest in Indiana
23-year-old Zavian Jones was arrested on January 22 in Ossian, Indiana, a town of 3,300 south of Fort Wayne. He is facing charges in Christian County for Human Trafficking of a Victim under 12; Use of a Minor under 16 in a Sexual Performance and four counts of Procuring a Minor by Electronic Means.
» https://www.wkdzradio.com/2024/01/29/hpd-human-trafficking-investigation-leads-to-arrest-in-indiana/news-edge/ 
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▫️HSI San Juan Arrests Two Men on Child Exploitation Charges
On January 26, 2024, the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Taskforce (PRCACTF) led by HSI, arrested Elvin Jhohanie Molina-Rosado, a 35-year-old man from Corozal. A federal grand jury indicted Molina-Rosado on January 24, 2024, with four counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children, Sexual Enticement of a Minor, Receipt of Child Exploitation Material, and Possession of Child Exploitation Material.
In a separate case, Edwin Martínez-Ortiz, a 45-year-old man from Caguas was arrested on January 26, 2024, by HSI’s agents from the Fajardo office. A federal indictment and arrest warrant were issued on January 24, 2024, against Martínez-Ortiz with two counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children and Possession of Child Exploitation material.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-pr/pr/hsi-san-juan-arrests-two-men-child-exploitation-charges 

▫️Woman accused of labor trafficking, debt bondage, threatens to separate victim's family
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A woman is accused of labor trafficking two sisters, who were smuggled into the U.S. as minors, and threatening to send one of the victim's sons back to Guatemala.
On Jan. 16 the Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force was contacted by road deputies about a human trafficking allegation that was made by the two sisters.
One of the sisters referred to as Victim 2 in the arrest affidavit, told investigators Miriam Lopez Mackler was refusing to let her sister, identified Victim 1, leave with her two-year-old son because she owed a $15,000 debt from being brought into the U.S. from Guatemala, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office statement.
https://cbs12.com/news/local/miriam-lopez-mackler-accused-of-trafficking-two-sister-from-guatemala-forced-to-work-at-food-truck-15000-bond-palm-beach-county-sheriffs-office-florida-january-29-2024  (VIDEO)    

▫️Child predator sentenced to 10 years following HSI Douglas, local police investigation | ICE
DOUGLAS, Ariz. — A Southern Arizona man was sentenced on Jan. 23 to 10 years in prison and lifetime probation with sex offender registration upon his release for his involvement with child sexual abuse material.
HSI began investigating Victor Francisco Mendez, 35, of Douglas, in June 2023, when the Douglas Police Department received information from the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. A joint investigation between HSI and the police resulted in the execution of a search warrant that subsequently led to Mendez’s arrest. Throughout the course of the investigation, law enforcement discovered that he was uploading child sexual abuse material to a social media platform.
Authorities booked Mendez into the Cochise County Jail. On Aug. 24, 2023, the Cochise County Superior Court indicted Mendez on five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor; he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of minor.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/child-predator-sentenced-10-years-following-hsi-douglas-local-police-investigation 

▫️Georgia's First Lady discusses initiatives to stop human trafficking

▫️House bill could ban child marriages in New Mexico
» https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/legislature/house-bill-could-ban-child-marriages-in-new-mexico/ 
»

▫️Merced County officials speak out against release of sexual predator
MERCED COUNTY, Calif. - State lawmakers and local leaders are speaking out against the release of a sexually violent predator in Merced County.
Sheriff Vern Warnke says neither he nor the district attorney was contacted about the pending release and relocation of convict Kevin Gray from Stanislaus County.
On the California Megan's Law website, Gray is described as a violent sexual predator who was first convicted in 1993 and last released in 2002.
» https://abc30.com/merced-county-sexual-predator-prison-release-vern-warnke/14369871/ 
»

▫️Our View: Let 'protection through connection' help end trafficking in Duluth
“We believe in a future free from exploitation,” PAVSA said.
That exploitation — call it “modern-day slavery” — can be for sex or for labor. In 2021, the National Human Trafficking Hotline logged 335 tips from Minnesota, 119 involving the victims or survivors of human trafficking, the state court system reported. There were 75 sex-trafficking cases and eight labor cases. Of the victims, 82 were female and 11 were male.
https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/editorials/our-view-let-protection-through-connection-help-end-trafficking-in-duluth 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

>> Human trafficking sting: Pinellas men arrested for trying to meet child with disabilities
Arrest affidavits show detectives placed an online ad. Those who responded to that ad thought they would meet a 13-year-old girl, described as autistic and non-verbal.
During that operation, police arrested Anh-Viet Doanvo, Mohammad Al Rashdan, Rondale Nixon, all of Pinellas County. All three are charged with human trafficking.
The affidavit says one of the men paid a detective $200 for sex with a child with disabilities. Detectives said when he was arrested they found a rope, pocket knife and gun on him.
https://www.fox13news.com/news/human-trafficking-sting-pinellas-men-arrested-for-trying-to-meet-child-with-disabilities  (VIDEO)

> 5 arrested in Berks human trafficking sting operation
READING, Pa. – Five men were arrested after members of the Berks County District Attorney's Human Trafficking Task Force conducted an undercover sting operation to combat illegal sex trade in the county.
Four of the defendants responded to the advertisements and allegedly agreed to meet and have sex with 14- to 17-year-old juveniles at undisclosed locations within Berks County in exchange for money. One defendant, 46-year-old Percival Willams, of Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, is accused of posting a prostitution ad and taking a woman to a hotel where police were waiting.
Anyone with information regarding human trafficking is urged to contact the Berks County District Attorney's Office at 610-478-7171.
» https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/5-arrested-in-berks-human-trafficking-sting-operation/article_e3196f14-bfa7-11ee-8e9f-7f581827d2bc.html
» https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/berks-county-human-trafficking-five-people-arrested/

> Bakersfield police identify 7 arrested following sex predator bust, announce additional arrests
During January 2024, BPD said combined efforts led to 24 arrests for prostitution, as well as the arrests of two men — 27-year-old Roandy Rameau and 35-year-old York Ray — for separate incidents of pimping and pandering. Officers also arrested a 44-year-old man, Jimmy Brown, on suspicion of human trafficking of a child.
According to BPD, detectives also began 10 additional human trafficking investigations which involve commercial sexual exploitation. These investigations are ongoing, and two other cases were submitted for arrest warrants for human trafficking of separate children, officials said.
https://www.kget.com/news/crime-watch/bakersfield-police-identify-7-arrested-following-sex-predator-bust-announce-additional-arrests/

> Wake County chase: Deputy injures, two cars wrecked, sex offender arrested
WENDELL, N.C. - According to the sheriff’s office, deputies tried to stop a vehicle that was driven by a man wanted for 28 counts of statutory sex offenses with a child. When the suspect, who the sheriff’s office later identified as 41-year-old Rayshon Nelson Treadwell, did not stop, deputies began a chase that ended around 5:10 p.m.
Treadwell was wanted by the Henderson Police Department for 28 counts of statutory sex offense with a child, and additional charges are expected, the sheriff’s office said.
https://www.wnct.com/news/north-carolina/child-sex-crime-suspect-caught-after-wake-county-chase-crash-officials-say/

> Human trafficking bust made in Stanislaus County
Law enforcement and nonprofits teamed up across the state to combat human trafficking. Footage from a Stanislaus County sheriff's deputy body camera shows one dramatic raid of a massage business with guns drawn.
» https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/heres-a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-a-stanislaus-county-human-trafficking-crackdown/
»

> Officers Rescue Teen Being Sexually Assaulted In Skid Row: LAPD
LOS ANGELES, CA — A girl was screaming for help while being assaulted by a 47-year-old man in a tent when patrol officers intervened, according to the LAPD.
A teenage girl is recovering today thanks to two police officers who heard her screams and rescued her from an attacker on Skid Row, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Such sexual assaults are all too common in the area where the unhoused are often at the mercy of those who would prey upon them, said LAPD Central Area Commanding Officer Capt. Raul Jovel
The officers were able to stop the attack and arrest the suspect, Jidris Carter. Carter was wanted in connection with a robbery, and he has since been charged with robbery, oral copulation by force, and assault to commit a sexual assault, according to the LAPD.
https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/officers-rescue-teen-being-sexually-assaulted-skid-row-lapd

> Teen girl found tied up on side of road, tells police she was abducted
A teenage girl was found tied up on the side of a northwestern Minnesota road, and told police she had been abducted.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office says the 17-year-old girl was found on the side of the 410th Avenue Southwest in Bygland Township, south of East Grand Forks, by a local resident at 4.30 p.m. Monday.
Police have issued an appeal to witnesses who saw anything suspicious while driving south of East Grand Forks on Hwy. 220 between Hwy. 2 and Thompson Bridge. Anyone with information should call 218-281-0431.
» https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/teen-girl-found-tied-up-on-side-of-road-tells-police-she-was-abducted
» https://trfnews.i234.me/wordpress/teenage-girl-found-tied-up-in-polk-county-reports-abduction/

> Sherwood community shocked after police arrest man accused of attempting to kidnap child at Walmart
SHERWOOD, Ark. – Sherwood police arrested a man Monday night after he was accused of attempting to kidnap a young girl outside a community Walmart, leaving many residents shocked.
Sherwood police say that 58-year-old Timothy Caudle from Jacksonville attempted to kidnap a 2-year-old girl after hiding in a woman’s car in the parking lot of Walmart.
» https://www.kark.com/crime/sherwood-community-shocked-after-police-arrest-man-accused-of-attempting-to-kidnap-child-at-walmart/     (VIDEO)
»

> Witness said toddlers given 'spiked drinks' in local child porn case
Before being booked into Greene County Jail on Friday for several possession of child pornography charges, 30-year-olds Marianne Rector and Robert Hoff had children together.
The report says Rector told a witness she would have "no problem killing (the kids)" if she thought one of them would speak about sexual assault allegations and send her or Hoff to jail.
That same witness — a source unnamed in the police report as means of protection — said Rector admitted that she and Hoff gave Benadryl to a 2-year-old girl and proceeded to perform sexual acts on the drowsy child. 
Rector allegedly spoke to a witness about sexual acts with the 2-year-old and sent him images of child sexual assault through the app Sessions, it prompted a call to Springfield Police.
Investigators said they soon discovered several images and videos of children performing sexual acts on devices and accounts owned by Rector and Hoff. Rector was charged with four charges of child pornography (a Class D felony) and Hoff was charged with three counts of the same charge. Both were given $100,000 bond.
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2024/01/30/witness-said-toddlers-given-spiked-drinks-in-local-child-porn-case/72413981007/

> Group linked to 9 kidnappings in three states
EL PASO, Texas – A federal grand jury has charged 11 individuals with ties to Texas in connection with a string of kidnappings and robberies in three states.
The group has been linked to nine abductions at gunpoint between August 2022 and July 2023 in homes in Delray Beach and Homestead, Florida, Durham, North Carolina, and Little Elm, Texas, court records show.
https://www.borderreport.com/regions/texas/group-linked-to-9-kidnappings-in-three-states/

> Florida man pleads guilty to production of images of child sexual abuse, and traveling to sexually assault a minor
Tacoma – A 42-year-old New Port Ritchey, Florida, man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to production of child pornography and interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Samuel Aaron Leonard was arrested July 2, 2020, in Vancouver, Washington, just outside the home of the 14-year-old girl he had spent months enticing online for sexual abuse.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/florida-man-pleads-guilty-production-images-child-sexual-abuse-and-traveling-sexually

> Concord man who engaged in and filmed child sexual exploitation gets 20 year prison sentence
A Concord man was sentenced to twenty years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a minor and possessing child sexual abuse images.
Scott Wilkinson, 39, pleaded guilty in October to charges after an investigation revealed that in April 2022 he had traveled to New Jersey and engaged in sexual acts with a child, then 12 years old, who he had been speaking to online for a year prior, according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice. Wilkinson took videos of the sexual exploitation, which police found on his cell phone alongside other images and videos of child sexual abuse.
In addition to the prison sentence, Wilkinson was required to pay $6,000 in restitution and received ten years of supervised release following his jail time. He faced a potential maximum sentence of up to 30 years, a fine of up to $250,000 and lifetime supervised release.
» https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-concord-man-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison-for-various-sexual-offences-against-a-minor/46544957#  (VIDEO)
» https://www.concordmonitor.com/Concord-man-sentenced-to-federal-prison-for-child-exploitation-53870988
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/concord-man-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison-child-exploitation-offenses

> 2 accused in interstate child sex trafficking charges plead not guilty, denied bond
COLUMBIA, S.C.  - Two people accused of child sex trafficking appeared for the first time in federal court Tuesday morning, as 32-year-old Antonio Nicholson and 30-year-old Rebecca Perry were arraigned around 10:30 a.m. Both pleaded not guilty and were denied bond Tuesday morning.
Federal prosecutors allege over an 8-month span, Nicholson of West Columbia and Perry of Columbia along with 24-year-old Monesha Gary of Clinton recruited minors who were runaways, then advertised the victims on the internet for sex.
The indictment also alleges Nicholson and Perry went across state lines to find victims and prosecutors say Nicholson brought a minor to Columbia from North Carolina.
https://www.wistv.com/2024/01/30/four-be-indicted-interstate-child-sex-trafficking-charges/  (VIDEO)

> Blount County Sheriff’s Office conducts their first child sex predator sting; Inside look will be streaming soon
BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. - The Blount Count Sheriff’s Office made several arrests in child sex predator investigations and their work could soon be on your television screens.
The sting is set to be the subject of a streaming show hosted by Chris Hansen. It was also the first of its kind for the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.
https://www.wbrc.com/2024/01/31/blount-county-sheriffs-office-conducts-their-first-child-sex-predator-sting-inside-look-will-be-streaming-soon/

> Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Acts With Teenage Girl at El Cajon Motel
One of two registered sex offenders charged with engaging in sex acts with a 16-year-old girl at an El Cajon motel has pleaded guilty to several felony sex crime counts.
Lawrence Cantrell, 35, is expected to be sentenced next month to nearly five years in state prison for the March 2023 encounter with the minor at the Motel 6 on Montrose Court.
Cantrell’s co-defendant, 71-year-old Michael Inman, is slated to go to trial next week on similar charges.
https://timesofsandiego.com/crime/2024/01/30/man-pleads-guilty-to-sex-acts-with-teenage-girl-at-el-cajon-motel/

> Guilty verdict rendered from 'Operation Lucky Strike' child predator sting
On Friday, Citrus County jurors found 38-year-old Glenn Talmage Cunningham, who did not appear in court during his trial, guilty of:
Four counts of transmission of harmful material to a minor, Two counts of computer pornography to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child to engage in any illegal act. As part of the operation, law enforcement officials posed as minors.
https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/guilty-verdict-rendered-from-operation-lucky-strike-child-predator-sting/article_5b3b40db-9c96-54c3-bd5d-f9ba20908e1d.html

> Statesville officer charged with child sex crimes
DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. — An internal complaint led to a North Carolina police officer being arrested for child sex crimes.
Stephen Gordon, 22, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with statutory rape of a child under 15. Gordon was a police officer for the Statesville Police Department from October 2022 to November 2023, according to the department.
» https://www.wxii12.com/article/north-carolina-statesville-police-officers-arrested-charged-child-sex-crimes-iredell-county/46595687#
» https://nz.news.yahoo.com/video/former-statesville-police-officer-accused-222359172.html  (VIDEO)
» https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/former-statesville-police-officer-accused-child-sex-crimes/IJIQ4CAOZJGK7HMKI43MAJAOHU/  (VIDEO)

> Former Lehighton Area teacher pleads guilty in sex sting
Former Lehighton Area School District teacher Michael Feifel pleaded guilty Tuesday to unlawful contact with a minor after a human sex trafficking investigation.
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7OsS9z2_PU   (VIDEO)
» https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/carbon-county/former-teacher-pleads-guilty-after-sex-sting-michael-feifel-carbon-county-lehighton-area-school-district-sex-trafficking-investigation/523-74aca51b-2d7b-43c0-a913-ab8b2d22b846

> Texas man pleads guilty to sex trafficking charges in Louisiana | ICE
NEW ORLEANS — Following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans, a Texas man pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion in the Eastern District of Louisiana Jan. 30.
According to court documents, Gregory Massey, 30, and his girlfriend and co-defendant Patricia Hart, forced two adult victims to engage in commercial sex in different locations during 2021 and 2022. Massey and Hart advertised them for commercial sex on websites, kept the money they made from commercial sex transactions, required them to meet minimum earnings thresholds every day, and restricted their access to food. Massey also tracked the victims’ locations using geolocation data on their phones so they could not leave and used violence to accomplish the scheme.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/texas-man-pleads-guilty-sex-trafficking-charges-louisiana

> Central Utah firefighter arrested for alleged child sexual exploitation
AURORA, Utah  — A firefighter for the Aurora Fire Department in central Utah was arrested on Monday for allegedly obtaining and taking sexual photos of minors.
Gary Joseph Hawkins, 44, is facing three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor after evidence was gathered during an FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force undercover mission, according to an affidavit filed in Sevier County.
» https://www.abc4.com/news/central-utah/central-utah-firefighter-arrested-for-alleged-child-sexual-exploitation/
» https://www.ksl.com/article/50860808/central-utah-firefighter-arrested-in-online-child-exploitation-sting

> WPBF 25 investigates sex trafficking in South Florida
» https://www.wpbf.com/article/wpbf-25-investigates-sex-trafficking-in-south-florida/46541500   (VIDEO)
»

> Sexual assault survivor encourages others to speak out
TUCSON, Ariz.  - A sexual assault survivor is speaking out after the man convicted of the crime was sentenced to more than 200 years in prison in a separate case.
Monica Andre was one of the victims of Francisco Medina, a man sentenced for sexually assaulting foster children in his care. “A lot of closure,” Andre said. “With just more evidence on top of it and continually forgiving yourself for all the things you’ve been through as a child.”
Andre has been in legal battles since 2018, after she filed a police report with the Tucson Police Department.
https://www.kold.com/2024/01/31/sexual-assault-survivor-encourages-others-speak-out/   (VIDEO)

> Partner2Prevent: A Howard County Human Trafficking Awareness Event | Howard County
Partner2Prevent will highlight how Howard County will continue the conversation of anti-trafficking work and prevention throughout 2024. Join us on January 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The 3rd in Columbia for an opportunity to network and learn from direct service providers.
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Partner2Prevent

> Racine pastor facing over 75 years prison for alleged sexual assault of 2 teen girls
RACINE — A pastor of a Racine church faces more than 75 years in prison after an investigation into alleged sexual assault of two different females.
Bernabe Leon Alvarez, 37, of Racine, is charged with two felony counts of sexual exploitation by a therapist, one felony count of repeated sexual assault of a child and one felony count of child enticement.
» https://racinecountyeye.com/2024/01/30/racine-pastor-sexual-assault/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/racine-pastor-facing-over-75-years-prison-for-alleged-sexual-assault-of-2-teen-girls/

> CT man accused of assaulting foster daughter, fathering her child
A foster parent in Bristol who was arrested on sexual assault and child endangerment charges allegedly sexually assaulted a girl in his care almost every day for about a decade and fathered her child when she was 13 — allegations an attorney representing the victim says could have been prevented through numerous involvements with the state Department of Children and Families.
The victim told police she estimated that Roger Barriault — who has still been allowed to foster children following an investigation by DCF — sexually assaulted her from 3,800 to 4,000 times between 2004 and 2015, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.
In September 2008, the girl, who had since turned 13, gave birth to Barriault’s child, according to court papers. During their investigation, Bristol police conducted a DNA test to confirm Barriault was the child’s father, the arrest warrant affidavit said. During an interview with detectives, the victim told police she estimated Barriault sexually assaulted her thousands of times “almost daily” until she was about 20 years old, the arrest warrant affidavit said.
https://www.courant.com/2024/01/31/ct-man-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-foster-daughter-fathering-her-child/

> Turpin siblings ‘digging in’ for legal showdown with California foster system that failed them, lawyer says
A group of California siblings who escaped from hellish captivity from what has been dubbed a “house of horrors” only to face more abuse in the Riverside County foster care system are now “digging in” for a prolonged court battle as a settlement in the case seems elusive, according to their lawyer.
The youngest six of the 13 Turpin children sued Riverside County, ChildNet Youth and Family Services, and Foster Family Network, alleging they were placed into equally horrible treatment after they were rescued from their parents’ torturous home in 2018.
Despite all the attention on the case, the youngest six children wound up in a new abusive household.
“The new family says, ‘Your parents were right. You are nobodies. You are filth. You don’t deserve to eat lunch,’” Zektser said. “It’s unfathomable.”
https://wfin.com/fox-national-news/turpin-siblings-digging-in-for-legal-showdown-with-california-foster-system-that-failed-them-lawyer-says/

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Who's in the News?

> Suspected human trafficking bust leads to nearly 20 people in custody, South Fulton police say
Around 8 a.m. Thursday morning, City of South Fulton police say they responded to a 911 call about shots fired at a home on the 5400 block of Orly Terrace in College Park.
Chief Meadows says at this point, they have 19 people detained, mostly females, and at least two people who are currently wanted. Police believe they “range anywhere from 16 to 39 or possibly 40" in age.
» https://news.yahoo.com/nearly-20-people-detained-reports-153223443.html      (VIDEO)
» https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/south-fulton-county/nearly-20-people-detained-after-reports-shots-fired-investigation-south-fulton-neighborhood/WO3VR26XZZASZOHXP7LIH5U7LE/     (VIDEO)
» https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/02/01/suspected-human-trafficking-bust-leads-19-people-custody-south-fulton-police-say/   (VIDEO)

> Operation Not for Sale: 17 arrested in Georgia sex-trafficking operation, GBI says - 10 survivors
BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. — Seventeen people were arrested in a Georgia sex trafficking operation this week. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Operation Not for Sale targeted sex traffickers and buyers in the Bryan County area.
Police officed resources to 10 sex workers.
This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s HEAT Unit at 404-270-8433, the Richmond Hill Police Department at 912-756-5645, or the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office at 912-756-3177. All forms of human trafficking should be reported to Georgia’s statewide human trafficking hotline, 1-866-ENDHTGA.
» https://www.bryancountynews.com/news/operation-not-for-sale-nets-17-arrests-in-bryan-county/
» https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/gbis-heat-unit-makes-17-arrests-in-cyber-sex-trafficking-sting-operation-local-news-true-crime-and-safety-sex-offender-registry-bryan-county-georgia
»

> Stanislaus County human trafficking operation arrests 77 people, 2 survivors, Sheriff’s Office says
“In total, 77 men and women were arrested, two victims were rescued, four guns were recovered, and $50,780 were seized,” reads the Sheriff’s Office release. 
“Arrests were for an array of misdemeanor and felony charges, including prostitution, pimping and human trafficking.”
» https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/article284924737.html
» https://news.yahoo.com/stanislaus-county-human-trafficking-operation-233139520.html
»

> Prostitution Sting Nets 101 Arrests Across Riverside County -  8 victims rescued 
During the operation, 101 adults were arrested for solicitation of prostitution, pimping, pandering and other related crimes. Four juveniles were detained for solicitation of prostitution and released to their parents.
Various services and resources were provided and offered to eight rescued victims, according to the sheriff's department.
» https://patch.com/california/murrieta/prostitution-sting-nets-101-arrests-across-riverside-county
» https://canyonlakeinsider.com/statewide-human-trafficking-crackdown-results-in-101-arrests-throughout-riverside-county/

> Omaha police believe more victims of man charged with child exploitation
OMAHA, Neb. — A 53-year-old man was arrested in December for federal violations, including crimes against children, by Omaha police and Homeland Security Investigations.
Investigators said they believe that there are "likely more victims" who haven't been identified yet. According to the Department of Justice, James Hatten was charged in a five-count indictment, including sex trafficking of a minor, production of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and sexual exploitation of children.
If you or someone you know has been in contact with Hatten or have information that may be relevant to this case, you are asked to contact the Omaha Police Department's Missing Persons Unit Sergeant Schrage at 402-444-4123.
» https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-police-believe-more-victims-man-charged-child-exploitation/46595620#    (VIDEO)
»

> Several massage parlors were shut down for human trafficking thanks to Crime Stoppers tips
BEAUMONT, Texas — Seven massage parlors in Orange County were busted by law enforcement. The most recent bust was in early January 2024.
Crime Stoppers tips helped the FBI, Homeland Security and local police find the parlors, investigate and set up a bust.
» https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/crime/massage-parlors-shut-down-for-human-trafficking-since-2023-thanks-to-crime-stoppers-tips/502-0f3e0e2e-4181-4a5f-b620-b49848dd4bcf
»

> Cullman attorney on trial for human trafficking and soliciting prostitution
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.  - A Cullman attorney currently stands before a federal jury for multiple sex crimes.
Randy Hames, owner of Hames Marina and RV Park on Smith Lake was arrested in 2018 by the Cullman County Sherriff’s Office. He was charged with second degree human trafficking, soliciting prostitution, and attempted sexual extortion.
Before this arrest, Hames had been arrested twice on similar charges.
» https://www.waff.com/2024/01/30/cullman-attorney-appears-federal-court-charges-human-trafficking-soliciting-prostitution/
» https://www.wbrc.com/2024/01/30/cullman-attorney-appears-federal-court-charges-human-trafficking-soliciting-prostitution/

> Las Vegas police arrest 2 suspects for sex trafficking, kidnapping
According to a police report, the victim was tricked into coming to the U.S. to pursue a better-paying job and she was supposed to pay the suspects $50,000 for arranging her transport. Upon arrival, she learned that she would be forced to engage in acts of prostitution to repay her debt. She was also reportedly stripped of her passport and immigration documentation by Mendez Barban and Almira Badia to prevent her from leaving the country.
The two suspects were booked into the Clark County Detention Center for sex trafficking of an adult and 2nd-degree kidnapping.
https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/01/31/las-vegas-police-arrest-2-suspects-sex-trafficking-kidnapping/

> ICE arrests 171 noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide or assault against children during nation-wide law enforcement effort | ICE
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers apprehended 171 unlawfully present noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide or assault against children during a nation-wide law enforcement effort that ran from January 16-28, 2024.
In fiscal year (FY) 2023 ERO arrested 73,822 noncitizens with criminal histories; this group had 290,178 associated charges and convictions with an average of four per individual.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-arrests-171-noncitizens-pending-charges-or-convictions-murder-homicide-or-assault

> CPSO identifies nearly 100 alleged child abusers, helps over 100 victims in two years
VIDALIA, La. — Through efforts at Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office’s Community Justice Center in Ferriday, the sheriff’s office has not only charged nearly 100 alleged child predators in two years but has assisted more than 100 abuse victims in the same length of time, officials said. The Cyber Crime Unit, located inside the justice center, seeks out criminals online using various social media apps.
https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2024/01/31/cpso-identifies-nearly-100-alleged-child-abusers-helps-over-100-victims-in-two-years/

>  Transgender Inmate Who Raped Infants Deemed Sexually Violent Predator After Previously Securing Release
A serial child rapist who had previously secured a release from prison after identifying as transgender has finally been deemed a “sexually violent predator” under Iowa state law. A judge has determined that Joseph Matthew Smith, who now uses the name Josie Maria Dunham or Josie Smith, should be confined in a secure facility indefinitely, quashing a previous ruling that claimed Smith was no longer a sexual risk due to being on feminizing hormones.
The report noted that Smith had told a state forensic psychologist he had molested as many as 15 children under the age of 13, the youngest being a 1-year-old baby.
https://reduxx.info/us-transgender-inmate-who-raped-infants-deemed-sexually-violent-predator-after-previously-securing-release/

> Mexico sends 200 Navy special forces to border state of Coahuila to combat crime involving migrants
EL PASO, Texas  — Mexico has sent Navy special forces to the state of Coahuila to track down migrant smugglers and dismantle stash houses, according to several Mexican news outlets.
Vanguardia said the special forces have deployed to rural areas and have orders to locate and arrest alleged human smugglers who operate along the banks of the Río Grande and run migrant stash houses.
https://www.borderreport.com/regions/mexico/200-mexican-navy-special-forces-sent-to-border-state-of-coahuila-to-combat-crime-involving-migrants/

> Largest-Ever Settlement Reached in Sex Abuse Case Involving Notorious California Priest
The Diocese of Orange and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles have agreed to pay a combined settlement believed to be the largest ever in a sex abuse case filed on behalf of an individual against a religious institution. 
The case involving two of the most notorious sex predators in California reached a $10-million settlement on Friday, January 26, according to a local report from East Bay Times.
The case focuses primarily on the sexual crimes of Fr. Eleuterio Ramos and Fr. Siegfried Widera. 
» https://catholicvote.org/orange-los-angeles-diocese-reach-largest-ever-settlement-sex-abuse-case/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/01/largest-ever-settlement-reached-in-sex-abuse-case-involving-notorious-california-priest/

> Harris County lawsuit alleges Brazos Valley church leaders knew about child sexual abuse
BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas - The Mountain Valley Fellowship Church in Brazos County and Texas A&M’s Chi Alpha Christian fraternity are two of several faith-based organizations named in a civil lawsuit filed in a Harris County district court. The lawsuit alleges the groups were negligent in failing to protect a 13-year-old College Station boy from child molestation.
https://www.kbtx.com/2024/02/01/harris-county-lawsuit-alleges-brazos-valley-church-leaders-knew-about-child-sexual-abuse/

> eBay Settles Controlled Substances Violations
Congress grilled 5 social media companies over child exploitation allegations on their platforms; EBay is set to pay millions for allegedly violating the Controlled Substances Act.

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️50 arrested in the Permian Basin for Human Trafficking Operations
PERMIAN BASIN, Texas - According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, over 50 people were arrested during the month of January for human trafficking. The goal of these operations was to target individuals seeking to exploit and victimize trafficking victims and to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of being involved in human trafficking by using various websites to solicit sexual acts.
Remember, you can also report suspicious behavior through the iWatch Texas program via the mobile app, online at www.iwatchtx.org or by calling 1-844-643-2251. All reports are confidential.
» https://www.cbs7.com/2024/02/01/50-arrested-permian-basin-human-trafficking-operations/
» https://www.kcbd.com/2024/02/01/dps-arrests-over-50-regional-human-trafficking-operations/
» https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/01/lubbock-san-angelo-residents-among-50-arrested-in-west-texas-prostitution-sting/72441818007/
» https://knue.com/big-rewards-44-fugitives-texas-feb-2024/ 

▫️Child’s remains found encased in concrete; police investigating possible link to other missing kids
PUEBLO, Colo.  - Authorities in Colorado discovered the remains of a child inside of a container of concrete.
Investigators are piecing together the few clues they have and seeing if the child’s death is linked to other children who reportedly haven’t been seen in years.
In addition to investigating the death of that child, police say they are also now searching for two other children: Jesus and Yesenia Dominguez.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Pueblo Police Department at 719-553-2502 or Detective Nicholas Lile at 719-601-7751.
» https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/02/02/childs-remains-found-encased-concrete-police-investigating-possible-link-other-missing-kids/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.wsaz.com/2024/02/02/childs-remains-found-encased-concrete-police-investigating-possible-link-other-missing-kids/  (VIDEO)
» https://people.com/police-searching-children-missing-since-2018-after-child-body-found-concrete-8557509
» https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/pueblo-colorado-child-found-encased-in-concrete/5097527/ 

▫️Twenty-Nine Arrested in Statewide Human Trafficking Operation
SAN DIEGO – As a result of the multi-day operation, 29 people were arrested for alleged human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other criminal offenses and 23 individuals were offered support services.
https://cslea.com/2024/02/twenty-nine-arrested-in-statewide-human-trafficking-operation/ 

▫️Menifee elementary school music teacher arrested, accused of possessing child pornography
A music teacher at three elementary schools in the Menifee Union School District was arrested on suspicion of possession of child pornography on Tuesday, Jan. 30, the Menifee Police Department said.
Tristan Dario Perez, 28, teaches the subject at Chester W. Morrison, Freedom Crest and Oak Meadows elementaries
https://www.pressenterprise.com/2024/01/31/menifee-elementary-school-music-teacher-arrested-accused-of-possessing-child-pornography/ 

▫️(UPDATE) 20 in custody, 2 still wanted in human trafficking investigation, South Fulton police say
Numerous people have been taken into police custody in connection with a human trafficking investigation in South Fulton.
The chief told FOX 5 that they've received "quite a few complaints" about possible illicit activity at the home, including allegations of sex trafficking. Some of those complaints included what the chief called "illicit sex parties" - one of which was reportedly advertised to take place at the home over the weekend.
» https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/shooting-sex-trafficking-bust-south-fulton-home-orly-terrace    (VIDEO) 
FULL INTERVIEW: Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff on South Fulton human trafficking bust: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/video/2024/02/01/full-interview-georgia-senator-jon-ossoff-south-fulton-human-trafficking-bust/
»

▫️Central Pa. man agreed to pay $300 for sex with 14-year-old trafficking victim
A 24-year-old man pleaded guilty after offering to pay $300 to have sex with a 14-year-old sex trafficking victim in Lancaster County, prosecutors said.
Benjamin Gill, 24, of Lancaster County, thought he had made a deal last year with a relative of the young teen who was going to arrange for the girl to meet him at a hotel, where he could have sex with her, according to court records.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2024/02/central-pa-man-agreed-to-pay-300-for-sex-with-14-year-old-trafficking-victim.html 

▫️Two massage parlors in West Springfield, Westfield investigated for alleged sex trafficking
West Springfield and Westfield Police are investigating two massage parlors for alleged sex trafficking within the businesses.
»

▫️Lake Oswego Police bust massage parlor over human trafficking
Several people involved in the operation of the business were involved in a multi-jurisdictional trafficking operation, with suspects in multiple states, police say.
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB2xDDY3dV8    (VIDEO)
» https://www.kgw.com/article/news/crime/human-trafficking-lake-oswego-massage-business-arrest-flora-spa/283-83eb9192-c737-448c-82e2-683c42e42d6a    (VIDEO)
» https://katu.com/news/local/police-break-up-human-trafficking-ring-in-lake-oswego-massage-parlor
» https://www.kptv.com/2024/02/02/2-charged-with-sex-trafficking-lake-oswego-massage-business/ 

▫️Mother accused of child neglect after police find children with 'foul odor' at North Miami park
A woman was arrested Wednesday after Miami Police Department’s human trafficking task force received a tip that she allegedly trafficked one of her three children in a north Miami park.
NORTH MIAMI, Fla. – A woman was arrested Wednesday after the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force received a tip that she allegedly trafficked one of her three children near a North Miami park.
» https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/02/02/foul-odor-found-on-children-leads-to-mothers-arrest-in-miami-police-say/    (VIDEO)
»

▫️East Bethel man pleads guilty to charge in case involving trafficking human remains
Federal court records show a Minnesota man charged for having a role in a nationwide network of people who bought and sold human remains from Harvard Medical School and an Arkansas mortuary has pleaded guilty to one of the charges filed against him.
According to court documents, Mattew Lampi of East Bethel entered a guilty plea on Tuesday to one count of Aiding and Abetting Interstate Transport of Stolen Goods. In exchange, the agreement calls for prosecutors to file for dismissal of the remaining charge of conspiracy.
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/east-bethel-man-pleads-guilty-to-charge-in-case-involving-trafficking-human-remains/ 

▫️Missing Washington state teen found unharmed with convicted sex offender in Michigan
Mount Vernon, Washington police had been searching for a 14-year-old girl since Jan. 6 when she went missing from North 20th Place, according to police.
Through Mount Vernon's scarce ride share options, investigators were able to find a particular ride that the teen may had taken They then identified "Keith," who ordered a ride share for himself and the girl, according to the department.
That led police to "Keith's" address on Blue Star Memorial Highway Thursday, where he was ultimately arrested on the following charges:
Second-degree kidnapping; First-degree criminal sexual conduct; Sex offender - failure to comply with Registration Act; Children - contributing to delinquency.
» https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/missing-washington-state-teen-found-unharmed-with-convicted-sex-offender-in-michigan-ella-jones-mount-vernon-police-north-20th-place-keith-arrested-kidnapping-criminal-sexual-conduct-charges
» https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/missing-washington-teen-found-safe-in-michigan-30-year-old-man-arrested-police
» https://www.insideedition.com/missing-washington-state-teenager-ella-jones-found-unharmed-michigan-man-taken-into-custody-cops 

▫️Day care worker accused of sex abuse 3 years prior to 2024 arrest
BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — It was shocking enough for parents in Howard County to learn a man entrusted to care for their kids was accused of abusing a young girl for years. But now they're learning - that same employee was already accused of the same thing, three years ago in Baltimore County. And the people who could have pursued the case chose instead to do nothing.
At Glenwood Country Day School in Woodbine, an 11 year-old girl says Dameon Patterson started sexually abusing her when she was nine. After two years, she reported the alleged abuse, and Patterson was arrested in early January.
He was let out on bail. But less than two weeks later, he was arrested again. But this time, it was for accusations from 2021.
https://www.wmar2news.com/local/day-care-worker-accused-of-sex-abuse-3-years-prior-to-2024-arrest-wasnt-charged-in-2021 

▫️Man smuggles sedated children to pay brother's cartel debt
EL PASO, Texas – A man and a woman are facing federal felony charges for allegedly trying to smuggle two sedated foreign children into the U.S. this week through the Calexico West port of entry in California.
The officers removed the two girls, placed Meza Cota and Meza under arrest and allegedly found a bottle of sleep supplement gummies for children in the back. One of the girls allegedly told CBP Meza gave her and her sister two gummies each before crossing the border.
Meza Cota told CBP he knowingly brought two minor females illegally into the United States to help his brother Cesar Armando Meza Cota pay a debt to an unidentified criminal organization in Mexico.
https://www.borderreport.com/immigration/border-crime/man-allegedly-smuggles-sedated-children-to-help-pay-brothers-cartel-debt/ 

▫️Sacramento couple accused of sex trafficking minors across capital city, Bay Area
SACRAMENTO — A man and a woman are in custody, accused of sex trafficking two minors in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area, authorities said Thursday.
Jacob Reyes and his girlfriend, Itzel Medina-Nieto, were arrested Wednesday by detectives with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Bureau, according to a statement Thursday by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.
Reyes is accused of sex trafficking a 14-year-old and a 12-year-old as well as repeatedly sexually assaulting the teenager, the sheriff's office said. Medina-Nieto is accused of being involved in the sex trafficking of the teen.
» https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/sacramento-couple-accused-of-sex-trafficking-minors/
» https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/2-arrested-sacramento-sex-trafficking-investigation/103-6a5af0ee-960a-48e2-8d73-8a40051f69e3 

▫️Human trafficking reported out of Racine, couple facing over 30 years prison
RACINE — A 38-year-old Racine woman and a 47-year-old man from Louisville remain in custody on a $50,000 cash bond, both accused of human trafficking.
Patricia Oliver, of Racine, is charged with felony counts of human trafficking and false imprisonment, along with misdemeanor counts of battery and theft. The two felonies carry a potential total prison term of 31 years and a $110,000 fine.
Tyrone Smith is charged with six felony counts, including human trafficking, second-degree sexual assault with the use of force, aggravated battery with the use of a dangerous weapon and three for bail jumping, along with three misdemeanor counts of bail jumping. Two different times, the victim tried to escape, but Oliver found her, brought her back.
https://racinecountyeye.com/2024/02/01/human-trafficking-reported-racine/ 

▫️Couple Charged After Girl Flees to Neighbor's House Alleging Horrific Abuse
Austin Frazier 27, and Kayla Frazier, 31, were indicted on Jan. 30 on multiple charges including sexual abuse, criminal abuse, strangulation, wanton endangerment and kidnapping.
Austin Frazier is accused, among other things, of hitting the child in the head with a skillet, fracturing her arm with a metal instrument and locking her in a gun safe, according to the indictment charges obtained by PEOPLE.
Kirk Douglas Mounts, 47 was also charged with criminal abuse of a child 12 or under, unlawful imprisonment and failure to report child dependent/neglect.  Also charged is Edward Goins on counts of criminal abuse, kidnapping and failure to report child dependent neglect/abuse.
https://people.com/couple-charged-girl-flees-neighbor-house-alleging-horrific-abuse-8557538 

▫️Houston registered sex offender killed: James Lewis Spencer III accused of murder, vigilantism against pedophiles
HOUSTON, Texas - A 24-year-old man is behind bars for murder, accused of targeting a registered sex offender.
James Lewis Spencer III was arrested by the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force without incident on Wednesday, according to Houston police.
Early in the morning of May 29, 2023, someone driving in the 900 block of Northwood Street called 911 after finding a lifeless body in the ditch, later identified as 37-year-old Sean Connery Showers.
Rehman Merchant, the chief prosecutor for the 179th District Court said that based on the conversations on the Kik app, Spencer was posing as someone underage in the conversation. "There are some communications on the phones or between the two about (Showers') dealings or past interactions with children or underage individuals," Merchant said.
https://abc13.com/houston-deadly-shooting-sean-connery-showers-registered-sex-offender-killed-james-lewis-spencer-iii-accused-of-murder/14379164/ 

▫️Mass. man prostituted 15-year-old reported missing, posted sex ads
A man from Canton will serve at least 15 years in prison for sex trafficking a 15-year-old girl who’d been reported missing in 2021, the office of acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy announced.
Keion Rowell, 24, was sentenced to 15 years with five years of supervised release in U.S. District Court on Jan. 31, the office said. Rowell had been convicted on one count of sex trafficking a child in September 2023.
https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/02/mass-man-prostituted-15-year-old-reported-missing-posted-sex-ads.html 

▫️Lancaster County man sentenced up to five years in prison for attempting to have sex with a 14-year-old
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A Lancaster County man could spend up to five years in jail for attempting to have sex with a 14-year-old, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office. 
Benjamin Gill, 24, from East Lampeter Township, pled guilty to counts of patronizing a victim of human trafficking (criminal attempt), statutory sexual assault-8 to 11 years older (criminal attempt), corruption of minors, criminal use of a communication facility and indecent assault of a person less than 16 (criminal attempt). 
He was sentenced to 16 months to five years in prison. 
https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/lancaster-county-sentenced-prison-sex-14-year-old/521-53831ebb-46d0-49a7-979f-f5dff675c38b 

▫️Registered sex offender in Tulare facing 550 years for new child sex crime conviction
VISALIA, Calif.  — A previously convicted child molester in Tulare has been convicted as a repeat offender.
59-year-old James Mills was found guilty on Monday of 11 counts of lewd acts on a child under the age of 14 years old and one count of attempted lewd acts on a child under 14.
https://kmph.com/news/local/registered-sex-offender-in-tulare-facing-550-years-for-latest-conviction-lewd-acts-on-a-child-habitual-sexual-offender-molestation-visalia-sentencing-enhancement-district-attorney 

▫️Disney Cruise Line employee accused of possessing child sex abuse material
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A search of a Disney Cruise Line employee’s electronics after his ship docked at Port Everglades turned up a child sexual abuse video, leading to his arrest by Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies, according to an arrest report.
According to online records, Alvin Gonzales, 49, of Cavite, Philippines, was booked into the BSO Main Jail on Wednesday. In addition to a felony child pornography charge, Gonzales is being detained on an immigration hold, jail records show.
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/02/01/disney-cruise-line-employee-accused-of-possessing-child-sex-abuse-material/
more Disney arrests: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10EU2XCsDg_j3iaw587uVvxot2rKxTjNt/view  

▫️Former Broward town official, ‘volunteer Santa’ pleads guilty to child sex abuse material charge
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – James Silverstone, a former Lauderdale-by-the-Sea town commissioner and “volunteer Santa Claus,” pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge of possessing child sexual abuse material, according to online federal court records.
A BSO detective wrote at the time that authorities found 93,921 images and videos on Silverstone’s computer, “only a small portion” of which they were able to review.
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/02/01/former-broward-town-official-volunteer-santa-pleads-guilty-to-child-sex-abuse-material-charge/  

▫️Average human trafficking victims in SWFL, 15-year-old girls
A shadow is cast on the Sunshine State by the dark criminal world of human trafficking.
Naples Police say, in terms of human trafficking, Florida ranks third in the nation. Many refer to the illegal 150 billion-dollar-a-year industry as a form of modern-day slavery, with millions of victims.
The CEO of the Shelter for Abused Women & Children in Naples told WINK News that Fort Myers and Naples rank among the top three cities in Florida for human trafficking hotline calls.
Shockingly, the average age of victims in those cities is 15 years old.
“There’s a myth that many victims of human are kidnapped. And that truly is a myth,” said Linda Oberhaus from the Shelter for Abused Women & Children.
https://winknews.com/2024/02/01/human-trafficking-victims-swfl-girls/ 

▫️'Throwing away the key': What new AZ punishments for child sex trafficking could look like
Arizona Republican lawmakers want to strengthen punishments for those convicted of child sex trafficking.
A House resolution introduced by Rep. Selina Bliss, R-Prescott, and sponsored by all Republican members of the chamber would amend the state constitution to increase the sentence for child sex trafficking to life in prison without parole. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/legislature/2024/02/01/az-gop-lawmakers-seek-increased-punishment-for-child-sex-trafficking/72353598007/ 

▫️Former victim of man arrested in Plano sex trafficking raid speaks exclusively with WFAA
The woman said she felt mixed feelings of fear and excitement after learning the news about a man she said exploited and abused her for years.

▫️Sex trafficking activists speak out following multiple Hampden County arrests
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Several local police departments are investigating alleged sex trafficking rings operating out of spas and massage parlors here in Hampden County.
Legacy Connect Program Coordinator Tanyka Barnett told us, “They say that you can’t save the world, right? But I’m going to do the best that I can until I leave this world.”
https://www.westernmassnews.com/2024/02/02/sex-trafficking-activists-speak-out-following-multiple-hampden-county-arrests/    (VIDEO) 

▫️G.H.O.S.T lights up the night to stand in solidarity with human-trafficking victims
FLINT, Mich.— The Genesee County Sheriff's office hosted a candlelight vigil to stand in solidarity with survivors and victims of Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence.
https://wsbt.com/news/regional/ghost-lights-up-the-night-to-stand-in-solidarity-with-human-trafficking-victims   (VIDEO) 

▫️LDS church leader faces felony after failing to report child rape allegations, police say
SALT LAKE CITY  — A Pennsylvania LDS Church stake president is facing a felony charge after failing to report child sexual assault allegations against another local church leader.
Rhett Hintze, 50, a lobbyist and stake president of seven Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-Day Saints congregations was allegedly aware of sex abuse allegations that took place between 1997 and 2000, when the victims were between 8 and 12 years old. Police say Hintze knew about the allegations against the suspect as early as October 2020.
https://www.abc4.com/news/national/lds-church-leader-faces-felony-after-pennsylvania-police-say-he-did-not-report-child-rape-allegations/ 

▫️Seminar educates on prevalence of human trafficking in East Texas

▫️Human trafficking and Internet Safety seminar held at Gunter High School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULEr4l9mzfs

▫️Destiny Rescue 5k - March 17, Martinsburg, Pa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uA33BriTvc

▫️Picking Up the Pieces: Advocating for the Survivors of Human Trafficking
MIDLAND, Texas - Despite those recovery operations, and trafficking investigations, people, children, are still being abducted, and trafficked, right in our backyard.
Without support, trafficking survivors typically have a hard time returning to normal life and finding jobs. Soraye Lara, founded Unlimited Jewelry to provide survivors with a job, and to empower them. Christina Payne is another survivor, and now advocate, of human trafficking,
She is the founder of a survivor-led non-profit Within Reach. They help survivors deal with trauma using a technique, called neurofeedback.
https://www.cbs7.com/2024/02/02/picking-up-pieces-advocating-survivors-human-trafficking/  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️UPDATE: 'Sexual predator' shot and killed, missing Knox County 11-year-old rescued in East Ridge
The 11-year-old Knox County girl at the center of an Endangered Child Alert on Thursday, was located safely in Hamilton County early Friday morning.
The man she was found with was a registered sex offender in Georgia and was shot and killed by police. The TBI says Edward Ahrens attempted to hit officers with his vehicle. As a result, at least four officers fired their weapons and struck Ahrens who later died.
The child was not injured. The Knox County Sheriff's Office says that three detectives were injured but are expected to be okay. "This is another case of a young child being lured by a sexual predator through social media that could have ended a young girl's life," said Catoosa County Sherif Gary Sisk. 
» https://www.local3news.com/local-news/update-sexual-predator-shot-and-killed-missing-knox-county-11-year-old-rescued-in-east/article_f348a236-c166-11ee-a56c-2b3247d4cf95.html   (VIDEO)
» https://www.newsnationnow.com/crime/tennessee-child-abduction-suspect-dead-missing-girl-safe/ 

▫️ERO Los Angeles arrests 26 noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide and assault against children during nationwide operation | ICE
LOS ANGELES—U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers apprehended 26 unlawfully present noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide and assault against children during a nationwide law enforcement effort that ran from January 16 to 28.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-los-angeles-arrests-26-noncitizens-pending-charges-or-convictions-murder-homicide 

▫️ERO Seattle arrests 6 noncitizens with criminal convictions for child exploitation | ICE
SEATTLE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Seattle arrested six noncitizens convicted of crimes related to child exploitation during a nationwide law enforcement effort that ran from January 16-28.
All arrests took place in the assigned ERO Seattle states of Alaska, Washington and Oregon, with criminal convictions made by courts in Washington and Oregon.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-seattle-arrests-6-noncitizens-criminal-convictions-child-exploitation-during 

▫️ICE arrests 100+ migrants on child sex abuse charges: 'Some very bad individuals'
ICE arrested a total of 171 individuals across 25 U.S. cities over the course of one week. Charges against these individuals include crimes such as sexual assault, rape, murder and child pornography.
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/nation-world/ice-arrests-100-migrants-on-child-sex-abuse-charges-some-very-bad-individuals-us-immigration-and-customs-enforcement-171-sexual-assault-rape-murder-and-child-pornography-new-york-city 

▫️Michigan man faces 9 charges in human trafficking, sexual assault case of missing Washington teen
VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. — Charges have been announced for a 30-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting and trafficking a Washington teenager.
The 14-year-old was found with the convicted sex offender, identified Friday as Keith Freerksen, in a home in South Haven on Wednesday, according to authorities.
The two spoke on social media for several months before Freerksen traveled in his vehicle to the state of Washington to pick her up and bring her back to his home in South Haven, according to Van Buren County Sheriff's Office.
Freerksen was previously convicted in 2017 on 10 felony charges of child pornography out of Seminole County, Florida, according to court records.
» https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/south-mi/van-buren/nothing-short-of-a-nightmare-south-haven-sex-offender-charged-with-assaulting-teen-girl-from-washington   (VIDEO)
» https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/van-buren-county-sheriff-office-missing-teenager-washington-state-police-keith-arrest-sex-offender-south-haven-assault    (VIDEO)
» https://midmichigannow.com/news/nation-world/missing-mount-vernon-teenager-found-safe-michigan-sex-offender-arrested-charged-south-haven-human-trafficking-rideshare-social-media-apps-western-washington-missing-persons-child-teen-police-crime
»

▫️Arlington man arrested on human trafficking charges
CALCASIEU PARISH — According to the deputy The driver, Kevin D. Ricks, 27, of Arlington, TX, showed signs of nervousness and was unable to speak during questioning. Further investigation revealed that the passenger was allegedly being sexually trafficked by Ricks.
Ricks was arrested, booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center, and charged with human trafficking. Judge Tony Fazzio set his bond at $750,000.
» https://www.wbrc.com/video/2024/02/02/deputies-stop-i-10-leads-human-trafficking-arrest/    (VIDEO)
» https://kfdm.com/newsletter/arlington-man-arrested-on-human-trafficking-charges
» https://www.klfy.com/louisiana/texas-man-arrested-near-iowa-on-human-trafficking-charges/ 

▫️Man arrested for sexual assault, grooming, and impersonating a police officer in Taylorville
TAYLORVILLE, Ill.  — A 22-year-old man has been arrested in Taylorville for criminal sexual assault, grooming, sexual exploitation of a child, harassment, and impersonating a police officer.
Nicholas Millman was arrested on Thursday, following an extensive investigation according to the Taylorville Police Department. Millman was charged with criminal sexual assault, grooming, sexual exploitation of a child, harassment, and impersonating a police officer.
» https://www.wandtv.com/news/man-arrested-for-sexual-assault-grooming-and-impersonating-a-police-officer-in-taylorville/article_adb97d7a-c239-11ee-b63b-0b21f13955e4.html
» https://taylorvilledailynews.com/local-news/727368/taylorville-man-arrested-on-multiple-charges-including-sexual-exploitation-impersonating-a-police-officer 

▫️Dartmouth Police arrest 7 in prostitution, commercial sexual exploitation sting operation
DARTMOUTH, MA – On Thursday, February 1, 2024, members of the Dartmouth Police Department Investigative Services Division, in partnership with the Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit, conducted an undercover sting operation to combat the growing threat of prostitution and commercial sexual exploitation.
https://www.newbedfordguide.com/dartmouth-police-prostitution-commercial-sexual-exploitation-sting-operation-arrest-of-7/2024/02/02 

▫️Pennsylvania man charged with 34 felonies including child sexual assault, pornography
Erie, Pa. — A Venango County resident has been arrested and charged on numerous felony charges including the sexual abuse of minors and owning child porn.
William Lee Show, 52, was arrested and arraigned Thursday on 34 felony charges. Some of the images were reportedly of Show sexually assaulting young children. Anyone with information about Show and his possible involvement in any additional offenses is asked to contact the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section at 1-800-385-1044.
» https://www.yourerie.com/news/pennsylvania-news/venango-county/pennsylvania-man-charged-with-34-felonies-including-child-sexual-assault-pornography/
» https://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/pa-ag-seneca-man-sexually-assaulted-children-made-child-porn/article_69e86b32-c21c-11ee-ad23-b3b091a43ed1.html 

▫️Iowa Man Arrested For Child Solicitation After Bikers Against Predators Catch
WARSAW — An Iowa man was recently arrested after Bikers Against Predators, an online group working to expose child predators, caught him attempting to meet with who he believed was a 13-year-old child for sex.
Timothy Eugene Charters Jr., 26, Altoona, Iowa, is charged with child solicitation, a level 5 felony; and dissemination of matter harmful to minors, a level 6 felony.
On Jan. 12, a Warsaw Police officer responded to a report of Charters allegedly attempting to meet with a child for sex at a hotel in Warsaw. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a decoy posing as a 13-year-old child.
https://www.inkfreenews.com/2024/02/02/iowa-man-arrested-for-child-solicitation-after-bikers-against-predators-catch/ 

▫️Laredo CBP officers apprehend man wanted on felony warrant for child sex abuse offenses | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
On Thursday evening, Feb. 1, CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge examined a commercial bus and referred bus passenger Neftali Llanas Peyreyra, 43, a U.S. citizen, for secondary inspection.
During secondary examination, CBP officers utilizing biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases verified his identity and discovered that he was the subject of an outstanding felony arrest warrant for continuous sexual abuse of a child issued by Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in Harlan, Iowa. 
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/laredo-cbp-officers-apprehend-man-wanted-felony-warrant-child-sex 

▫️Former Federal Bureau of Prisons worker from Kingston charged with having materials depicting child sex abuse
SYCAMORE – A Kingston man who worked for 18 years as an intake worker with the Federal Bureau of Prisons is facing criminal charges after police said they found multiple digital files on his computer and phone depicting child sexual abuse, according to court records.
Joe D. Reamy Jr., 50, is charged with 10 felony counts of child pornography, including two Class X, six Class 2 and two Class 3 felonies. If convicted of the Class X felonies, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
https://www.shawlocal.com/daily-chronicle/2024/02/03/former-federal-bureau-of-prisons-worker-from-kingston-charged-with-having-materials-depicting-child-sex-abuse/ 

▫️Part-time Durham school employee arrested on sex crime charges against student under 12
DURHAM, N.C. - Durham police arrested and charged a Raleigh man accused of sexual crimes against a minor.
According to the Durham Police Department, Oscar D. Reyes, 20, was arrested on Saturday, January 27. Police said the assault was reported in November 2023.
Reyes was charged with indecent liberties with a student, sexual battery, assault on a child under 12, and misdemeanor child abuse. 
https://abc11.com/amp/durham-sexual-crimes-arrest-teacher-charged/14381578/    (VIDEO) 

▫️Park Slope piano teacher jailed for sexually abusing nine-year-old girl
John Stewart Russell, 62, was convicted on Jan. 11 of second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child, following a bench trial.
He was sentenced by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht to seven years in prison and ten years of post-release supervision. Starting in November 2016, Russell gave the victim piano lessons, and used their alone time to sexually abuse her until June 2018, according to the DA’s office.
https://www.brooklynpaper.com/park-slope-teacher-jailed-sexual-abuse/ 

▫️Kentucky religion teacher charged with distributing child sexual abuse materials
A Louisville school teacher was charged with distributing obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse and distributing child pornography, according to a federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued Friday.
In December 2023 and January 2024, Jordan A. Fautz, 39, while employed as a 7th and 8th grade religion teacher at St. Stephen Martyr Catholic School in Louisville, distributed child sexual abuse materials to a law enforcement officer working undercover online, a news release said.
https://www.aol.com/kentucky-religion-teacher-charged-distributing-214108750.html 

▫️University of Tampa professor arrested on child exploitation charges
TAMPA, Fla. - A professor at The University of Tampa was arrested on three counts of sexual exploitation of children, according to investigators. 
The Georgia Bureau of Investigations said 46-year-old Ethan Deneault was arrested at the university's campus on January 12. Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office made the arrest, and he was booked into the County Jail, authorities said. 
» https://www.fox13news.com/news/university-of-tampa-professor-arrested-on-child-exploitation-charges-georgia-investigators
» https://www.aol.com/news/university-tampa-professor-arrested-child-015229838.html 

▫️Man known as 'Satans Child' sentenced to prison for raping 8-year-old, sharing video
ORLANDO, Fla. — A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led to an online media storage account associated with the username “Satans Child,” and its owner is headed to prison for that and more.
The FBI traced the child sexual abuse material to Miguel Alejandro Diaz Gonzalez’s home in Orlando. Two other child victims, ages 10 and 11, were also identified in the investigation as victims who Diaz Gonzalez had molested in his home.
He was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison on Thursday.
https://fox28savannah.com/news/nation-world/man-known-florida-satans-child-username-miguel-alejandro-diaz-gonzalez-sentenced-years-prison-sex-abuse-material-raping-drugged-molested-sharing-video-orlando-federal 

▫️Child predator sentenced to 99 years for sexually abusing children
NATCHITOCHES, La. -- A Natchitoches man convicted in two courts for sexually abusing children was sentenced to 99 years in state prison, which is in addition to time behind bars that he's already serving in a federal prison. 
A Natchitoches District Court judge on Thursday sentenced Kenny Choate, 39, of Saline to the 99-year term. He'll start serving that sentence after he completes his 20-year federal sentence. 
During searches of Choate’s home in Saline, over 10,500 images of suspected child pornography were located on various media and computer storage devices.
Additionally, during the investigation and interviews with the suspect and victims, it was determined Choate engaged in sexual acts with victims for several years, beginning when the victims were under the age of 10.
https://www.ktbs.com/news/child-predator-sentenced-to-99-years-for-sexually-abusing-children/article_34fe2c26-c209-11ee-8dbb-97f75bb0bfe7.html 

▫️Successful Prosecution of Three Individuals for Child Trafficking/Exploitation Results in Lengthy Prison Sentences
In September of 2023, Sukhjit Singh, 26, and Kunal Bakhru, 43, of Upper Darby Township were convicted in a human trafficking scheme involving an 11-year-old girl. The two defendants conspired to sell the young girl for Singh’s sexual gratification.
Following a jury trial, Singh was convicted on a number of charges, including rape of a child, indecent assault, corruption of minors, trafficking a minor for sexual servitude, patronizing a victim of sexual servitude, attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and conspiracy offenses. Bakhru was convicted on trafficking, simple assault, conspiracy to rape of a child, conspiracy to indecent assault of a minor, and conspiracy to trafficking.
On January 12, 2024, Judge Margaret Amoroso sentenced Singh to up to 67 years in prison, while Bakhru received a sentence of up to 36 years.
https://cseinstitute.org/successful-prosecution-of-three-individuals-for-child-trafficking-exploitation-results-in-lengthy-prison-sentences/ 

▫️More patients accusing Portland foot doctor of sexual abuse
PORTLAND Ore.  - A local foot doctor is facing new sexual abuse charges after more patients came forward, according to Portland Police Bureau.
In total since Dec. 2023 through Jan. 2024, nine women have spoken out and reported 49-year-old Brian M. Bowen. They said he sexually abused them during Bowen’s examinations at Eastside Foot & Ankle, located in the 1800 block of Northeast 44th Avenue.
Bowen has been charged with two counts of sexual abuse in the first-degree, one count of sexual abuse in the second-degree, nine counts of sexual abuse in the third-degree and two counts of sex abuse by fraudulent representation.
https://www.kptv.com/2024/02/02/more-patients-accusing-portland-foot-doctor-sexual-abuse/ 

▫️States with the largest numbers of missing persons revealed - and why Ohio is NOT among them
Oklahoma has the highest rate of missing persons in the US, with Arizona and the rest of the South not far behind.
About 2,300 Americans are reported missing every day, and though the vast majority of them are found within a few days, others are still vanished.
California, Texas, and Florida have the most active cases, according to federal statistics, but aren't even in the top 10 when accounting for population.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13038259/US-states-missing-persons-child-abduction-oklahoma-ohio-arizona.html 

▫️Survivors network wants answers on appointment of priest in Lenexa previously accused of abuse
Bishop Miege president, Lenexa priest accused of abuse
After a priest accused of child molestation became the new pastor at a Lenexa church, and a man who faced a child sex abuse lawsuit was hired by a Roeland Park Catholic school, abuse victims are calling for their removal and an explanation from church leaders. Two members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) gathered Thursday outside The Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Kansas City, Kansas, demanding the men to be removed from their roles and for the leader of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to publicly address concerns about them.
» https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article284946797.html
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/victim-group-demands-removal-of-bishop-miege-leader-and-lenexa-priest-accused-of-abuse/
» https://www.kmbc.com/article/survivors-network-priest-kansas-city-abuse-trinity/46617696 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 
   @ENDHUMANTRAFFICKING

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Mom Holds HIV-positive Baseball Coach at Gunpoint After She Catches Him Raping Her Daughter
On January 13, Donovan Scott Sheppard, 39, was reportedly involved in a bar fight and taken home by a woman whom he lived with. The victim was sleeping at the time of the incident but her mother eventually woke up to find Sheppard sexually assaulting the girl, according to KFOR.
The mother reportedly held Sheppard at gunpoint until police arrived. Sheppard, a youth baseball coach, allegedly revealed to police that he was HIV-positive.
According to KFOR, the victim told authorities that this was not the first instance in which Sheppard assaulted her.
» https://www.crimeonline.com/2024/01/31/mom-holds-hiv-positive-baseball-coach-at-gunpoint-after-she-catches-him-raping-her-daughter/ 
»

▫️Predator patrol: Bikers snare local man in recorded sting
WYOMING, Mich.  — A self-described predator-loathing motorcyclist helped snag a West Michigan man who thought he was hooking up with an 11-year-old girl for sex at a popular suburban park, court records show.
The encounter, recorded and posted to social media by Bikers Against Predators, led to six felony charges against Donnell David Rosales. They include accosting children for immoral purposes and child sexually abusive activity.
https://www.woodtv.com/news/kent-county/predator-patrol-bikers-snare-local-man-in-recorded-sting/   (VIDEO) 

▫️ Men arraigned in Worcester on 70-plus child rape, trafficking counts
WORCESTER - Two men were arraigned in Worcester Superior Court this week on charges of child rape and sex trafficking, including an Oxford man who is facing 64 counts tied to allegations he raped three children. 
Michael J. LaMountain, 41, of Oxford, and Jalen Latimer, 25, who is listed in court papers as living in Rhode Island, were arraigned Monday, court records show, after being indicted Jan. 26 by a Worcester County grand jury. 
LaMountain faces 21 counts of child rape, eight counts of trafficking a person under age 18 for sexual servitude, 20 counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under age 14, eight counts of posing/exhibiting a child in a sexual act, four counts of possession of child pornography, two counts of distributing material of a nude child and one count of witness intimidation. 
Latimer faces three counts of child rape, one count of trafficking a person under age 18 for sexual servitude, four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under age 14 and one count of posing/exhibiting a child in a sexual act. 
https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/2024/02/02/michael-lamountain-jalen-latimer-child-rape-charges/72444784007/ 

▫️Louisville Teacher Charged with Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material
Louisville, KY –A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant were issued today charging a Louisville school teacher with distributing obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse and distributing child pornography.
According to court records, in December 2023 and January 2024, Jordan A. Fautz, 39, while employed as a 7th and 8th grade religion teacher at St. Stephen Martyr Catholic School in Louisville, Kentucky, distributed child sexual abuse materials to a law enforcement officer working online undercover.
» https://www.wave3.com/2024/02/04/st-stephen-martyr-catholic-school-meets-with-parents-after-teacher-arrested-child-porn-charges/
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdky/pr/louisville-teacher-charged-distributing-child-sexual-abuse-material
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/louisville-middle-school-religion-teacher-accused-of-using-students-photos-to-create-distribute-child-porn/ 

▫️Suspect in Knox County, TN girl's disappearance was a registered sex offender
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.  — The suspect in the disappearance of a Knox County girl was a registered sex offender and had offenses dating back to the 2000s, according to national and state records.
Earlier this week, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office released that an 11-year-old girl went missing from a home in Halls, and on Thursday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued an Endangered Child Alert.
Friday morning, the Tennessee Bureau of Information shared that the girl was found safe in Hamilton County near the Georgia state line, and the man suspected to be involved in her disappearance, Edward Dale Ahrens, 38, of Ringgold, Georgia, was killed during a confrontation with law enforcement.
https://www.wjhl.com/news/crime/new-details-on-suspect-in-knox-county-girls-disappearance/   (VIDEO) 

▫️KSP: Daviess County man charged with child sexual exploitation offenses
The Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch has arrested a 29-year-old Daviess County man on charges related to child sexual exploitation offenses.
According to a release, Corey James Jarboe was arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation.
Jarboe is currently charged with one count of procuring a minor by electronic means and one count of distribution of obscene matter to minors, according to KSP
» https://www.blackhillsfox.com/video/2024/02/04/daviess-co-man-arrested-child-sexual-exploitation-case/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.owensborotimes.com/news/2024/02/ksp-daviess-county-man-charged-with-child-sexual-exploitation-offenses/ 

▫️Man gets 31-year sentence for child sexual assault, Knox County DA says
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.  - A man was sentenced to 31 years for multiple child sex crimes, District Attorney General Charme Allen announced Friday.
According to Allen’s office, Carl Richard Chesney, 40, was convicted of rape of a child, sexual activity involving a minor and two counts of sexual battery and rape.
During the trial, attorneys said Chesney began assaulting the victim in 2010 when they were five years old. The assault reportedly continued until the victim was 12.
» https://www.kwqc.com/video/2024/02/04/man-gets-31-year-sentence-child-sexual-assault-knox-county-da-says/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/man-gets-31-year-sentence-for-child-sexual-assault-knox-county-da-says/ar-BB1hGkVS 

▫️Meet the bloodthirsty Venezuelan human-trafficking gang now infiltrating — and killing — in the United States
National security expert Joseph M. Humire warns that Venezuela’s deadly Tren de Aragua gang is “the fastest-growing Transnational Criminal Organization in the world,” and, according to multiple reports, its bloodthirsty members are now operating in American cities such as Miami and Chicago, thanks to President Biden’s catastrophic handling of the U.S. border with Mexico.
Tren de Aragua is “less well known than the Mexican cartels or Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13,” the Daily Mail reports, but it is “no less violent.”
» https://www.bizpacreview.com/2024/02/02/meet-the-bloodthirsty-venezuelan-human-trafficking-gang-now-infiltrating-and-killing-in-the-united-states-1433345/
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13004257/border-crisis-miami-murder-venezuela-gang-tren-aragua.html 

▫️Our kids are being sold for sex. We can stop it. Here's how
The average age of child trafficked is 12 years old. We can stop it. Here's how:
- Do not confront or try to rescue.
- Let law enforcement investigate. 
- If danger seems imminent, call 9-1-1. 
For more information on how YOU can prevent child trafficking, go to www.preventchildtrafficking.vegas.

▫️After arrests of 2 Sacramento-area traffickers, trauma of survivors becomes discussion
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said after a monthslong investigation, it arrested two people in connection with the sex trafficking of minors.  Jacob Reyes and Itzel Medina-Nieto appeared before a judge for the first time Friday.

▫️Inside New York brothels fronting as 'massage parlours' targeted by Mayor and cops
In the space of a week, the NYPD closed down at least 12 brothels operating in New York City, many of which were fronting as massage parlours, one just yards from a school, as part of a sex trafficking crackdown.
Inside the brothels, rows of dirty single beds were found, each separated by curtains. Authorities have issued stern warnings to those running the brothels but made it clear that the women working there are victims, not targets.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/inside-new-york-brothels-fronting-32032051 

▫️Ruckersville pastor charged with child sex crimes
GREENE COUNTY, Va. - A Ruckersville pastor has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a minor child.
Rodney Locklear, 47, the senior pastor at Victory Church in Ruckersville, is now behind bars. He's charged with abduction with intent to defile and aggravated sexually battery of someone age 13 to 14.
» https://www.cbs19news.com/story/50412043/ruckersville-pastor-charged-with-child-sex-crimes
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/ruckersville-pastor-charged-with-child-sex-crimes/ 

▫️Former Chilliwack pastor in jail for child porn following appeal dismissal
John Vermeer was convicted in 2021 for two charges each of accessing and possessing child pornography, after suspicious activity on his church’s network server (Main Street Church) was discovered. It was reported to police and an investigation found offences dating from 2010 to 2015.
He was found guilty of all four charges and handed a 14-month jail sentence in October 2021. Dozens of images of child porn were found on Vermeer’s personal laptop and his church office desktop computer.
“Mr. Vermeer possessed some of the most offensive, harmful and depraved forms of abuse on children,” Judge Andrea Ormiston said in reading her decision.
» https://www.todayinbc.com/news/former-chilliwack-pastor-in-jail-for-child-porn-following-appeal-dismissal-7313259
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/former-chilliwack-pastor-in-jail-for-child-porn-following-appeal-dismissal/ 

▫️Dozens more allege sexual abuse at youth facility owned by Arkansas businessman
Three additional lawsuits were filed last week against Ted Suhl and others associated with the Lord’s Ranch, alleging staff at the now-defunct northeast Arkansas behavioral health facility sexually and physically abused dozens of children and teenagers entrusted to their care over the course of several decades.
The three new lawsuits add another 36 anonymous plaintiffs all told, including both male and female former residents, bringing the total to 52.
https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2024/02/02/dozens-more-allege-sexual-abuse-at-youth-facility-owned-by-arkansas-businessman-freed-by-trump 

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