Who's in the News?

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️U.S. Marshals Wrap Up Operation Washout, 25 arrested for sex offenses
Arlington, VA - A U.S. Marshals Service-led multijurisdictional law enforcement operation focused on apprehending violent fugitives and subjects wanted for felony narcotic violations at 12 locations throughout the U.S. has resulted in nearly 600 arrests.
From Jan. 8-Feb 2, deputy U.S. marshals, task force officers, police officers, and federal agents worked collaboratively at 12 locations throughout the U.S. to conduct five– to 10-day warrant-based enforcement operations. 
» https://www.wtrf.com/news/major-us-marshals-service-operation-nets-600-arrests-for-drugs-murder-sex-charges-in-west-virginia-ohio-pennsylvania-other-locales/
» https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/press-release/us-marshals-wrap-operation-washout-od3 

▫️Placer County Sheriff's Office Arrests Two for Human Trafficking, Takes Part in Statewide Operation
The Placer County Sheriff's Office arrested two people for human trafficking during a week that also saw them participating in a statewide human trafficking enforcement operation. The victim said two people had been trafficking her for sex.
Both suspects were charged with forcing the victim into prostitution.
» https://www.2news.com/news/placer-county-sheriffs-office-arrests-two-for-human-trafficking-takes-part-in-statewide-operation/article_93f55bb6-c3b0-11ee-97c8-87214048d8ab.html
» https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/298005/2-arrested-in-statewide-human-trafficking-operation/ 

▫️Missing person case leads to 2 human trafficking arrests
Coastal Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force — comprising the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, HSI, and NCIS — investigated the case after a missing person report was filed on Jan. 28.
On Jan. 30, the female victim was recovered by the Coastal Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force. Law enforcement learned she was being held for ransom and forced on commercial sex dates, from which her captor financially benefited.
Dartez Faulk, 31, was arrested and charged with one count of first degree kidnapping, five counts of human trafficking, and 18 counts of promotion of prostitution. 
Rosalind Comfort, 48, was charged with one count of first degree kidnapping, five counts of human trafficking, and two counts of promotion of prostitution.  
» https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2024/02/05/missing-person-case-leads-to-2-human-trafficking-arrests/
» https://www.wwaytv3.com/two-charged-with-kidnapping-and-human-trafficking-after-missing-woman-rescued/
»

▫️Woodsfield Police Sting Operation Nets Three in Child Exploitation Case
The Woodsfield Police Department, located in Monroe County, wielded the power of social media to set up an undercover operation that resulted in the arrest of three men. The operation was part of an ongoing effort to combat the sexual exploitation of minors in the region.
https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/woodsfield-police-sting-operation-nets-three-in-child-exploitation-case/ 

▫️Contract employee for East Middle School charged with child sexual abusive activity
A contract employee for East Middle School has been charged with accosting a child for immoral purposes and child sexual abusive activity.
Following an investigation by the Farmington Hills Police Department, Andre Brown, 25, of Wixom, was arrested on Friday (Feb. 2).
Brown worked as a hall monitor, basketball coach, and cross country coach at the middle school.
While employed at the middle school, officials say Brown developed relationships with students and eventually became involved in and participated in conversation threads with students on Snapchat.
» https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1406630      (VIDEO)
 » https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2024/02/02/contract-employee-for-east-middle-school-charged-with-child-sexual-abusive-activity/
»

▫️Jefferson High School Teacher Arrested on Eight Charges, Fired Amid Georgia Criminal Investigation
A teacher from Jefferson High School in Charles Town, West Virginia, lost his job due to his arrest. The person involved is Edgar Conn, a 37-year-old English teacher. He was arrested on charges from Georgia, where he is now considered a fugitive.
Conn is facing multiple charges. Eight to be exact. All of these charges are related to improper actions with a minor.
https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/jefferson-high-school-teacher-arrested-on-eight-charges-fired-amid-georgia-criminal-investigation/article_adcc91ee-c45a-11ee-8341-f7430a4bb443.html 

▫️Fugitive arrested on multiple charges including human trafficking, kidnapping
Spindale Police said they were contacted by the NCSBI in late January in reference wanted fugitive, Milo Jamemall Henderson, who was inside the city limits.
Officials said Henderson was wanted from Buncombe County for human trafficking charges.
On Monday, February 5, Henderson was located at a house off of Courtland Street by Spindale Police detectives along with assistance from Forest City Police and the NCSBI.
He is being held at the Rutherford County Detention Center with no bond on the following charges:
Two counts of human trafficking an adult; First degree kidnapping; Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury; Two counts of sexual servitude adult victim; Two counts promote prostitution
https://www.foxcarolina.com/2024/02/06/man-arrested-multiple-charges-including-human-trafficking-kidnapping/ 

▫️El Paso's most wanted sex offender arrested after months on the run
EL PASO, Texas  — An El Paso sex offender who was wanted by Texas Crime Stoppers has been arrested.
Kenneth Wayne Dove Jr., 45, was arrested Friday after police said he updated his sex offender registration with a false address.
In 2016, Dove was convicted of two counts of indecency with a five-year-old boy and sentenced to five years in prison.
https://kfoxtv.com/newsletter-daily/el-pasos-most-wanted-sex-offender-arrested-after-months-on-the-run-texas-dps-most-wanted-kenneth-wayne-dove 

▫️MPD officer charged with child abuse in court; has lengthy record
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee police officer charged with felony child abuse was back in court on Monday, Feb. 5, but this is not the first time the officer is facing serious allegations.
Milwaukee police officer Frank Williams' record during his seven years on duty is more than 100 pages.
The 30-year-old is currently charged with felony child abuse, strangulation and suffocation, and has been suspended since January 2024 after those allegations.
https://news.yahoo.com/mpd-officer-charged-child-abuse-222512313.html   (VIDEO) 

▫️U.S. CBP arrest man wanted on child abuse sex offenses at Laredo port of entry
LAREDO, Tex.  - U.S Customs and Border Protection arrested a man wanted on a felony warrant for child sex abuse offenses.
The case happened on February 1, when 43-year-old Neftali llanas Pey-Reyra was traveling on a bus into the country through the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge.
He was referred to secondary inspection, and upon investigating, he was found to have an arrest warrant for continuous sexual abuse of a child out of Iowa by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
The man was turned over to the Webb County Jail.
https://www.kgns.tv/2024/02/05/us-cbp-arrest-man-wanted-child-abuse-sex-offenses-laredo-port-entry/   (VIDEO) 

▫️SCAG: Midlands man facing child sex abuse charges
Lexington Co., S.C. –The SC Attorney General’s Office says a West Columbia man is facing five charges in connection with the sexual exploitation of minors.
Investigators say William Shuford, 71,  was arrested last week after they say he traveled to meet someone he believed to be a minor for sex.
Officials say he also distributed files of child sexual abuse material.
Shuford had been previously convicted of similar charges in 2002.
https://www.abccolumbia.com/2024/02/05/scag-midlands-man-facing-child-sex-abuse-charges/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Port Jervis Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting Child Under 13
The New York State Police Child Abuse Unit charged Orange County resident James Pospisil, age 44, of Port Jervis, on  Friday, Feb. 2.
According to Trooper Steven Nevel of the New York State Police, the state police working in conjunction with Orange County Child Protective Services received a complaint about an adult male engaging in sexual contact with a child less than 13 years old. 
 The investigation led to the arrest of Pospisil who was was charged with attempted predatory sexual assault of a child.
Pospisil was arraigned in the City of Middletown and remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail.
https://dailyvoice.com/new-york/westorange/port-jervis-man-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-child-under-13/ 

▫️Warrant issued for man accused of sexual abuse of a child
LAREDO, TX. - A man charged with several sexual abuse offenses against a minor did not show up for his scheduled court date.
According to the Webb County District Attorney’s office, Jose Alvaro Perales has been issued a warrant for failing to appear in court on Monday.
Perales has nine charges including, sexual abuse of a child with a victim under 14, sexual assault of a child, online solicitation minor, indecency with a child sexual contact and injury to a child with bodily injury.
Perales’ trial was set for Monday, Feb. 5 with Judge Joe Lopez in the 49th District Court.
https://www.kgns.tv/2024/02/05/warrant-issued-man-accused-sexual-abuse-child/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Prosecutor’s Office Arrests Man for Child Pornography
BELLEPLAIN – The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office has announced the arrest of Charles Chapman, 31, of Holly Lane in Belleplain, for possession of child pornography.
The investigation stemmed from a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children cyber tip that revealed that an unidentified subject, subsequently identified as Chapman, possessed various images of child sexual abuse via his cloud account.
Sutherland urged the citizens of Cape May County to report any information regarding child exploitation or any criminal activity within the community. Information can be reported to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, anonymously on the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips, or by contacting Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-889-3597.
https://capemaycountyherald.com/article/prosecutors-office-arrests-man-for-child-pornography/ 

▫️Holyoke couple charged with human trafficking after allegedly operating ‘sexual massage’ parlor in Westfield
A couple who own a massage parlor in Westfield were arrested in connection to human trafficking after investigators found that clients received sexual massages for a fee from unpaid workers, court documents show.
Todd and Baoshun Simonds, of Holyoke, are both charged with trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, deriving support from prostitution, and keeping a house of ill fame, Westfield police said. Both pleaded not guilty in court last Thursday.
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/02/05/holyoke-couple-charged-with-human-trafficking-after-allegedly-operating-sexual-massage-parlor-in-westfield/ 

▫️After 2 children test positive for STDs, Kitsap County man charged for sexual assaults
A Kitsap County man was charged Thursday for sexually assaulting two young children after all three tested positive for the same two sexually transmitted diseases, according to court documents.
Kristian Gabriel Isaiah Griego, 23, was charged with a count of first-degree rape of a child and a count of first-degree child molestation in Kitsap County Superior Court on Thursday. In an initial court appearance, Griego pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his bail was set at $500,000.
The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office was initially notified about a child abuse detail by a social worker at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale on Jan. 10 with a report that a girl just over one year old had tested positive for two STDs.
https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2024/02/05/2-children-test-positive-for-stds-kitsap-man-charged-for-assaults/72440051007/ 

▫️Judge pops 99 years on man who sold girl for sex
DOTHAN, Ala.  - After pleading guilty to Human Trafficking and other sex charges, Marcus Grier would not look at or acknowledge his victims who recalled how he abused them.
They described to Grier, 42, their trauma as prosecutor Seth Brooks stood in support of the victims while they recalled their horrid experiences.
Grier, once a reserve law enforcement officer, admitted he sexually abused children, one of whom was a young girl he offered up to others in exchange for money and drugs.
After Houston County Circuit Judge Kevin Moulton heard the disturbing evidence, he immediately sentenced Grier to 99 years in prison.
» https://www.wtvy.com/2024/02/06/judge-pops-99-years-man-who-sold-girl-sex/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.wdhn.com/news/local-news/houston-county/city-of-dothan/man-receives-99-years-in-prison-after-pleading-guilty-to-sex-crimes/ 

▫️Man facing more than 800 counts of sexual assault
MASON COUNTY, W.Va.  - A Mason County man is facing hundreds of charges related to the sexual assault of two children.
During the investigation, troopers interviewed and arrested Owen Johnson, 27, of Ashton, West Virginia.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Mason County Magistrate Court on Feb. 2, 2024, Johnson is charged with 836 counts of first degree sexual assault, three counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian or person in a position of trust and four counts of strangulation.
Troopers say Johnson babysat the victims several nights a week for approximately two years when the abuse took place.
https://www.wsaz.com/2024/02/05/man-facing-more-than-800-counts-sexual-assault/ 

▫️Orient man arrested on sexual abuse of a minor
ADAIR COUNTY — Joshua David Huddleson, 45. of Orient, was arrested on Jan. 30. by the Adair County Sheriff’s office on seven counts of sexual abuse of a minor and is being held on $200,000 cash bond.
Huddleson is charged with three counts of sexual abuse, second degree, all class B Felonies; two counts of lascivious acts with a child, fondling or touching, a class C Felony and a class B Felony; a count of child endangerment, bodily injury, a class D Felony and a count of indecent contact with a child, an aggravated misdemeanor.
During an interview in May, 2023, the victim, who is 10, describes the defendant committing a sex act on the victim, for example taking a shower with the victim. He says he was 5-6 years old at the time. The defendant is the father of the victim.
The victim said the acts continued until his sisters called the police and told the victim if he told the truth he’d be able to get away (from the defendant)
» https://westerniowatoday.com/2024/02/05/orient-man-arrested-on-warrant-for-sexual-abuse-and-lascivious-acts-with-a-child/
» https://www.swiowanewssource.com/atlantic/article_13d52c66-c46b-11ee-8572-bb0e23bea310.html 

▫️New Britain man pleads guilty to possession of child porn, feds say
NEW HAVEN — A New Britain man has pleaded guilty to possessing of child porn, officials say.
According to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut's office, Luis Rosado, 30, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Victor Bolden in New Haven on Monday to possession of child pornography.
The U.S. attorney's office said the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received two CyberTipline reports from Kik Messenger in May and June 2022 that two separate Kik Messenger accounts had been used to upload video files depicting the sexual abuse of children.
» https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/new-britain-man-plead-guilty-possession-child-porn-18650145.php
» https://www.courant.com/2024/02/06/ct-man-accused-of-uploading-videos-of-child-sex-abuse-pleads-guilty-to-child-exploitation-offense/ 

▫️Gov. Reynolds on trip to Texas/Mexico border

▫️Florida Cyber Child Predator Gets 25 Years Following Undercover Investigation
A 38-year-old Florida man was sentenced to 25 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, followed by five years of probation Monday.
Jurors found 38-year-old Glenn Talmage Cunningham guilty last month on four counts of Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor and two counts of Computer Pornography to Seduce, Solicit, Lure, or Entice a Child to Engage in Any Illegal Act.
Cunningham failed to appear for his trial, resulting in an arrest warrant being issued after jurors rendered their guilty verdict. He was arrested five days later in Marion County.
https://www.tampafp.com/florida-cyber-child-predator-gets-25-years-following-undercover-investigation/ 

▫️John A. Logan College to host a presentation on human trafficking in southern Illinois
The Humanities Department at John A. Logan College will host SIU Law Professor and Director of Exceptional Learning Shelly Taylor Page to present research and discuss human trafficking in Southern Illinois.
Professor Page will discuss what human trafficking is, where it happens, who are potential targets, and how to identify and prevent human trafficking in the area.
Professor Page's presentation will be Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon in the John A. Logan College Conference Center Crisp Room. For more information contact Matt Garrison, department chair, at 985-2828, ext. 8387 or at mattgarrison@jalc.edu.
https://www.wsiu.org/public-safety/2024-02-05/john-a-logan-college-to-host-a-presentation-on-human-trafficking-in-southern-illinois 
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️OBN crackdown on human trafficking and prostitution leads to multiple arrests, 2 survivors
OKLAHOMA CITY  — Over the past week, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) said its Human Trafficking Unit has conducted multiple operations targeting prostitution/human trafficking activity in the Oklahoma City area.
According to OBN, the operations resulted in the arrest of Michael Railback for pandering and the trafficking of two females who were rescued. The two females are now receiving assistance.
If you have information about human trafficking, contact the OBN Human Trafficking tip-line at (855) 617-2288.
https://okcfox.com/news/local/obn-crackdown-on-human-trafficking-and-prostitution-leads-to-multiple-arrests-oklahoma-city-investigation-michael-railback-homeland-security-okcpd-department-of-corrections-police-narcotics  

▫️Two Georgia men arrested for attempting commit child molestation
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Sandersville Police Department partnered with a non-profit organization, Darkhorse Benefits, to arrest two men in a one-night operation.
70-year-old Michael Ernest Hatcher of Dexter and 40-year-old Frederick Johnson of Sandersville have both been charged with criminal attempt to commit child molestation and other charges are pending for both.
https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/two-men-arrested-in-child-sex-sting-operation-in-sandersville-georgia/93-31c9c86e-b196-4690-b9a9-e5ae412913df 

▫️Child rapist who illegally entered US twice arrested by feds in Massachusetts
A dual citizen of Mexico and Guatemala, the 42-year-old suspect originally entered the country illegally in December 2004. He was later convicted of child rape in Kent County, Delaware and was deported in 2006 following his prison sentence.
The individual later managed to return to the U.S. without the knowledge of authorities. He was again convicted on prostitution charges in November 2015.
» https://fox28savannah.com/news/nation-world/migrant-once-deported-arrested-again-in-boston-for-child-rape-prostitution-mexico-and-guatemala-kent-county-delaware-lynn-mass-ice-us-immigration-and-customs-enforcement-boston-new-england-eric-adams-nyc-chicago-denver-southern-border
» https://www.themainewire.com/2024/02/ice-boston-arrests-illegal-alien-previously-convicted-of-child-rape-soliciting-prostitution-after-sneaking-back-into-us/ 

▫️Coffee County Man Arrested for the Sexual Exploitation of Children | Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Douglas, GA  – On Monday, February 5, 2024, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit arrested and charged Lonnie Smith, age 32, of Coffee County, Georgia, with one count of Sexual Exploitation of Children.  
The GBI CEACC Unit began an investigation into Smith’s online activity after receiving a Cyber Tipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the possible online possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. 
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.
https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2024-02-06/coffee-county-man-arrested-sexual-exploitation-children 

▫️Fugitive Jersey Shore Ex-Officer Sought On Human Trafficking Charges (cash reward)
TRENTON, NJ — State officials are seeking the public's assistance in locating a retired corrections officer from Cape May County who failed to appear at a criminal trial on human trafficking charges.
Kurt Young, 56, was due for trial in Sept. 2023 but never showed up during jury selection, and is now considered a fugitive, according to a press release from the state Attorney General's Office.
The charges against Young, and his co-defendants Derek V. Ross, 30, of Atlantic City, and Tiffany N. Davis, 43, of Egg Harbor Township, resulted from an investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police's Casino Gaming Bureau, with assistance from the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
During the investigation, state police rescued a 14-year-old who was being trafficked and sexually abused by Ross and Davis, authorities said. Young apparently paid the co-defendants to bring the teenager to his house in Dennis Township for sex, according to officials.
If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Young, please contact 1-877-WANTED-2. The U.S. Marshals are offering a cash reward for any information leading directly to his arrest.
All three were indicted on Oct. 20, 2020 by a state grand jury for human trafficking charges.
» https://www.nj.com/news/2024/02/retired-corrections-officer-vanished-before-child-sex-trafficking-trial-authorities-say.html
» https://www.njoag.gov/ags-office-seeking-the-publics-help-to-locate-fugitive-kurt-young-retired-corrections-officer-charged-with-human-trafficking/ 

▫️South Carolina: Sex offenders wanted for failure to register
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Three sex offenders in Spartanburg County, South Carolina are wanted for failing to register where they are living, according to the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office says the suspects are as follows:
Michael Lee Childs, 50, last known address was in Pauline, warrant for failure to register has been active since February 2023.
Joseph Christian Tisch, 46, last known address was in Spartanburg, warrant for failure to register has been active since June 2023 and also has active warrants for grand larceny and violation of probation from 2023.
Rodney Eric Williams, 54, last known address was in Roebuck, two active warrants for failure to register from May 2022 and February 2023 and an active violation of probation warrant from March 2022.
The sheriff's office said all efforts to locate all three offenders have been unsuccessful.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact our warrant division at (864) 596-2189 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC (274-6372).
https://www.wyff4.com/amp/article/south-carolina-wanted-sex-offenders/46661240 

▫️Shreveport man Frank Mazen Jr. wanted for allegedly sexually assaulting 2 juveniles
SHREVEPORT, La. – Shreveport police are searching for a man accused of sexually assaulting two juveniles.
According to Shreveport police, detectives initiated an investigation in September 2023 after reports of sexual assaults against two juveniles.
After months of investigating, detectives identified 38-year-old Frank Mazen Jr. as the suspect. Warrants have been issued for Mazen’s arrest on charges including one count of first-degree rape and one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact Shreveport police at 318-673-7300 #3.
https://www.ktalnews.com/news/crime/arklatex-most-wanted/shreveport-man-wanted-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-2-juveniles/ 

▫️Lincoln man accused of sexually assaulting toddler, capturing video of abuse
LINCOLN, Neb.  - A Lincoln man is accused of sexually assaulting a toddler and capturing video of the abuse.
Lincoln Police received a call about a concerning video that was found on 32-year-old Arrlon Walker’s phone on Jan. 30. According to an arrest affidavit, the video depicts Walker abusing a child under the age of two.
Officers collected the video and arrested Walker on Saturday. Police said Walker then confessed to the abuse and admitted to sharing the video online.
Walker has since been charged with third-degree sexual assault of a child, possession of child pornography, child abuse and two other counts.
https://www.1011now.com/2024/02/07/lincoln-man-accused-sexually-assaulting-child-capturing-video-abuse/  (VIDEO) 

▫️Columbiana sex sting leads to arrest of Pennsylvania man
A man from Brackenridge, Pennsylvania is behind bars after allegedly attempting to have sex with a minor in Columbiana County and leading police on a multi-state chase that ended in Pennsylvania.
43-year-old Adam Hileman has been charged with compelling prostitution, attempted sexual conduct with a minor, felonious assault and possessing criminal tools.
His arrest stems from a sting by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force where Hileman tried to pay for sex with a fake 15-year-old girl, telling undercover agents he "likes them younger," according to a news release from the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
https://www.mahoningmatters.com/news/local/article285164147.html
» https://www.wfmj.com/story/50422711/pa-man-arrested-in-columbiana-county-sex-sting-police-chase 

▫️Alameda man, on probation in 2022 human trafficking case, arrested with gun and teen in car
OAKLAND — Barely a year after being freed from jail in a plea deal that convicted him of trafficking a teenager, an Alameda man is back in jail under similar circumstances. 
This time, 37-year-old Adesola Kehinde is being charged with violating his probation, and with possessing a gun and ammunition as a felon, court records show.
Kehinde’s 2022 plea deal stemmed from an incident in 2021 when a girl he was trafficking secretly texted a social worker that she was being held against her will. The girl later told authorities that she spent two weeks being trafficked around hotels in Oakland from an apartment in Alameda, during which time she was sexually abused by 140 people.
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/02/06/alameda-man-on-probation-in-2022-human-trafficking-case-arrested-with-gun-and-teen-in-car-police-say/ 

▫️Man accused of sex trafficking is arrested near area hotel, Olympia police say
A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of multiple crimes late last week and accused of forcing a woman to prostitute herself across several states, according to Olympia police.
About 9:50 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, officers were dispatched to the Ramada Inn in the 4500 block of Martin Way East after a 34-year-old woman had freed herself from the man and told staff she was afraid and needed help, Olympia police Lt. Paul Lower said.
The 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sex trafficking, assault/domestic violence and violation of a no-contact order, according to police.
» https://ground.news/article/man-accused-of-sex-trafficking-is-arrested-near-area-hotel-olympia-police-say
» https://news.yahoo.com/man-accused-sex-trafficking-arrested-193742463.html 

▫️Anchorage man charged with sexually abusing child may have other victims, police say
Anchorage police say they are investigating additional reports of potential abuse involving a former Anchorage child care worker after publicizing his December arrest on child sex abuse charges.
DanelJohn Santos, 27, remained jailed at Goose Creek Correctional Center this week after he was arrested on three counts of sexual abuse of a minor.
Over the past six years, Santos has worked with children at a day care facility, Camp Fire Alaska, and the Office of Children’s Services, the affidavit said. Police said Santos also worked as a babysitter
Police asked parents who recognize Santos as someone who interacted with their children to speak with them about any inappropriate behavior they may have experienced or witnessed. Anyone who believes their child may have been a victim of Santos was urged to contact Kleinsmith by email at John.Kleinsmith@anchorageak.gov or at 907-727-4651.
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/crime-courts/2024/02/06/anchorage-man-charged-with-sexually-abusing-child-may-have-other-victims-police-say/ 

▫️Lakewood man tried to coerce more than 25 children to send him sexual abuse images
TRENTON – A Lakewood man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Tuesday for coercing a minor under the age of 12 to produce videos of child sexual abuse and send them to him, said U.S Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Samuel Schwinger, 38, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Georgette Castner to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor.
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/ocean-county-man-sentenced-30-years-prison-sexually-exploiting-minor
» https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/ocean-county/ocean-county-man-sentenced-to-prison-for-exploiting-a-minor/ 

▫️Muncy man gets over 60 years in prison for child sexual assault
Marcus McDaniel, 37, was sentenced to more than 60 years in prison in a hearing before Judge Ryan Tira Tuesday morning.
In late October, McDaniel was found guilty of rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors and obstruction.
The minor victim has been in trauma counseling since coming forward with the assault. McDaniel showed no remorse for his actions, and had attempted to flee from prosecution.
https://www.sungazette.com/news/top-news/2024/02/muncy-man-gets-over-60-years-in-prison-for-child-sexual-assault/ 

▫️Nebraska man arrested in Salt Lake City for attempted child sex abuse
SALT LAKE CITY — Dusty Junior Goodspeed, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to enticing a minor, a second-degree felony.
During interrogation, Goodspeed admitted to traveling for the purposes of sex with a minor, according to the indictment.
Goodspeed was convicted in Nebraska in 2002 for sexually assaulting a juvenile boy, and during a post-Miranda interview, he confessed to sexually assaulting an additional 15 children in Nebraska, all of which were uncharged.
https://ksltv.com/620542/nebraska-man-arrested-in-salt-lake-city-for-attempted-child-sex-abuse/ 

▫️Survivor of human trafficking shares how her story helps others
ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. - Alia Azariah was sex trafficked at a very young age.
"When I was 13, I met a man on Myspace. It was really something that was really familiar to me. It was something like having an adult show me inappropriate affection wasn't new," she said.
Ten years later, she escaped on her own. Now, she works for Safe House Project, a national organization that provides aftercare for victims and partners with groups like the Albemarle County Police Department.
https://www.cbs19news.com/story/50422808/survivor-of-human-trafficking-shares-how-her-story-helps-others-get-out    (VIDEO) 

▫️How human trafficking affects kids in the Ozarks

▫️Lawsuit tied to sex trafficking case filed against Extended Stay America Hotel
OKLAHOMA CITY — A lawsuit tied to a sex trafficking case has been filed against Extended Stay America Hotel.
This follows an incident involving a 15-year-old girl from Texas, who police say disappeared from a Dallas Mavericks game. Investigators say she was drugged and brought to an Oklahoma City hotel for 10 days before officers rescued her.
The lawsuit also alleges hotel management ignored the red flags when the 15-year-old girl was there. "A young girl with older men. She arrived with no baggage. She's upset. She's visibly crying with old men walking her to a room."
The victim is seeking more than $1 million in damages.
» https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/family-teen-trafficking-victim-suing-dfw-hotel-pimps-prostitutes/287-cad64c04-bb46-42b9-a12b-6b018194ed7e   (VIDEO)
» https://okcfox.com/news/local/lawsuit-tied-to-sex-trafficking-case-filed-against-extended-stay-america-hotel-texas-dallas-mavericks-drugs-human-rescue-oklahoma-city-police-county-district-attorney-office-attorney-zeke-fortenberry-firm-provident-realty-advisors-aimbridge-reno-avenue   (VIDEO)
» https://www.streetinsider.com/PRNewswire/Sex+trafficking+lawsuit+filed+against+a+Texas-owned+Extended+Stay+America+hotel/22728228.html
» https://t.me/ENDHUMANTRAFFICKING/7624 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News? 

▫️HCSO: Task force shoots, kills fugitive wanted on child sex assault warrants in Pine Trails
A man was shot and killed by members of the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force in east Harris County Wednesday morning, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
A man wanted on five child sexual assault charges was fatally shot by law enforcement officers Friday morning on eastern edge of Houston, authorities in southeastern Texas said. The man was shot when he came out of a home in Harris County that was under surveillance by officers and pulled a gun after he got into a vehicle, sheriff’s assistant Chief Tommy Diaz said.
» https://www.star-telegram.com/news/state/texas/article285194117.html 
»

▫️Infant kidnapped, driven away in stolen car, police say 
DYERSBURG, Tenn. - An infant was kidnapped and driven away in a stolen car, according the Dyersburg Police Department (DPD). DPD said the child was taken around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6. 
Police said the child's grandfather chased down the stolen car, driven by 29-year-old Demite Warren, until it crashed near Parr Avenue.
Warren was arrested and charged with theft of a vehicle, kidnapping, reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, evading arrest and vandalism, police said. 
https://www.fox13memphis.com/education/officers-rescue-infant-kidnapped-in-stolen-car-police-say/article_92aca32a-c5fb-11ee-9e20-2fedc131c405.html 

▫️Jasper County human trafficking case leads to three arrests
JASPER COUNTY, Miss  – Jasper County deputies arrested three men in connection to a human trafficking case.
Investigators said they received an anonymous tip that Christopher Lowe abused a minor and was also trafficking a minor child for illegal drugs.
Deputies said they found evidence that resulted in the arrest of Lowe on January 31. Tajik Jermaine Page, and Kenneth Eugene Gregory were also arrested for human trafficking and other related charges.
Jasper County deputies said no other victims of human trafficking have been identified. The investigation is ongoing.
» https://www.wdam.com/video/2024/02/08/jasper-county-trio-arrested-connection-human-trafficking/    (VIDEO)
 https://www.wjtv.com/news/pine-belt/jasper-county-human-trafficking-case-leads-to-three-arrests/
»

▫️TPD: 2 men arrested after being caught trying to sell women for sex
TULSA, Okla. — Undercover Tulsa Police detectives arrested two men at an east Tulsa hotel during a recent two-day sting, both accused of trying to sell women for sex.
On Monday, Guadalupe Hernandez Anaya was arrested for on a charge of human trafficking. FOX23 spoke with a detective on the VICE Unit who is keeping his identity concealed while exposing the people they arrested.
https://www.fox23.com/news/local/tpd-2-men-arrested-after-being-caught-trying-to-sell-women-for-sex/article_35dc7f32-c612-11ee-87a1-1b9d69672bd4.html   (VIDEO) 

▫️Police Make Additional Arrest In Human Trafficking Case
LAKE OSWEGO – In July of 2023 Lake Oswego Police detectives discovered an illicit massage business in Lake Oswego, operating under the name of Flora Spa. During the course of their investigation, detectives learned the spa and several people involved in the operation of the business were involved in a multi-jurisdictional trafficking operation, with suspects in multiple states. They executed multiple search warrants and arrested two suspects related to this case on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
On Monday, February 5, 2024, detectives continued to investigate this case and they arrested a third suspect and executed an additional search warrant.
Detectives arrested 46-year-old Zewu Hu at his home in Portland for the charge of Promoting Prostitution (ORS 167.012). He was later lodged at the Clackamas County Jail.
This investigation is ongoing and detectives ask anyone with information to call 503-635-0232 
» https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/police/police-make-additional-arrest-human-trafficking-case
» https://katu.com/news/local/third-suspect-arrested-in-lake-oswego-human-trafficking-ring
»

▫️ERO San Francisco arrests 26 noncitizens with pending charges or convictions for murder, homicide and assault against children during nationwide operation | ICE
SAN FRANCISCO — 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 Jan. 16-28.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-san-francisco-arrests-26-noncitizens-pending-charges-or-convictions-murder 

▫️Iowa 'most wanted' sex offender arrested by Primera PD
PRIMERA, Texas - Federico Jeffrey Guillen, 28, was taken into custody on a warrant out of Iowa for violation of sex offender registration. In 2011, he was convicted by the State of Iowa on a charge of lascivious acts with a child.
Guillen is also facing local charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a child, traffic child to engage in sexual conduct and indecency with a child, according to Primera PD.
https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/iowa-most-wanted-sex-offender-arrested-in-primera-on-child-trafficking-charge/ 

▫️LASD Acting Commander Caught in Sex Trafficking Sting Retires Ahead of Potential Federal Indictment
Charles Norris IV, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Acting Commander, officially retired last week ahead what inside sources at the department is a strategic move ahead of a potential looming federal indictment associated with Norris’s involvement in an underage sex trafficking sting operation.
» https://thecurrentreport.com/lasd-acting-commander-caught-in-sex-trafficking-sting-retires-ahead-of-potential-federal-indictment/
» https://www.hometownstation.com/santa-clarita-news/crime/lasd-captain-quietly-retires-amidst-sex-trafficking-investigation-496065 

▫️School bus driver arrested for alleged sexual exploitation of minor
DAVIS COUNTY, Utah — A man who works as a school bus driver in northern Utah was arrested Tuesday after allegedly sending nude photos and videos to an undercover agent who he thought was a teenage girl, and arranging to meet up for sex.
A member of the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking task force wrote in the arrest report that he was posing as a 13-year-old girl in online chat applications.
According to police, 31-year-old Jordan Lee Chase of Ogden messaged the agent and was told that "she" was 13 years old multiple times. Investigators say he sent more than 10 videos and photos of himself with his genitals exposed.
Between August 2023 and February 2024, police say Chase talked about wanting to meet up with the minor to engage in sexual activity.
» https://www.fox13now.com/news/crime/school-bus-driver-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-exploitation-of-minor   (VIDEO)
» https://ksltv.com/620907/school-bus-driver-arrested-for-enticing-underage-girl-who-was-actually-undercover-fbi-   (VIDEO) 

▫️Former Napa County school worker accused of child sex abuse doubles down on denial
A former school employee on trial Wednesday in Napa County Superior Court on charges of child sex abuse called one of his five accusers “crazy” and said he had no idea why the four others have accused him of wrongdoing.
Benjamin Casas, 34, who began testifying in his own defense on Tuesday, concluded his testimony after being pressed by Napa County Deputy District Attorney Kecia Lind. Casas was arrested Oct. 1, 2022, in Pope Valley and the Napa County District Attorney’s Office charged him with 23 counts of sexually abusing two boys and three girls.
Investigators said the abuse occurred over 10 years while Casas worked in various capacities for Pope Valley Elementary School.
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/former-napa-county-school-worker-calls-sex-abuse-accuser-psychotic/ 

▫️Former Rowan County Teacher Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Pornography
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Morehead, Ky., man, Andrew Zaheri, 40, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, before U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, in the summer of 2022, Zaheri began a sexual relationship with a minor student at the high school where he was employed as a teacher.  The relationship continued through the school year and included Zaheri engaging in sexual acts with the victim during school hours.  Zaheri admitted that, during the course of the relationship, he produced sexually explicit images and videos of the minor victim using his cell phone.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edky/pr/former-rowan-county-teacher-pleads-guilty-production-child-pornography 

▫️Boy Scouts employee charged with sex abuse after Molalla police find child in vehicle
PORTLAND, Ore.  — A Boy Scouts of America employee was arrested at a Molalla park after authorities found a child in the back seat of his car, officials said.
Peter Simpson, 28, has been charged with two counts of third-degree sex abuse. According to police, a Molalla officer was on patrol when he noticed the car on Thursday around 9:15 p.m. After contacting Simpson, the officers saw the child in the back seat of the car, which eventually led to the arrest, police said.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Molalla Police Department.
https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/boy-scouts-employee-charged-with-sex-abuse-after-officer-finds-child-in-car/ 

▫️Freetown man arrested on multiple charges
A 45-year-old Freetown man faces charges of sexual trafficking, attempted rape and sexual misconduct after the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a sexual assault involving a 15-year-old.
Bradley Moore was arrested Monday at the Jackson County Jail in Brownstown after admitting to Detective J.L. McElfresh he had requested and paid $50 for a sexually explicit image from the teen on Feb. 3. Moore also admitted to fondling and performing oral sex on the child the following morning.
Moore is facing Level 3 felony charges of promotion of sexual trafficking and attempted rape and a Level 5 felony charge of sexual misconduct with a minor.
» https://tribtown.com/2024/02/07/freetown-man-arrested-on-multiple-charges/
» https://www.wishtv.com/news/indiana-news/jackson-county-arrests-man-for-rape-sex-trafficking-15-year-old-boy/ 

▫️Two arrests made in Austin in connection with missing Kansas teen
AUSTIN  — Two Austin residents were booked into the Travis County jail Tuesday on charges in connection with a missing 16-year-old girl out of Wichita, Kansas.
According to Travis County court documents, 35-year-old Christopher Douglas Mitchell and 62-year-old Judy Myers, Mitchell’s mother, both face charges in connection with the investigation.
Mitchell was charged with trafficking a child, sexual assault child rape and unlawful restraint, while Myers faces a charge of interference with child custody.
https://www.newsnationnow.com/missing/missing-kansas-teen-arrests/ 

▫️Denton County Sheriff’s Office arrests man for online solicitation of a minor
The Denton County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday night that it arrested a man who allegedly arranged online to have sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl.
On Jan. 31, Alexander Charles Ramey initiated online communication with someone he believed to be the mother of a 14-year-old girl, according to a DCSO news release.
He was charged with online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony, according to the DCSO.
» https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2024/02/05/denton-county-sheriffs-office-arrests-man-for-online-solicitation-of-a-minor/
» https://dentonrc.com/news/crime/ohio-man-arrested-for-allegedly-soliciting-a-minor-for-sex-in-denton-county/article_0f765f28-54d3-54e2-9d0b-196fe8f60b95.html
» https://starlocalmedia.com/carrolltonleader/denton-county-resident-arrested-for-online-solicitation-of-a-minor/article_00406a66-c43f-11ee-962f-635603df0df5.html 

▫️Human Smuggling Organization Leader Sentenced in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – A Kaufman man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 97 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to transport undocumented noncitizens.
According to court documents, Fredi Zagala-Servin, 40, was a longtime leader and organizer of a human smuggling organization (HSO) that smuggled hundreds of undocumented noncitizens from Laredo to San Antonio inside tractor trailers.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/human-smuggling-organization-leader-sentenced-san-antonio 

▫️Man arrested on multiple charges including raping toddler, child pornography, sexual abuse of an animal
BATON ROUGE — The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged a man with 50 counts of pornography involving children under 13.
Officials say Jeremiah Jamal Crosby, 25, was also charged with 100 counts of sexual abuse of an animal, three counts of first-degree rape, victim under 13, and three counts of pornography involving juveniles (production) stemming from incidents occurring from December 1, 2023, to Feb. 7, 2024.
EBRSO opened an investigation about a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Officials say the tip contained child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of children under 13.
» https://unfilteredwithkiran.com/man-arrested-on-multiple-charges-including-raping-toddler-child-pornography-sexual-abuse-of-an-animal/
» https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/crime_police/baton-rouge-man-raped-3-year-old-girl-sheriffs-office-says/article_968b5fbc-c601-11ee-9ca6-8b7ee4573678.html 

▫️Greenwich Attorney Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Offense
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that CHRISTOPHER BATES JR., 37, of Greenwich, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a child exploitation offense.
Bates, who is an attorney admitted to practice in New York and Connecticut, pleaded guilty to possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/greenwich-man-pleads-guilty-child-exploitation-offense 

▫️Migrant wanted for homicide, convicted child predator arrested at Texas border
Border Patrol agents in Texas have made significant arrests this week, with an illegal immigrant wanted for homicide apprehended along with a migrant who is a convicted pedophile.
U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Chief Jason Owens posted on X Monday that a Mexican national with an active warrant for homicide in Louisiana had been captured.
"These gangs (Paisas, MS-13, etc.) are involved w/murder, extortion, narcotics, weapons/human trafficking & prostitution," Owens wrote on X.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/migrant-wanted-homicide-convicted-child-predator-arrested-texas-border 

▫️ERO Seattle removes Russian national wanted on charges of child exploitation | ICE
SEATTLE — Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Seattle removed Igor Lekomtsev, 45, a citizen of Russia, Jan. 26. Lekomtsey is wanted in his home country for charges related to child exploitation.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-seattle-removes-russian-national-wanted-charges-child-exploitation 

▫️Man sentenced to 90 years after drugging children, recording in bathroom
INDIANAPOLIS — A Montgomery County man has been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to ten counts of sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a child.
Stan Eugene Hayes Jr., 40, was sentenced to 90 years by the United States federal courts.
During the search, officers found methamphetamine and printed sexual images of children in plain sight.
Investigators later learned that Hayes also hid cameras in bathrooms and bedrooms in two different residences that belonged to people he knew. Upon searching his electronics, detectives discovered hundreds of explicit images and videos of six identified children using the toilet and bathing. The footage was taken with a hidden camera.
https://fox59.com/indiana-news/man-sentenced-to-90-years-after-drugging-recording-children-in-bathroom/ 

▫️Chicago Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Children
On multiple occasions in 2017, DARYL S. ARNOLD arranged for the four victims, all of whom were under 18 years old, to meet with individuals to engage in commercial sex acts in the Chicago area.  Arnold used websites such as Backpage to advertise the commercial sex acts and find customers.  Afterward, Arnold kept half of the proceeds.
Arnold, 48, pleaded guilty in 2022 to four counts of sex trafficking of a minor. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso on Friday ordered Arnold to pay $136,700 in restitution to the victims.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/chicago-man-sentenced-24-years-prison-sex-trafficking-children 

▫️Fountain sexual predator sentenced to life in prison
FOUNTAIN, Fla.  – On Wednesday, a Fountain man was found guilty of sexually abusing a child over a period of years and given multiple life sentences.
58-year-old, Jeffrey Alan Khan was found guilty of three counts of sexual battery on a minor and two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation.
https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/local-news/bay-county/fountain-sexual-predator-sentenced-to-life-in-prison/ 

▫️Bryan County detainee died days after his arrest in GBI sex trafficking sting: With questions still unanswered, an investigation is ongoing
Jason Manuel Herrera, 39, of Richmond Hill, was found unresponsive by fellow prisoners in his Bryan County jail cell on the evening of Feb. 1, 2024. He was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, placed on life support, and declared dead on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024.
Herrera was one of 17 people arrested in a recent Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) sting mission dubbed “Operation Not For Sale,” which targeted sex traffickers and sex buyers in the Bryan County area. The Savannah resident was booked into the Bryan County Detention Center on Jan. 25, 2024, jail records show.
https://www.connectsavannah.com/community/bryan-county-detainee-died-days-after-his-arrest-in-gbi-sex-trafficking-sting-with-questions-still-unanswered-an-investigation-is-ongoing-21713695 

▫️AG Fitch Announces Sentencings in Two Sexual Exploitation Cases
On January 18, 2024, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Calvin Taylor sentenced John Rouse to 30 years in the custody of Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) with five years to serve followed by 25 years of post-release supervision for two counts of child exploitation.
On January 30, 2024, DeSoto County Circuit Court Judge Celeste Wilson sentenced Edward Ewing to nine years in the custody of the MDOC with one year to serve and eight years of post-release supervision for one count of promoting prostitution. Ewing’s arrest and prosecution is the result of an undercover operation conducted by General Fitch’s Human Trafficking Task Force in Southaven, Mississippi. In the past two years, General Fitch’s Human Trafficking multi-jurisdictional operations have led to the recovery of 328 victims and 85 arrests.
https://vicksburgnews.com/ag-fitch-announces-sentencings-in-two-sexual-exploitation-cases/ 

▫️Pimps control San Diego neighborhoods as residents fear speaking out amid brazen prostitution: business owner
Pimps in San Diego are controlling neighborhoods by leveraging the fear of retaliation against locals in exchange for their silence on the parade of nearly-naked women working the streets, a business owner in the heart of a prostitution hotspot said.
"Prostitutes will walk inside of the properties to say, ‘What are you looking at?,’ ‘quit staring.’ And they elaborate a little bit about calling their pimps in order to hurt them or harm them or do something to ‘take care of them,'" a San Diego business owner who spoke to Fox News Digital under the condition of anonymity said of how prostitutes in San Diego near the National City border speak to business owners and employees. 
https://www.foxnews.com/us/pimps-control-san-diego-neighborhoods-residents-fear-speaking-brazen-prostitution-business-owner 

▫️Professors combat sex trafficking with data initiative
Three professors at The University of Alabama are using data analytics to stop human traffickingin the Tuscaloosa area and accros the US.
https://thecrimsonwhite.com/112979/news/professors-combat-sex-trafficking-with-data-initiative/ 

▫️New two-year window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits opening in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS  – Arkansas State Senator David Wallace (R-19th Dist.) today announced a new legal opportunity for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Arkansas to seek civil justice and accountability against their perpetrators – a second two-year revival window beginning February 1, 2024 during which claims can be brought. 
» https://www.eldoradonews.com/news/2024/feb/06/new-two-year-window-for-survivors-of-childhood/
» https://katv.com/news/local/arkansas-law-offers-fresh-chance-for-child-sexual-abuse-survivors-to-seek-justice-justice-for-vulnerable-victims-of-sexual-abuse-act-david-wallace-boy-scout-childhood-sexual-abuse-survivor-window-statute-of-limitations-civil-lawsuit-heal-come-forward 

▫️Visiting Speaker Discusses Sex Trafficking Awareness at Bemidji High School
Rachel Thomas, the founder of Sowers Educational Group, talked about raising awareness for sex trafficking last week at Bemidji High School. Participants at the event learned about the risk factors that lead to human trafficking and how to avoid and overcome these dangers.
» https://lptv.org/visiting-speaker-discusses-sex-trafficking-awareness-at-bemidji-high-school/  (VIDEO) 
»

▫️Help Stop Human Trafficking...Break The Silence. Break The Chains. - 2288 Main St E, Snellville, 2 March
Join us on March 2, 2024, at 10:00AM to raise awareness about the signs of human trafficking, getting help, and advocating for survivors.
https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=10000823295217157 

▫️Human Trafficking Education Events in Bruce and Grey County
Human trafficking is a serious issue that is affecting communities of all sizes across the country, including in Grey and Bruce counties. The Crime Prevention Action Table, operating under the umbrella of the Community Safety and Well Being Plan, is supporting two education events occurring in Grey and Bruce County. In partnership with the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey, The Women’s Centre Grey Bruce, and Violence Prevention Grey Bruce, these community events are being held to provide education, resources, and real-life experiences of human trafficking to Grey Bruce community members.
The informative events will be held in Kincardine on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Kincardine District Secondary School (KDSS) and in Owen Sound on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Both events will take place from 6.00 PM to 8.30 PM.
http://grey.ca/news/human-trafficking-education-events-bruce-and-grey-county 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Unregistered sex offender arrested after NBC4 report
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A fugitive wanted by the U.S. Marshal’s Service was arrested Thursday after a report aired on NBC4 on Feb. 5.
Early Thursday morning, task force officers took Trevion Schutte into custody for allegedly not telling local law enforcement about an address change. Schutte is 28 years old and a criminal complaint against him lists “the most serious sexually oriented offense or child-victim oriented offense as the basis of registration.”
» https://www.nbc4i.com/warrant-watch/unregistered-sex-offender-arrested-after-nbc4-report/ 
»

▫️Operation Snow Miser: U.S. Marshals Operation Targets Wisconsin Sex Offenders
Madison, WI – The Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force for the Western District of Wisconsin targeted 100 sex offenders in Sauk and Columbia Counties during a 4-week compliance sweep named “Operation Snow Miser” from January 8 through February 2.
“Operation Snow Miser” resulted in seven arrests and identified four non-compliant sex offenders. These non-compliant sex offenders could face new felony charges for Sex Registry Violations.
https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/press-release/us-marshals-operation-targets-wisconsin-sex-offenders 

▫️Pitman coach arrested on child molestation charges stemming from Ripon case
A Pitman High School assistant wrestling coach has been arrested on child molestation charges stemming from incidents more than a decade ago, according to authorities.
Derek William Young, 41 years old and a resident of Ceres, was arrested Tuesday at 7.33 a.m. in the parking lot of Kaiser Permanente medical center in Modesto, where he is employed.
According to Stanislaus County Jail booking information, Young faces three charges: continuous sexual abuse of child; lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14; and oral copulation with a victim under 10 years of age.
https://www.turlockjournal.com/news/crime/pitman-coach-arrested-child-molestation-charges-stemming-ripon-case/ 

▫️Man charged with multiple sex crimes against minors, Horry County deputies say
HORRY COUNTY, S.C.  — A 32-year-old man faces 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor after deputies received several tips, according to the Horry County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the tips came from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the information led them to Johnny M. DeHart.
» https://www.wbtw.com/news/grand-strand/horry-county/man-arrested-for-multiple-sex-crimes-against-minors-deputies-say/   (VIDEO)
» https://news.yahoo.com/man-charged-multiple-sex-crimes-195830586.html 

▫️Man behind well-known video games accused of sending sex toys to NC teen
IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A well-known man in the video game world is now in jail in Iredell County.
Nicholas Dean Des Barres, from Los Angeles, is charged with sending inappropriate messages to a local teenager. Des Barres has more than 25 years of experience in the gaming industry.
The teen victim’s father spoke to Channel 9's Dave Faherty, saying the way he found out about it was when his son received an Amazon package with sex toys in it.
Des Barres is charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer and first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, among more than a dozen felony charges.
Des Barres was a prominent video game journalist in the 1990s and early 2000s under the pen name Nick Rox.
https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/popular-video-game-journalist-accused-sending-sex-toys-iredell-county-teen/Q532FX5HEFBWJHGY2AVSH6FQ6Y/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Rodney Watkins, former leader of skateboarding team Powerfulnailya, convicted of sexual abuse
A 55-year-old Philadelphia man has been convicted of sexually abusing six children who met him through his traveling youth skateboarding team known as Powerfulnailya, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Thursday.
Rodney Watkins on Wednesday pleaded no contest to charges involving the six victims. Charges involving a seventh victim were withdrawn because the statute of limitations had expired. His sentencing is scheduled for May 3.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-skateboard-powefulnailya-convicted-20240208.html 

▫️San Antonio Child Predator Finally Caught
SAN ANTONIO, TX — In San Antonio, Texas, the police have successfully apprehended a man, Javier Vasquez, who had been on the run since 2019. Vasquez, 58, faced a felony charge of Indecency with a Child, stemming from an accusation that he touched a six-year-old child in a public restroom nearly five years ago.
Vasquez, an undocumented citizen, had been elusive, with family members allegedly providing his location to the police, only for him to disappear before their arrival.
A covert team managed to track down Vasquez early on a Wednesday, resulting in his arrest for the alleged crime.
https://sanangelolive.com/news/crime/2024-02-08/san-antonio-child-predator-finally-caught 

▫️Charleston County Men Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material* Charges
COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Thomas A. Walker, 83, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., and Tyler James Hudson, 19, of Johns Island, S.C., on 13 total charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors.
Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) which led them to Walker.  Investigators state Walker possessed child sexual abuse material and Hudson distributed files of child sexual abuse material.
» https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/charleston-county-news/2-charleston-county-men-arrested-on-child-sex-abuse-charges/
» https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/charleston-county-men-arrested-on-child-sexual-abuse-material-charges/ 

▫️WATCH IT: Brave dad fights off man accused of attempting to kidnap child from Miami Beach store
A man is facing serious charges after Miami Beach police say he attempted to kidnap a child right in front of his parents as they were leaving a store.
The child's dad would not and did not let it happen. Store surveillance cameras caught the brave dad quickly jumping on the man as he attempted to snatch the minor right in front of his family.
The suspect was identified as Nicolas Sternaman, 26, a Miami Beach resident. 
» https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/watch-it-brave-dad-fights-off-man-accused-of-attempting-to-kidnap-child-from-miami-beach-store/   (VIDEO) 
»

▫️Former Olympian and longtime track coach Conrad Mainwaring pleads guilty to over a dozen charges of sexually molesting young boys at a sports camp in the 1970s
A former Olympian and longtime track coach will spend as many as 11 years in state prison after pleading guilty to charges of sexually molesting young boys at a sports camp in western Massachusetts in the 1970s, abuse that was laid bare by the emotional testimony of several victims.
Conrad Mainwaring, who was a hurdler for Antigua and Barbuda in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, faced 12 counts of indecent assault and battery on a child over 14 and four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 in Berkshire Superior Court. The charges involved nine male victims.
'He used his Olympic status to abuse young boys,' District Attorney Timothy Shugrue told the court. Mainwaring, a 72-year-old Los Angeles resident and United Kingdom national, will serve his sentences on the multiple charges concurrently. But Judge John Agostini said it was 'probably a life sentence' given Mainwaring's age.
Mainwaring molested campers from 1975 to 1979 while working as a counselor at Camp Greylock in Becket. Authorities have said they believe there are 'many other victims' in several states and outside the United States.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-13063583/Olympian-Conrad-Mainwaring-guilty-sexually-molesting-young-boys.html 

▫️Former Teacher Sentenced to 20 Years Behind Bars in Child Porn Case
A former elementary school teacher in Virginia has been sentenced to 20 years behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple counts of possessing and distributing child pornography.
David Crouse Jr., 57, was given the minimum mandatory punishment after entering a guilty plea in October.
The technology specialist and teacher at Arrowhead Elementary School in Virginia Beach was arrested on campus in December 2022. He was alone in a room with a student when he was taken into custody, police said.
https://www.insideedition.com/former-virginia-teacher-charged-with-distributing-and-possessing-child-porn-gets-20-years-in-prison 

▫️Instructional Assistant at Wicomico High School Charged With Sexual Abuse of Minor
A man who was an instructional assistant at Wicomico High School has been arrested for pursuing and engaging in inappropriate sexual communications and interactions with a minor, who is a student. The arrest happened earlier this week–on Monday, according to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. 43-year-old Derrick Davis faces charges of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Fourth Degree Sexual Offense. Davis was placed on administrative leave pending this investigation and prosecution.
https://www.wgmd.com/instructional-assistant-at-wicomico-high-school-charged-with-sexual-abuse-of-minor/ 

▫️Three people arrested after child sexual abuse investigation in Tensas Parish
FERRIDAY, La. - Three people were arrested after a child sexual abuse investigation in Tensas Parish. The investigation began on February 6 when the Concordia Parish Cyber Crime Unit received a report of child sexual abuse in Tensas Parish that had been going on for over a year.
Authorities recovered evidence and obtained arrest warrants for Andrew Evans. He was arrested by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for two counts of molestation of a juvenile under 13. His bond is set at $200,000.
Authorities also arrested Amanda Evans and Pamela Clark for obstruction of justice.
If anyone has information regarding this case or potential victims, contact Detective Stephen Lipscomb at (318) 437-0740 Ext. 409 or Detective Bob Stroud of TPSO, at (318) 766-3499.
https://www.knoe.com/2024/02/08/multiple-people-arrested-after-child-sexual-abuse-investigation/   (VIDEO) 

▫️2 Kentucky moms say they were drugged, raped by Bahamas resort staffers; cruise never told them about travel warning until after assault
One of the attackers had only been employed by the resort for about a week, according to Shearer.
Royal Bahamas police arrested two men, a 40-year-old of South Bahamia and a 54-year-old of Eight Mile Rock, in connection to the sexual assault, the department said in a news release.
Police are continuing to investigate, but the women say their allegations weren’t properly handled and that the local cops did not administer proper rape test kits despite their pleas.
Back on the cruise ship, the moms received the results of their toxicology tests — which showed they had a plethora of drugs in their systems, including benzodiazepines.
Now back in Kentucky, the women have hired a lawyer to get justice and are receiving medical care — including $4,000 in HIV prevention medication, according to the local station.
The advisory advises US travelers to “exercise increased caution” when visiting the Bahamas due to crime and gang-on-gang violence that have resulted in 18 murders in January alone.
» https://nypost.com/2024/02/08/news/kentucky-moms-amber-shearer-dongayla-dobson-say-they-were-drugged-raped-by-resort-staffers-in-bahamas-amid-travel-warning/   (VIDEO)
» https://nypost.com/2024/02/08/news/bahamas-resort-where-two-moms-claim-they-were-drugged-and-report-says-footage-disputes-story/  (VIDEO) 

▫️McDonald’s franchisee to pay $4.4M to teen girl who was sexually assaulted by manager in restaurant bathroom
A McDonald’s franchisee has agreed to pay $4.4 million to settle a lawsuit from a teenage girl who said she was sexually assaulted in the Pennsylvania-based restaurant’s bathroom by her manager, a registered sex offender.
The unidentified girl was 14 years old at the time of the 2021 attack, which happened just four months after she was hired at the McDonald’s location in Bethel Park.
In January 2021, Walter A. Garner, now 44 — a lifetime registered sex offender in Pennsylvania who had already served prison time for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in 2003 — became the victim’s manager.
https://nypost.com/2024/02/06/business/mcdonalds-franchisee-to-pay-4-4m-to-teen-girl-who-was-sexually-assaulted-in-restaurant-bathroom/ 

▫️(UPDATE) Former Colorado Springs deputy district attorney, church leader declines plea deal on child sex assault charge
The former deputy district attorney and Colorado Springs Mormon church leader accused of sexual assault on a child pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday morning despite a plea deal offer from the prosecution that would have kept him out of jail. 
David McConkie, 45, a former president of the East Stake within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was in plea negotiations with the prosecution since November, when his attorney, Colin Bresee, waived a preliminary hearing.  
On Wednesday, Bresee informed Judge Erin Sokol that the attorneys failed to reach an agreement, and that McConkie would be entering a not guilty plea.
https://gazette.com/news/courts/former-colorado-springs-deputy-district-attorney-church-leader-declines-plea-deal-on-child-sex-assault/article_c3721d14-c5dd-11ee-b85e-5fcd5c66041f.html 

▫️Former police officer sentenced on child pornography charges
GREENFIELD, MA – A former police officer in Franklin County has been sentenced to prison following a recent child pornography charges.
Laurie Loisel, spokesperson for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, said that 42-year-old Jacob Wrisley of Buckland pleaded guilty on Monday to six counts of possession of child pornography and one count each of posing a child in a state of nudity and videotaping sexual or intimate parts of a child without her knowledge.
Authorities indicated that a tip to the National Center for Missing an Exploited Children led members of the D.A.’s State Police detective unit and cyber crimes unit to find thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse material hidden on Wrisley’s digital devices.
Prosecutors said that, in one instance, he reportedly secretly videotaped an eight-year-old girl while she was nude and another victim in some of the images was eight to 10 years old. Loisel added that a trooper reportedly found “highly organized folders in secret vault cell phone applications labeled with graphic, degrading names and containing images of exploited children,” as well as “photographs of clothed children playing in public locations in Franklin County.”
https://www.westernmassnews.com/2024/02/07/former-police-officer-sentenced-child-pornography-charges/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Registered sex offender convicted of sexually assaulting another child
A registered sex offender was convicted Wednesday of sexually assaulting another child in Atlantic County, authorities said.
Marcelino Cruz, 34, of Mullica Township, was found guilty of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of child sexual abuse material, according to a statement from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation into the assault began when the mother of a 13-year-old discovered disturbing text messages on their child’s phone, the office said. Police were able to recover the information from the phone and found Cruz had been communicating with the child.
https://www.nj.com/atlantic/2024/02/registered-sex-offender-convicted-of-sexually-assaulting-another-child-prosecutors-say.html 

▫️Navy serviceman gets 6½ years in federal prison for child sexual abuse
A 30-year-old Virginia Beach, Va., man who was working at a Navy base in Southern Maryland pleaded guilty to federal charges of abusive sexual contact with a minor and was sentenced Tuesday to 6½ years in prison.
According to a U.S. Department of Justice press release, federal Judge Deborah L. Boardman handed down the sentence in the Maryland District courthouse in Greenbelt.
https://www.somdnews.com/news/local/navy-serviceman-gets-6-years-in-federal-prison-for-child-sexual-abuse/article_cba3b954-c5e5-11ee-87e5-872519c78403.html 

▫️Honolulu man sentenced to 40 years for child sexual abuse charges
HONOLULU  - A Honolulu man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, officials said.
The FBI found more than 100,000 explicit pictures and videos on 24-year-old Kalani Kaaiawaawa’s phones, including children as young as 2.
Officials said some showed him assaulting a child between six and eight years old.
And he bragged about it in an online chat room, officials said.
“Justice for the child victim of Kaaiawaawa’s horrendous series of crimes has been served by the Court’s sentence,” said United States Attorney Clare E. Connors.
Kaaiawaawa must also pay the victims $33,000.
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/02/07/honolulu-man-sentenced-40-years-child-sexual-abuse-charges/ 

▫️South Carolina men face long list of sex charges with child, 12, as police warn parents
LAURENS, S.C. — Two South Carolina men face a long list of child sex charges that involve paying for sex with minors as young as 12 years old, police said Wednesday.
The Laurens Police Department said Christoper Andere Brison Blackwood and Charles William Phillips, both 20 and of Honea Path, "have been identified and charged with a litany of heinous crimes."
Police said Blackwood and Phillips were arrested after an "intensive" two-day operation this week after a report of sexual assault dating back to December 2023.
Officers said they found evidence at the address suggesting criminal sexual conduct involving an adult paying minors aged 12-to-14 for sexual favors.
"It was revealed that this exploitation had persisted for a significant period, beginning when the child was only 12 years old, and continuing until present, at the age of 14," police said.
https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-child-sex-crimes-12-warn-parents/46672941 

▫️Investigation underway after suspected human trafficking arrest in Coffey County
An investigation has been ongoing into a suspected human trafficking case following an arrest in Coffey County late last month.
Leslie Cadena, age 24 of unlisted hometown, was arrested early Jan. 30 on suspicion of human trafficking, benefit financially in forced labor or involuntary servitude. She was also arrested on suspicion of child endangerment, possession or use of drug paraphernalia and traffic offenses.
Further details have not been released, although bond is currently listed at $100,000.
https://kvoe.com/2024/02/08/investigation-underway-after-suspected-human-trafficking-arrest-in-coffey-county/ 

▫️Bassnectar Concert Canceled Amidst Sexual Abuse Scandal
A pair of Bassnectar shows at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, have been canceled after public backlash. An ongoing lawsuit against the producer, real name Lorin Ashton, alleges sexual misconduct. The producer has denied these accusations.
"Upon learning about the allegations facing the artist Bassnectar, who was set to perform at the Gateway Center Arena on April 26 & 27, the Gateway Center Arena and City of College Park teams launched an internal evaluation of the matter," the venue wrote in a Jan. 26 statement posted on Instagram. "The safety and well-being of our community are of the utmost importance and as such, we have decided to cancel the event."
The venue wrote 'The safety and well-being of our community are of the utmost importance.'
https://popculture.com/music/news/bassnectar-concert-canceled-amidst-sexual-abuse-scandal/ 

▫️State Police searching for potential victims after arrest of sex offender who operated carnival game business
Pennsylvania State Police Arrest Registered Sex Offender Operating Carnival Game Business
The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop H, Carlisle Station, have apprehended Richard Ridley, a registered sex offender, for allegedly violating Megan’s Law. Ridley, classified as a sexually violent predator, was found to be operating a carnival game business under the name R.S. Entertainment.
State Police believe there could be additional victims of Ridley in the southcentral Pennsylvania area.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding Ridley’s business activities or other incidents involving him to contact Trooper Jacob Fackler of the Pennsylvania State Police at 717-249-2121.
» https://fcfreepresspa.com/pennsylvania-state-police-arrest-registered-sex-offender-operating-carnival-game-business/
» https://cumberlink.com/news/local/crime-courts/state-police-searching-for-potential-victims-after-arrest-of-sex-offender-who-operated-carnival-game/article_f22985b4-c6a7-11ee-988d-9bef0d28e5bb.html 

▫️ERO Boston apprehends Salvadoran national convicted for possessing child sexual abuse material in Connecticut | ICE
BOSTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston apprehended un unlawfully present Salvadoran national and registered sex offender Jan. 26 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Deportation officers from ERO Boston arrested the 26-year-old, who had been convicted in Norwalk, Connecticut, for possessing child sexual abuse material in 2020.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-boston-apprehends-salvadoran-national-convicted-possessing-child-sexual-abuse 

▫️ERO Boston arrests Portuguese national convicted of sex crimes against Massachusetts child | ICE
BOSTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston arrested a Portuguese national convicted of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Deportation officers from ERO Boston apprehended the 69-year-old Portuguese national Jan. 19 at the Bristol Police Department in Bristol, Rhode Island.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-boston-arrests-portuguese-national-convicted-sex-crimes-against-massachusetts 

▫️CBP officers apprehend fugitive wanted for child molestation at Hidalgo International Bridge | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
HIDALGO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended Bulmaro Madrigal, a male lawful permanent resident from Walton, Indiana wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for child molestation. 
Madrigal has been wanted since August of 2021 for failure to appear and is being charged with child molestation and child fondling, a level four felony in the State of Indiana. 
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-officers-apprehend-fugitive-wanted-child-molestation-hidalgo 

▫️Multiagency Sting: Closure Of Two Massage Parlors In Lufkin
According to the Lufkin Police Department, a multi-agency massage parlor prostitution sting was conducted on Thursday, February 8, 2024. The Blue Water Spa at 709 Atkinson Drive Suite C and Lufkin Massage at 505 S. Timberland Drive were both hit.
Complaints from local citizens alerted authorities to the illicit activities going on at the businesses.
 Local advocacy groups, Unbound Now and Family Crisis Center of East Texas, were on site to provide services to the possible sex trafficking victims.
https://kfox95.com/massage-prostitution-sting-lufkin/ 

▫️Elmira man sentenced to 10 years for child pornography
ELMIRA, N.Y. – An Elmira man has been sentenced to serve 10 years in prison after he was arrested on child pornography charges back in April of 2023 after facing a prior conviction.
According to U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, Eugene R. Criss Jr., 55, of Elmira, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison after being convicted of possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior sex offense conviction.
On April 5, 2023, Criss was found to have a cellphone, thumb drive, tablet and a laptop that contained over 1,000 images and videos of child pornography.
https://www.mytwintiers.com/crime/elmira-man-sentenced-to-10-years-for-child-pornography/ 

▫️Yakima man sentenced to eight years in federal and state child pornography cases
A 32-year-old Yakima man will spend eight years in prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges in federal and state court.
Christopher Lee Osborn’s sentence in U.S. District Court Tuesday also includes 15 years of supervised release and lifetime registration on a sex offender registry. Judge Mary K. Dimke ordered the sentence to run concurrent with eight years sentences imposed two weeks earlier in Yakima County Superior Court on related offenses.
He is also barred from any unauthorized contact with children, including his own during his supervised release.
https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/crime_and_courts/yakima-man-sentenced-to-eight-years-in-federal-and-state-child-pornography-cases/article_d382fab4-c5f8-11ee-9466-bb2c5fcce4c6.html 

▫️Frankfort man pleads guilty to nearly 50 charges in sexual abuse cases
FRANKFORT, Ky.  — A Frankfort man has issued a guilty plea after facing nearly 50 charges as part of a sexual abuse case.
Court records show that 22-year-old Trystan Silver pleaded guilty to:
Unlawful transactions with a minor under the age of 16 (illegal sexual activity): three counts; Second-degree rape (no force); Third-degree rape; Possession of matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance (20 counts); Second-degree persistent felony offender (23 counts)
According to a plea agreement, Silver reportedly had more than 1,700 images or videos of child pornography on his phone following a search warrant on Oct. 18. In the glove compartment of one of his vehicles, investigators said they found a box of “Plan B” pills.
https://fox56news.com/news/local/frankfort-man-pleads-guilty-to-nearly-50-charges-in-sexual-abuse-cases/ 

▫️Woman Admits Kidnapping Infant Twins, Abandoning Them in Different States
An Ohio woman has pleaded guilty to kidnapping charges for stealing a vehicle with 5-month-old twins inside in December 2022, authorities say.
Nalah T. Jackson, 25, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to two counts of kidnapping a minor and has agreed to a sentence of 20 years in prison for her crimes, the U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Ohio said in a statement.
» https://people.com/ohio-woman-admits-kidnapping-infant-twins-abandoning-them-different-states-8572437
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/columbus-woman-pleads-guilty-kidnapping-infant-twins 

▫️Former Bloomer daycare worker sentenced for child abuse
CHIPPEWA COUNTY, Wis.  - A former Bloomer daycare worker is sentenced for child abuse.
According to court records, 29-year-old Lyndcey Jordheim is guilty due to a no contest plea to a count of child abuse-recklessly cause harm sexual assault of a child / physical abuse of a child by a child care provider.
Court records show Jordheim is sentenced to three years probation, and is to serve 45 days in jail.
Court records also show Jordheim is not to work in any child care facilities.
The criminal complaint says on March 27, 2023, an officer responded with Chippewa County DHS to Spots and Stripes Early Learning Center in the City of Bloomer for a report of child abuse.
https://www.weau.com/2024/02/07/former-bloomer-daycare-worker-sentenced-child-abuse/     (VIDEO) 

▫️Hundreds of sex offenders living near Greater Cincinnati schools and daycares
CINCINNATI  - Thousands of sex offenders across Ohio are living near schools and daycare facilities, and law enforcement can't do anything about it.
A Local 12 investigation has uncovered a loophole in the sex offender registry law that could be leaving children vulnerable to predators.
https://local12.com/newsletter-daily/hundreds-sex-offenders-living-near-schools-daycares-registry-violating-1000-foot-feet-rule-law-civil-violation-students-children-kids-hamilton-county-sheriffs-office-owner-lessee-property-legal-action-lawsuit-cincinnati-ohio   (VIDEO) 

▫️200 victims allege child sex abuse in Maryland  youth detention facilities
BALTIMORE  - Since Maryland lawmakers eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits last year, the number of victims suing the state´s juvenile justice agency has grown to 200.
The latest lawsuit, which was filed Thursday on behalf of 63 plaintiffs, alleges rampant abuse at 15 juvenile detention facilities. Some of them have since closed while others remain in operation.
At least 10 other complaints alleging abuse of incarcerated youth were filed previously under a Maryland law change that went into effect in October, opening the doors for victims of childhood sexual abuse to sue regardless of their age or how much time has passed. Lawmakers approved the change with the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal in mind after a scathing investigative report revealed the scope of the problem within the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-13062563/200-victims-allege-child-sex-abuse-Maryland-youth-detention-facilities.html
» https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/200-victims-allege-child-sex-abuse-in-maryland-youth-detention-facilities-baltimore/ 

▫️FBI arrests third suspect in plot to kill migrants, engage in 'war' with border agent
NASHVILLE  — The FBI arrested a third suspect Wednesday in an alleged plot to kill border patrol agents and migrants crossing the southern border illegally.
Officers arrested 55-year-old Paul Faye following a months-long undercover operation eliciting the Tennessee-native's purported plans to target migrants entering the U.S., as well as any agents opposing him.
Faye gave an undercover FBI agent a silencer last month in preparation of the perceived mission after discussing the scheme for months, according to the Tennessee U.S. Attorney’s Office. His arrest comes more than eight months after a grand jury indicted two self-proclaimed militia members who allegedly conspired to engage in a “war” with Border Patrol.
Bryan Perry, 37, and Jonathan O’Dell, 33, were arrested in May in connection with the plot.
https://foxsanantonio.com/news/nation-world/fbi-arrests-third-suspect-in-plot-to-kill-migrants-engage-in-war-with-border-agents-illegal-immigrants-immigration-border-patrol-crime 

▫️Meeting held in Vista to bring awareness to dangers of falling victim to sex trafficking
VISTA, Calif.  — A recent Vista Unified School District meeting brought anti-human trafficking leaders together to help educate parents, teachers and students to the warning signs of sex trafficking.
https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/vista-unified-school-district-holds-town-hall-meeting-on-human-trafficking/    (VIDEO) 

▫️LifeWay Network, a U.S. nonprofit, helps human trafficking survivors adjust to a new normal
LifeWay Network began in 2007 when Sister Joan Dawber, a member of Sisters of Charity Halifax, saw a need to help trafficking survivors get back on their feet, not only with safe housing but with logistical assistance. The goal was and is for survivors to stay out of trafficking permanently.
https://www.detroitcatholic.com/news/lifeway-network-a-u-s-nonprofit-helps-human-trafficking-survivors-adjust-to-a-new-normal 

▫️Florida human trafficking survivor shares story
ORLANDO, Fla. — Olivia Littleton lives in Central Florida. She is originally from the Midwest and describes her upbringing as normal.
She's now married, enjoys biking, and has a career helping victims of human trafficking because she was one herself.
Olivia was able to get out of the situation when her trafficker was arrested on child pornography charges. But her story is becoming far too common.
https://www.wesh.com/article/central-florida-human-trafficking-survivor/46681810    (VIDEO) 

▫️Human trafficking awareness experts educate kids
ORLANDO, Fla. — “It takes less than 17 minutes for an online predator to entice a child to send an inappropriate picture,” said Paving the Way Foundation President Jan Edwards. Her nonprofit organization educates children and adults about the dangers of human trafficking.
https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2024/01/10/human-trafficking-awareness-experts-educate-kids 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Operation Winter Guardian: North Carolina child sex predator sting results in 5 rescued, 16 arrests
Investigators said at least five children were rescued from ongoing sexual abuse during the operation. In total, 16 people from across North Carolina were arrested during the investigation.
The operation also included investigators executing search warrants throughout the state where child exploitation images were shared.  
Operation Winter Guardian was a joint effort between 44 law enforcement agencies across the state, including local, state and federal investigators in an effort to protect children from internet predators. The operation was part of the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (NCICAC) task force.
According to the SBI, from 2019 to 2024, they saw a 589% total increase in cyber tips of these types of crimes. “In a time when we are seeing a record number of CyberTip reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, it is imperative that we continue to conduct proactive investigations like these,” said Kevin Roughton, NCICAC Commander and SBI Special Agent in Charge.
» https://www.wcnc.com/video/news/crime/16-arrested-in-child-abuse-operation/275-315bc0ee-c529-495a-9ff1-964e1493e76f  (VIDEO)
» https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/child-sex-predator-sting-16-arrests-north-carolina-crimes-against-children/275-570a4c1e-cd9d-458f-8b73-72a20a698835   (VIDEO)
» https://www.witn.com/2024/02/09/sbi-operation-winter-guardian-nets-16-alleged-child-predators-including-three-enc/    (VIDEO)
»

▫️Deputies: Arrests made at 10 Volusia County massage parlors after reports of prostitution
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia County Sheriff's Office said an investigation into prostitution at several massage parlors led to 10 arrests.
Investigators said they spoke with the involved employees at those locations to find out whether they were victims of human trafficking. Deputies said none of the people arrested indicated they were human trafficking victims.
https://www.wesh.com/article/volusia-massage-parlor-arrests-prostitution/46699846 

▫️Gerald Spoto arrested: Former Neshaminy Kids Club employee accused of sexually assaulting 7th child
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania - A former Neshaminy Kids Club employee who's already charged with sexually assaulting six boys is now facing new charges.
Gerald William Spoto, 41, of Bristol Township’s Levittown section, was charged on Friday with 558 new counts, including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, unlawful contact with a minor for sexual offenses, child pornography, and photograph/film/depict on a computer a sex act involving a child. An investigation by Middletown Township police found that 41-year-old Gerald Spoto sexually assaulted a seventh victim. Police say the latest victim was 11 years old when the abuse started in 2021. According to investigators, hundreds of images of the victim were found in Spoto's possession.
The previous sexual assault charges stem from alleged assaults two decades ago when police say he was working for an after-school program at Herbert Hoover Elementary School. Investigators say that's where Spoto met and groomed his victims who were as young as 7.
Investigators believe there may be more victims and ask anyone with information to contact Middletown Township Police Detective John Beck at 215-750-3872, ext. 2215.
» https://6abc.com/gerald-spoto-arrested-neshaminy-kids-club-sex-assault-charges-bucks-county-pennsylvania/14405432/
»  https://levittownnow.com/2024/02/09/former-babysitter-faces-558-charges-in-new-child-sexual-assault-case/
»

▫️Man arrested for sex trafficking underage girls on Aurora Ave who he met online
BELLEVUE, Wash. - Two Oregon girls under the age of 16 spent a terrifying two days caught in a local sex trafficking scheme. Earlier this week, the Federal Way man accused of trafficking them was arrested by Bellevue Police. 
Police believe 25-year-old Ezra Wimana transported an 11-year-old and 15-year-old girl over 300 miles from Oregon to Bellevue and allegedly forced them to attempt to engage in sex work on Aurora Avenue in Seattle.
Wimana, who appeared before a judge on Wednesday, is charged with two counts of second-degree trafficking, two counts of promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and third-degree rape of a child.
» https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/accused-child-sex-trafficker-arrested-by-bellevue-police  (VIDEO)
» https://komonews.com/news/local/bellevue-sex-trafficking-aurora-avenue-seattle-ave-eastern-oregon-federal-way-man-25-years-old-minor-underage-girls-11-and-15-prostitutions-pimp-missing-human-trafficked-sex-abuse-rape-child-washington-crime-crisis-judge-court   (VIDEO)
» https://www.kptv.com/2024/02/09/washington-man-accused-sex-trafficking-children-oregon/ 

▫️Man charged with sex crimes in Marion County
PORTLAND, Ore. — A Washington man was sentenced to eight years in prison for a sexual assault in Marion County early last year. Sheriffs believe that there may be other victims who have not yet been located.
Ronald Jr. Collins II, 34, was charged on Jan. 30, for first-degree rape, two counts of strangulation and two counts of fourth-degree assault. 
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact by texting 847411.
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/crime/washington-ronald-jr-collins-charged-sex-crimes-marion-county/283-bc41b8a6-b60d-40c1-8ea0-ad86dfc1b729 

▫️Former Delaware childcare arrested for child abuse
A former child care worker in Delaware has been arrested after allegedly abusing six infants under her care, according to police.
Police arrested Kayla Manuzak, 24 of Dover on Thursday for multiple child abuse charges following an ongoing investigation, Delaware State police said.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective J. Sydnor by calling 302-698-8540.
You can also send a private Facebook Message to Delaware State Police or contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/former-delaware-child-care-worker-arrested-after-allegedly-abusing-infants-police-say/3772284/ 

▫️Lawrence man indicted for human trafficking, child exploitation charges
LOUISA, Ky. — A Lawrence County man has now been indicted after being arrested for a number of child exploitation charges back in November.
Jerod Lee Kelly, 36, of Louisa, has been charged with human trafficking, 10 counts of distributing obscene material to minors, and 10 counts of procuring a minor through electronic means. He is accused of using Facebook and Facebook Messenger to solicit young girls to send him explicit images of themselves.
According to the police report, Kelly admitted messaging “dozens (maybe hundreds) of juveniles, soliciting explicit images from them and sharing explicit images of himself.”
https://mountain-topmedia.com/lawrence-man-indicted-for-human-trafficking-child-exploitation-charges/ 

▫️Harris County, Texas: 2 women charged in teen prostitution arrest
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The Harris County Pct. 4 Constable's Office arrested two women for helping a man force a 16-year-old girl into prostitution in 2021, Constable Mark Herman announced on Friday.
Khadejiah Ikeandra Cole, 30, was taken into custody at her home in Willis, Texas on Monday, Feb. 5 and was charged with compelling prostitution under 18 years of age. 
Brianna Capri Forero, 31, was arrested on Tuesday, Feb. 6 outside her job and was charged with trafficking of a child under 18 years of age and compelling prostitution under 18 years of age.
Court documents say a friend of the girl's mother saw an online ad featuring the teen, advertising escort services at a motel. The mother went to the motel to try to get her daughter back, but the teen refused to leave, saying, "Mom get out of here, you are going to get us killed," according to the documents.
An undercover investigator was able to rescue the teen from a motel room that had been rented by Forero, according to court documents.
Investigators believe there may be more victims who have yet to be identified by law enforcement. If you have any information about this case, you're asked to reach out to the Harris County Pct. 4 Constable's Office at 281-376-3472.
» https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/harris-county-prostitution-arrest-teen/285-f0e37a56-d306-4cbd-89ea-ea8030659ed8 
»

▫️NCOSE Press Conference on the 2024 Nevada Brothel Sex Trafficking Case|National Center on Sexual Exploitation
Press Conference: Sex Trafficking Survivor Sues Nevada, Government Officials, and Brothels for Enabling Sex Slavery 

▫️Colorado man arrested for alleged gunpoint sexual assaults, police fear more victims
A 22-year-old man is behind bars after police said he used a firearm to sexually assault two women at gunpoint in separate incidents, and authorities are seeking help to find out if there might be more victims.
Jerricho Joseph Esquival is in the Arapahoe County Jail on suspicion of sexual assault, second-degree kidnapping, unlawful sexual contact and third-degree assault after the two similar incidents in the fall of 2022.
Police urged anyone who may have been a victim of a similar crime, or anyone with information about similar attacks to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 and reference either the Aurora case number AP22-321480 or the Adams County Sheriff's Office case number 22-17108.
https://denvergazette.com/news/public-safety/police/sexual-assault-gunpoint-victims-aurora-adams-county/article_9abfa7f0-c778-11ee-bd33-437dcd5ae2a2.html 

▫️Manatee County Man Convicted Of Producing And Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material And Transporting Minor Victims With Intent To Engage In Sexual Activity | United States Department of Justice
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Roger Lee Caldwell, Jr. (40, Bradenton) guilty of producing child sexual abuse material, two counts of transporting minors with intent to engage in sexual activity, and possession of child sexual abuse material. Caldwell faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/manatee-county-man-convicted-producing-and-possessing-child-sexual-abuse-material-and 

▫️Pedophile transgender daycare worker AVOIDS jail after sexually-assaulting baby while changing her diaper, then telling colleague: 'She likes it. It just made her day'
A Kentucky transgender daycare worker reached a plea deal and avoided jail time after sexually-assaulting a baby while changing her diaper and bragging about it to a colleague.
Maria Childers was arrested in February 2023 for inappropriately touching an infant and making inappropriate comments while changing the baby's diaper, reported WPSD Local 6.
Investigators had received an anonymous tip that Childers had sexually abused a baby while working at Explore Learning Academy in Paducah in November 2022.
Court records obtained by Reduxx revealed Childers assaulted the child while changing her diaper then told a colleague, 'She likes it. It just made her day,' using additional language that is too disturbing to reproduce. 
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13067913/Pedophile-transgender-daycare-worker-AVOIDS-jail-sexually-assaulting-baby-changing-diaper.html 

▫️'Horrific, egregious, unthinkable': Omaha man sentenced to prison for child pornography of an abducted
The victim was found in the cellar that had the windows boarded up. Police said she appeared to be on methamphetamines and only weighed about 88 pounds.
Kaczmarek confessed that he had been in contact with the victim since taking her from her residence on Aug. 8, 2022
A federal judge sentenced Robert Kaczmarek, 55, to 27 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. He will also have to pay over $100,000 in restitution.
» https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-man-sentenced-to-prison-for-child-pornography-of-abducted-state-ward/46702031  (VIDEO) 
»

▫️Man Extradited From Spain Pleads Guilty To Child Sex Abuse
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced that on February 8, 2024, Kristian Ignacio Feliz, age 24, of Connecticut, pled guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. Feliz was indicted in March 2023, and extradited from Spain last November to face federal charges.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2024_0209_Kristian_Feliz_Extradited 

▫️Kentucky State Police Charges Casey County Man With Child Sexual Exploitation Offenses
DUNNVILLE, Ky.  — The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Electronic Crime Branch located, interviewed, and arrested Tyler Glen Stamper, 25, on charges related to a child sexual abuse material investigation.
Stamper was interviewed as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation.
https://myq104.com/ksp-charges-casey-county-man-with-child-sexual-exploitation-offenses/ 

▫️New York man rescued from house in Mexico jungle, found with eyes taped shut
LIMONES, Mexico - An American man was found by Mexican authorities in a house with his eyes taped shut in the town of Limones, which is in a remote area in Mexico's Quintana Roo province.
The man, Joseph Constantine Buonincontri, was found in a house made of natural materials, also known as huano, in a remote part of the jungle, according to the Quintana Roo Attorney General's Office.
Members of the Mexican National Guard, the Mexican Army and the Quintana Roo police all participated in the search and rescue operation, the attorney general said.
https://abc7ny.com/american-rescued-mexico-eyes-taped-shut-limones-quintana-roo/14405227/ 

▫️Family, alleged victims in federal courtroom as Louisville Catholic school teacher appears on child porn charges
Jordan Fautz, the 39-year-old Louisville Catholic school teacher charged with distributing images of child pornography that had edited faces of students on them, will remain in custody after his attorney argued in federal court Tuesday he should be released.
The United States Department of Justice said Friday that Fautz, a seventh and eighth grade religion teacher at St. Stephen Martyr Catholic School, sent child sexual abuse materials to a law enforcement officer who was working undercover online.
Court documents say Fautz, 39, used yearbook photos of students and at least one adult from the school. The distributed images had photoshopped faces of students and the adult onto other nude images. 
» https://www.wdrb.com/news/crime-reports/family-alleged-victims-in-federal-courtroom-as-louisville-catholic-school-teacher-appears-on-child-porn/article_8d2e1d00-c526-11ee-bdb8-ab3319c9b30c.html   (VIDEO)
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/family-alleged-victims-in-federal-courtroom-as-louisville-catholic-school-teacher-appears-on-child-porn-charges/ 

▫️Grammy-Winning Florida Priest Placed On Leave For Alleged Misconduct With Minor
A Florida priest and Grammy-winning recording artist has been placed on administrative leave due to alleged sexual misconduct with a minor a decade ago.
Father Jerome Kaywell, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, Florida, has been removed from his duties pending an investigation, according to a Jan. 26 letter to parishioners by Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida.
» https://www.osvnews.com/2024/02/09/grammy-winning-florida-priest-placed-on-leave-for-alleged-misconduct-with-minor/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/grammy-winning-florida-priest-placed-on-leave-for-alleged-misconduct-with-minor/ 

▫️Police charge man,34, with rape and assault of three children
The Lebanon County District Attorney's Office announced the arrest of Jason Shirk, 34, for the alleged sexual assault of three young children.
Lebanon County Detectives Bureau became involved in the investigation of two juvenile females in 2022, according to officials. During that investigation, a third victim came forward to state that Shirk sexually abused her as well.
Lebanon County Detectives arrested Shirk on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Charges against Shirk include rape of a child, rape threat of forcible compulsion and aggravated indecent assault of a child.
https://www.ldnews.com/story/news/local/2024/02/09/police-charge-man34-with-raping-and-assault-three-children/72542568007/ 

▫️Sexual abuse case against Burlington Catholic Diocese headed to trial
[This transcript was made from the brief video report online.]
A sexual abuse case filed in 2019 against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington is heading to trial. According to Gravel & Shea, they have ten active lawsuits against the diocese. Today in civil court, attorneys met to discuss six of those cases. The plaintiff, who was a juvenile at the time of the alleged abuse wants financial compensation. The jury is expected to be selected on February 21st, with trial set to start April 8th.
» https://www.wcax.com/video/2024/02/07/sexual-abuse-case-against-burlington-catholic-diocese-headed-trial/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/sexual-abuse-case-against-burlington-catholic-diocese-headed-to-trial/ 

▫️Man studying to be a priest arrested for child porn at Cincinnati seminary
CINCINNATI  — A Cincinnati man has been arrested on child porn charges. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says Broderick Witt was studying to be a priest at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Mt. Washington.
The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tipped off the Regional Electronics & Computer Investigations section (RECI) of the sheriff's office about Witt's alleged online activities last September. He was arrested at the seminary on Feb. 9 and charged with eight counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor. He'll appear in court on Saturday.
https://wlos.com/news/nation-world/man-studying-priest-arrested-child-porn-seminary-cincinnati-broderick-witt-saint-mary-mount-computer-electronics-sexually-oriented-minor 

▫️New lawsuit against SBC and four churches alleges systemic negligence on sexual abuse
This suit combines claims of six plaintiffs against the SBC and four of its affiliated churches where sexual abuse is alleged to have occurred. Two other churches where abuse is alleged to have occurred are not identified.
In a novel twist, the suits files part of its claim under the Racketeers Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, known as RICO.
» https://baptistnews.com/article/new-lawsuit-against-sbc-and-four-churches-alleges-systemic-negligence-on-sexual-abuse/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/new-lawsuit-against-sbc-and-four-churches-alleges-systemic-negligence-on-sexual-abuse/ 

▫️Judge hands down 24-year sentence to Chicago man for sex trafficking children
CHICAGO — A judge has handed down a 24-year sentence to a Chicago man who was found guilty of recruiting children to engage in sex acts for money.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Illinois, 48-year-old Daryl Arnold, who pleaded guilty to four counts of sex trafficking of a minor in 2022, arranged for four victims, all under 18 years of age, to meet with people to engage in commercial sex acts in the Chicago area.
https://wgntv.com/news/chicagocrime/judge-hands-down-24-year-sentence-to-chicago-man-for-sex-trafficking-children/ 

▫️Punta Gorda Catholic priest accused of child sexual abuse
A Punta Gorda priest is facing child sexual abuse allegations, the Diocese of Venice said in a statement.
According to the statement, Reverend Jerome Kaywell, at Sacred Heart Punta Gorda, is accused of sexual misconduct with a minor in the winter of 2013/2014.
» https://www.nbc-2.com/article/punta-gorda-catholic-priest-child-sexual-abuse/46660047   (VIDEO)
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/punta-gorda-catholic-priest-accused-of-child-sexual-abuse/ 

▫️Former Altar Boy Accuses Catholic Diocese of Charleston of Facilitating Sexual Abuse
In an unfolding saga of pain and betrayal, a former altar boy of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has filed a lawsuit against the Catholic Diocese of Charleston. The suit alleges that the plaintiff suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a now-deceased priest, Robert Kelly, from 1990 to 1994. The church and diocese are accused of being fully cognizant of the misconduct, thus implicating them in the facilitation of the heinous acts.
» https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/former-altar-boy-accuses-catholic-diocese-of-charleston-of-facilitating-sexual-abuse
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/former-altar-boy-accuses-catholic-diocese-of-charleston-of-facilitating-sexual-abuse/ 

▫️Second person says they were sexually abused by Myrtle Beach priest in 1990s, files suit
A second former altar boy is suing the Catholic Diocese of Charleston and the bishop of the Charleston diocese, alleging that they allowed a Myrtle Beach priest to sexually abuse him in the 1990s.
The lawsuit was filed on Jan. 8 by a John Doe who wanted to remain anonymous to protect his identity. Doe alleges that the Rev. Robert Kelly abused him in the early 1990s when Kelly was a priest at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Myrtle Beach.
https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article284946302.html
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/second-person-says-they-were-sexually-abused-by-myrtle-beach-priest/ 

▫️Former priest to be sentenced for sexual abuse of a minor charges in Columbia
RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C.  — A former Catholic priest in Laurens and Newberry counties who pleaded guilty to criminal sexual activity charges will be sentenced on Thursday afternoon.
Jamie Gonzales-Farias pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-13066549/Ex-Catholic-priest-given-22-years-prison-attempting-sexually-abuse-boy-South-Carolina.html
» https://wach.com/news/local/former-priest-to-be-sentenced-for-sexual-abuse-of-a-minor-charges-in-columbia
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/former-priest-to-be-sentenced-for-sexual-abuse/ 

▫️Fighting Traffickers Through Cybersecurity with Traverse Project
Cybersecurity clinic at UC Berkeley helps nonprofits protect themselves online.
Students in Citizen Clinic course learn to provide digital security assistance to small, vulnerable organizations.
Like many nonprofits, the Traverse Project, a Houston, Texas-based organization that conducts transnational investigations to identify perpetrators of sex trafficking and child exploitation, has limited resources for digital security. Unfortunately, its volunteers operate almost entirely online and face a constant threat of retribution from the criminals they investigate.
» https://news.berkeley.edu/2024/02/07/cybersecurity-clinic-at-uc-berkeley-helps-nonprofits-protect-themselves-online 
»

▫️They survived human trafficking. They hope their stories help stop the crime
RICHMOND, Va. -- Evelyn Chumbow was nine years old when she was brought from Cameroon to the United States and then abused and forced to perform work without pay. Dawn Schiller was a 15-year-old girl living in Los Angeles when she was forced into sex trafficking and drug dealing.
The women stood side by side and shared their stories at a regional summit on human trafficking held at VCU Medical Center in Richmond.
They hope by sharing their stories they can educate others on what to look out for to help future victims.
https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/human-trafficking-virginia-feb-9-2024   (VIDEO) 

▫️Nonprofit working to combat human trafficking ahead of Super Bowl
With tens of thousands flooding into Las Vegas for the Super Bowl on Sunday, one nonprofit is partnering with the police to keep people, particularly young women, safe.
Signs of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking, has joined forces with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to address the anticipated surge in human trafficking during the Super Bowl festivities.
Kim Small, CEO of Signs of Hope, highlighted the correlation between major events and an increase in human trafficking. “When large events come to Las Vegas, we see a rise in these numbers,” Small said during an interview on “NewsNation Now.”
» https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/the-big-game/nonprofit-working-to-combat-human-trafficking-ahead-of-super-bowl/   (VIDEO) 
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News? 

▫️Carson City deputies, FBI take down sex trafficking ring involving 'significantly armed' suspects
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office received information on February 10th of an alleged Sex Trafficking operation out of California that had arrived in the local area on February 9th.
The original information alleged that approximately 9 persons were involved, including 3 males who were significantly armed. Due to the nature of the sex trafficking operation, the FBI’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Task Force was immediately engaged to assist.
The Sheriff’s Office received search warrants for multiple rooms and a vehicle at the America’s Best Value Inn on South Carson Street. Due to the threat level, the warrants were executed by SWAT, Special Enforcement, and FBI task force members at approximately 12:20. SWAT team members took four males and five females into custody.
In anticipation of the search warrant execution, the Sheriff’s Office engaged with local expert supportive services including Sexual Assault Advocates and Exquisite. These services were readily available prior to the operation initiation and provided direct support throughout the operation.
This is an on-going investigation. Specific arrest information is not immediately available.
» https://www.2news.com/news/carson-city-sheriffs-office-investigating-sex-trafficking-operation-have-multiple-people-in-custody/article_23117cb6-c867-11ee-8d90-8f3328c61af3.html    (VIDEO)
» https://carsonnow.org/story/02/10/2024/carson-city-deputies-fbi-take-down-sex-trafficking-ring-involving-armed-sus
» https://thenevadaglobe.com/775times/carson-city-sheriffs-office-investigating-potential-sex-trafficking-ring-multiple-detained/
» https://www.kolotv.com/2024/02/10/nine-custody-carson-city-sex-trafficking-investigation/ 

▫️Oneonta, NY Resident Faces Serious Charges of Sexual Assault
Christopher D. Davis, a 40-year-old resident of Oneonta, New York, has been indicted by the Delaware County Grand Jury on several charges related to sexual assault and criminal solicitation.
The indictment includes charges of predatory sexual assault against a child, criminal solicitation, and attempted sexual abuse. This development comes as a result of a thorough investigation by the New York State Police and the cooperation of Safe Against Violence, a support organization for victims of abuse.
https://wnbf.com/child-sexual-assault-charges-indictment/ 

▫️Eastvale high school principal arrested on suspicion of failing to report abuse claims
A high school principal out of Riverside County was arrested Friday for failing to report claims of sexual abuse made against a former teacher, according to authorities.
Dr. Greg Anderson, 44, of Eastvale, was arrested on suspicion of violating mandated reporter laws while serving as the principal of Eleanor Roosevelt High School, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
The alleged violations were in connection to the November arrest of a teacher at the school, 44-year-old Chad Costello of Anaheim.
https://ktla.com/news/local-news/eastvale-high-school-principal-arrested-on-suspicion-of-failing-to-report-abuse-claims/ 

▫️Former VB coach now to face federal prosecution of child sexual abuse images
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.  — The former Virginia Beach travel baseball coach accused of distributing child sexual abuse images is being transferred into federal custody.
WAVY-TV 10 discovered that Shannon Robbins’ charges were all nolle prossed. Robbins was arrested back in October 2023 and charged with multiple charges relating to child sexual abuse images, including reproducing with the intent to sell, transmit or display.
Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney Macie Allen said the U.S. Attorney’s Office is now handling the case, and Robbins will be prosecuted in federal court.
https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/virginia-beach/former-vb-baseball-coach-transferred-to-federal-custody-on-charges-of-child-sexual-abuse-images/  

▫️TikToker “Black Biden” Helps Police Arrest Alleged Child Predator
In Southern California, a local social media personality known as “Black Biden” has taken it upon himself to safeguard the community by apprehending suspects who target children.
“Black Biden” spends his time engaging potential suspects through online messaging, assuming the guise of an underage individual. Upon arranging a meeting with a suspect, he promptly notifies law enforcement and records the ensuing confrontation as officers move in to make an arrest.
One of his documented encounters captures a suspected child predator, Cody Lane Oreiro, 41, of Hawthorne, creating chaos in a Carl’s Jr. fast-food restaurant as he attempts to evade apprehension by Long Beach police officers. Despite his attempts to flee, Oreiro is eventually subdued and arrested by law enforcement.
» https://fugitive.com/tiktoker-known-as-black-biden-helps-capture-suspected-child-predator-caught-on-camera/ 
»

▫️Springfield man charged with distributing child pornography
A Washington County man has been accused of distributing child pornography.
The Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch arrested 39-year-old William Aaron Mattingly, of Springfield, and charged him with 10 counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance and possession of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance.
» https://www.k105.com/2024/02/09/springfield-man-charged-with-distributing-child-pornography/
» https://www.marshallcountydaily.com/2024/02/10/kentucky-state-police-charges-washington-co-man-with-child-sexual-exploitation-offenses/ 

▫️Mattoon man sentenced to 25 years on charges relating to child sexual abuse images
MATTOON — Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 announced Friday that a Mattoon man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison on charges related to child sexual abuse images.
The division reported in a press release that Dayquan Slaughter, 23, received this prison sentence for four counts of possession, production and dissemination of child sexual abuse images.
https://jg-tc.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/mattoon-man-sentenced-to-25-years-on-charges-relating-to-child-sexual-abuse-images/article_df348066-c77a-11ee-a572-c76c374d3ff3.html 

▫️Teenage sisters, 15 and 12, missing from ranch for 'troubled youth' just days after it declared bankruptcy amid lawsuits alleging other children were sexually and physically assaulted by staff and another pre-teen died at a similar camp
Two teenage sisters have been reported missing from a ranch for 'troubled youths' days after it declared for bankruptcy. Jennehl Curry, 15, and Jaiylah Curry, 12, were last seen at Timothy Hill Children's Ranch in Riverhead, New York, on February 8. 
The ranch, which has operated residency programs since 1980, filed for voluntary bankruptcy last month with debts totaling $4.8 million. The facility is also dealing with as-yet unknown liabilities due to five lawsuits currently pending against it, four of them under New York's Child Victims Act.
Outside of New York, the company also operates residential campuses in Tennessee, Arkansas, Massachusetts and Tennessee.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13069239/teenage-sisters-missing-ranch-troubled-youth-declared-bankruptcy.html
» https://riverheadnewsreview.timesreview.com/2024/01/118877/timothy-hill-childrens-ranch-files-for-bankruptcy/ 

▫️Harrisburg Mormon leader accused of hiding sexual assault
Mormon church couldn't care less about sex abuse victims, claims son of pedophile bishop who was 'shielded' by religious leader now charged with covering up crimes - dailymail
Rhett Hintze, 50, is accused of shirking his duty as a mandated reporter when he failed to notify police of a sexual assault of a 12-year-old boy in 2000.
Troopers say they discovered during their investigation into the alleged assault that the victim and Gooden told Hintze about the incident. Hintze was a mandated reporter at the time due to his position as Harrisburg Stake President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
The shocking case echoes a series of 'cover ups' within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon church, exposed by an extensive DailyMail investigation (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12732145/mormon-church-silenced-families-sex-offenders.html) last year.
And Matthew believes it is indicative of its callous attitude towards abuse. 'The church is interested in protecting its leaders, its reputation, and the victims and their families can just go to hell,' he told DailyMail.com.
» https://www.fox43.com/article/news/crime/harrisburg-religious-leader-arrested-child-sexual-assault-rhett-hintze/521-d7e58bc1-d6e3-499a-95a6-1ad42d204182
»  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13034961/mormon-church-sex-abuse-victims-pedophile-bishop.html
»

▫️Raising awareness on scourge of human trafficking
In the last five years, 1,096 human-trafficking offenses were charged in Pennsylvania — and those are just the ones that were caught.
During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, it was fitting to see the state’s Office of Attorney General roll out a new department focused on harnessing law enforcement’s tentacles to combat a very real problem.
On Thursday, the OAG announced the creation of a new section that will be dedicated to investigating and prosecuting human trafficking across Pennsylvania. 
https://www.dailyitem.com/opinion/raising-awareness-on-scourge-of-human-trafficking/article_db93c618-b0c5-11ee-a86c-2fbf73bc8b4e.html 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Six Venezuelan Children Kidnapped In Los Gallegos Del Tren De Aragua Have Been Rescued
Six Venezuelan children kidnapped in Peru were released in the region of La Libertad (north) in a police operation in which eight alleged members of the Los Gallegos del Tren de Aragua organization were detained, official sources reported.
The chief of the Chimbote Police Division, Colonel Carol Vigo Catter, explained to the RPP radio station that the intervention was made after three women reported the kidnapping of their children.
The eight detainees are citizens of Venezuela. The six recovered children are also citizens of Venezuela.
https://worldnationnews.com/six-venezuelan-children-kidnapped-in-los-gallegos-del-tren-de-aragua-have-been-released/ 

▫️Two men dedicated to the commercialization of women are captured
Two Venezuelan nationals were arrested at the border by the Bolivarian National Guard, both are linked to a trafficking gang of women, girls and adolescents. The governor of Táchira, Freddy Bernal, informed.
The girl who made the complaint 6 months ago escaped from the place where she was kidnapped, in Colombia. He also explained that these criminals first recruit girls and adolescents by offering them to be models in other countries.
Secondly, they hold them under death threats; and thirdly, they force them to work as webcam models in a social network called Tango Live.
In this sense, the first authority of Tachira highlighted that he received instructions from President Nicolás Maduro, to initiate a thorough investigation of these criminal structures and assign a national prosecutor to take action in various parts of the country.
https://www.freddybernaloficial.com/2024/01/19/capturan-a-dos-sujetos-dedicados-a-la-comercializacion-de-mujeres/ 

▫️Operativo Especial Táchira sin Crimen: Six Arrested in Venezuela for Human Trafficking and Child Smuggling
In a major victory against exploitation, Venezuelan authorities arrested six individuals for human trafficking and child smuggling in Táchira. The suspects targeted vulnerable minors, luring them with false promises and forcing them into the dark world of escort services. As investigations continue and organizations support the rescued minors, the fight against such heinous crimes remains ongoing.
In a strategic operation named 'Operativo Especial Táchira sin Crimen,' Venezuelan authorities apprehended six individuals, among them four men and two women, on charges of human trafficking and child smuggling in the state of Táchira. The suspects are accused of recruiting and receiving teenagers, coercing them into working as escorts abroad. 
As the investigation deepened, two additional individuals emerged as key players in this sordid tale. These accomplices, identified by the Public Ministry in Caracas, are believed to have connections with the arrested criminals. The extent of their involvement, however, remains shrouded in mystery, as authorities continue to untangle the web of deceit and exploitation.
For the rescued minors, the road to recovery is long and arduous. Stripped of their innocence and forced into unspeakable circumstances, they must now learn to heal and rebuild their lives.
Organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are working tirelessly to provide support and assistance to these young survivors. 
https://bnnbreaking.com/social-issues/six-arrested-in-venezuela-for-human-trafficking-and-child-smuggling-a-battle-against-exploitation 

▫️Six people arrested for trafficking of teenagers, three teenagers rescued
The girls added that they had been recruited to work as escort ladies outside the country.
Six persons identified as Abraham José Ramos (29), Jonathan Alfonso Cote Corona (26), Alondra Elena Ramírez Pimentel (23), Neurimar Alejandra Lugo Díaz (19), as well as Bladimir José Pérez Silva (56) and his son, Bladimir José Pérez Ñáñez (21), were arrested for their alleged responsibility in the trafficking and smuggling of three teenagers for sexual exploitation.
During the presentation hearing, the 16th Prosecutor's Office of Táchira charged Ramírez Pimentel and Lugo Díaz for alleged trafficking of adolescents in the modality of recruitment and transfer for purposes of sexual exploitation. In addition to association.
» https://class987fm.com/2024/02/09/seis-personas-fueron-privadas-de-libertad-por-presunta-trata-y-trafico-de-tres-adolescentes/
» https://nuevodia.com.ve/por-trafico-de-adolescentes-fueron-detenidas-seis-personas/ 

▫️Colombian and Venezuelan border governors join efforts against organized crime
The meeting took place at the Atanasio Girardot international bridge, which links the department of Norte de Santander with the state of Táchira.
"Cross-border gangs sell human beings like they sell merchandise," said Bernal, who assured that "they are transnational groups that operate in Colombia, Venezuela and Peru. If we reach an agreement with the authorities of both countries we can make more progress against this scourge," he said.
https://unionradio.net/2024/02/10/gobernadores-de-tachira-y-norte-de-santander-suman-esfuerzos-contra-crimen-organizado/ 

▫️Colombia: Táchira state deputies denounce the theft and trafficking of children on the border with Colombia
The regional parliamentarian, Miguel Reyes, expressed his concern for the situation affecting the state's child population. "They are stealing and kidnapping children, it seems that the state security forces are not being very efficient. What is happening with all this?", he expressed.
He also warned about the existence of a network dedicated to the sale of organs of children stolen in Venezuela and taken to Colombia. The Legislative Council of Táchira installs a mixed commission to address issues of theft and trafficking of children on the border.
» https://www.todosahora.com/noticias-de-venezuela/noticias-de-tachira/diputados-del-estado-tachira-denuncian-el-robo-y-trafico-de-ninos-en-la-frontera-con-colombia/
» https://www.minuto30.com/gobernadores-fronterizos-de-colombia-y-venezuela-suman-esfuerzos-contra-el-crimen-organizado/1577144/ 

 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News

▫️Constable's Human Trafficking Division Rescues Missing Juvenile: Arrest Made in Austin Hotel Operation
THE WOODLANDS, TX -- On 1/24/2024, Constable Ryan Gable's Detectives in the Montgomery County Pct. 3 Constable’s Office Human Trafficking Division received a report that a juvenile was reported missing from The Woodlands area; and possibility of being transported to a major city to be trafficked.
On 1/31/2024, Pct. 3 Detective, while working with the family and members of the Austin Police Department, located the juvenile in a hotel room in Austin, Texas with Natraveon McDade. 
» https://www.woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=77869
» https://www.kxan.com/news/man-arrested-accused-of-human-trafficking-runaway-juvenile-in-austin/ 

▫️Police: Massage parlor raid in Tontitown reveals possible network
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The Tontitown Police Department said it is collaborating with other agencies in the region following Friday's raid at a massage parlor on Henri de Tonti Boulevard. After looking over the evidence, police said they believe there are additional establishments similar to the one raided on Friday.
During Friday's operation, a 61-year-old woman was arrested and charged with promoting prostitution in the second degree. Police said they anticipate more arrests.
https://www.4029tv.com/article/police-massage-parlor-raid-in-tontitown-reveals-possible-network/46757733 

▫️10 local massage parlors accused of prostitution
Multiple arrests were made last week across Volusia County, where law enforcement authorities allegedly found ten massage parlors engaging in prostitution. The investigation is ongoing
https://www.orlando-news.com/2024/02/12/10-local-massage-parlors-accused-of-prostitution/ 

▫️Trinity man arrested for allegedly kidnapping Thomasville teen
THOMASVILLE, N.C. — A Trinity man was arrested for abducting a Thomasville High School student, according to the Thomasville Police Department.
On Thursday, Feb. 8 Thomasville police officers responded to the 800 block of Trinity Street about a missing 16-year-old. On Feb. 9, a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper located the vehicle traveling on I-95 in Johnston County. The trooper initiated a traffic stop and found the teen inside the car. The student was not injured and has since been reunited with their family, police said. 
Lawrence Nathaniel Chandler, 53, of Trinity was taken into custody and was served with a warrant for the abduction of a child, with the possibility of further charges being added.
» https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/crime/thomasville-high-school-student-abuducted-trinity-man-arrested/83-4b164167-349e-4229-84f6-9ac30aedac2e
» https://journalnow.com/news/local/crime-courts/trinity-man-charged-with-abduction/article_6521ed60-c9d0-11ee-8e05-7fcc3e750ee9.html 

▫️West Point police investigate case they believe is sex trafficking
West Point police were investigating what they believed was a sex trafficking case. 57-year-old Kenneth Barnes was charged with kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

▫️UPDATE: High School Teacher Arrested for Child Sex Trafficking
Earlier this month, former high school teacher and volunteer football coach Michael Feifel, now 56, pleaded guilty to one count each of unlawful contact with a minor- prostitution and criminal use of a communication facility.
The CSE Institute applauds Berks, Northampton, and Lehigh counties for their work in investigating and arresting Feifel. However, we continue to encourage the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office to consider charging Feifel with child sex trafficking in addition to his other charges.
https://cseinstitute.org/update-high-school-teacher-arrested-for-child-sex-trafficking/ 

▫️Judge gives former Volusia County teacher accused of sex contact with students choice of prison fate
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla – A former Volusia County teacher accused of having relationships with students is now weighing his own fate.
Arin Hankerd was arrested in February last year after Port Orange police said two victims came forward. Hankerd then pleaded no contest in October. A judge on Monday gave him the next 48 hours to take a deal or go to trial, which could land him in prison much longer.
Judge Karen Foxman gave Hankerd until Wednesday to decide if he will take the state’s deal or go to trial, where he could potentially face up to 186 years in prison.
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/02/12/judge-gives-former-volusia-county-teacher-accused-of-sex-contact-with-students-choice-of-prison-fate/ 

▫️Former Taneytown substitute teacher, volleyball coach pleads guilty to child sexual exploitation
Evan Thomas Harris Frock age 34, of Taneytown, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. Frock, a substitute teacher and volleyball coach in Carroll County, Maryland, posing as a teenager, used social media accounts to meet and communicate with children and to encourage them to produce and send to Frock images and videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit activity.
https://tristatealert.com/former-taneytown-substitute-teacher-volleyball-coach-pleads-guilty-to-child-sexual-exploitation/ 

▫️ERO New Orleans focuses targeted operation on 123 criminal noncitizens
Between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, ERO New Orleans conducted targeted operations with assistance from law enforcement partners in Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana, arresting noncitizens identified as public safety or border security threats.
The targeted enforcement operation focused on removable fugitive noncitizens and removable noncitizens who present a danger to citizens, immigrants and visitors in the nation’s communities.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-new-orleans-focuses-targeted-operation-123-criminal-noncitizens 

▫️ERO Baltimore arrests Guatemalan noncitizen convicted of human trafficking, prostitution offenses in Maryland | ICE
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Baltimore arrested an unlawfully present Guatemalan noncitizen who was convicted in 2018 of prostitution and human trafficking charges in Prince George’s County. Deportation officers with ERO Baltimore’s Fugitive Operations Team apprehended the 39-year-old noncitizen on Jan. 26 during a traffic stop in Hyattsville.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-baltimore-arrests-guatemalan-noncitizen-convicted-human-trafficking-prostitution 

▫️Florida man pleads guilty to distributing videos of young sexually abused children online | ICE
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Northeast Florida Inter-Agency Child Exploitation and Person Trafficking Task Force (NEFL INTERCEPT) investigation has led to a Florida man’s guilty plea for distributing child sexual abuse material using the internet.
Carl Stephen Smith Jr., 33, of Green Cove Springs, faces a minimum mandatory penalty of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison. Smith has remained in custody since his arrest on Jan. 31, 2023.
According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTipline report in July 2022 from an online social media app that indicated a user named “daddysir142” had uploaded three child sexual abuse videos.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/florida-man-pleads-guilty-distributing-videos-young-sexually-abused-children-online 

▫️Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Sex Trafficking a 15-Year-Old Girl
SAN DIEGO – Gabriel Joseph Gonzalez of Pomona, California was sentenced in federal court today to 12 years in prison for sex trafficking a 15-year-old girl in early 2023.
Gonzalez pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of sex trafficking of a minor. The victim was a runaway living at a group home in Los Angeles County when Gonzalez began trafficking her.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/man-sentenced-12-years-sex-trafficking-15-year-old-girl 

▫️Texas man sentenced for leading human smuggling operation
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A Texas man has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to transport undocumented noncitizens, following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Joint Task Force Alpha.
40-year-old Fredi Zagala-Servin, of Kaufman, was sentenced on Feb. 7 to 97 months in prison for his long-standing role as a leader and organizer of a human smuggling operation. The operation reportedly smuggled hundreds of undocumented noncitizens from Laredo to San Antonio inside semitractor-trailers. In addition to his prison sentence, Zagala-Servin has been ordered to spend three years under supervised release and pay $410,250.
https://www.mytexasdaily.com/north-texas/texas-man-sentenced-for-leading-human-smuggling-operation/article_dd4e56b3-9a5a-5ac6-b8dc-5f4611115748.html 

▫️Operation Unidos por Juarez: Mexico sending another 2,100 troops to Juarez
EL PASO, Texas – The Mexican government says it is sending another 2,100 troops to Juarez, in addition to the 400 that arrived last week to help police patrol the streets amid a spike in homicides and other violent crimes.
Gen. Cesar Gutierrez Lopez, head of the army garrison in Juarez, said the soldiers plan “dissuasive” patrols in the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates and those that have few or no security cameras. He said the soldiers would use high-altitude drones with a 15-kilometer video range and set up 72-hour mobile camps throughout the city.
https://www.borderreport.com/immigration/border-crime/mexico-sending-another-2100-troops-to-juarez/    (VIDEO) 

▫️FBI reports alarming increase in child predators targeting families through social media
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – FBI officials say it is becoming easier for child predators to take advantage of families through social media, as the number of crimes against children increases year after year.
Before you post that adorable photo of your child, the FBI warns it could be used by child predators.
Officials say predators are targeting “anyone and everyone” out there.
» https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2024/02/12/fbi-reports-alarming-increase-in-child-predators-targeting-families-through-social-media/
» https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/predator-unmasked-social-media-exploitation-of-a-minor-in-new-rochelle 

▫️Texas girl trafficked from Dallas Mavericks game held at hotel by men with ‘AK-47 style’ rifle: lawsuit
https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-girl-trafficked-dallas-mavericks-game-held-hotel-men-ak-47-style-rifle-lawsuit  

▫️Montana detective on the front lines of human trafficking
The Montana Department of Justice reported human trafficking cases have more than doubled in Big Sky Country since 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNv8P2F-zRY 

▫️Superbowl weekend: Cracking down on human trafficking

▫️Trafficked & Trapped In Pornography: Alia Azariah Tells All About Her Nightmare Experience
Raised by an absent mother and no father in the picture, Alia Azariah’s life was plagued by abuse and neglect from a very young age, but when one online move went too far, her freedom would be taken in the blink of an eye… The human trafficking survivor and now advocate of Safe House shares her personal story through the damage of trafficking and pornography to expose the jarring truth behind the multibillion-dollar industries.

▫️Confronting Labor Trafficking Through a Victim-Centered Approach|Office for Victims of Crime
Brecht Donoghue, Director, OVC Human Trafficking Division, led this National Human Trafficking Prevention Month webinar to spotlight labor trafficking and resources available to survivors.  Learn about labor trafficking victim needs and resources available through the re-launch of Framework, an OVC-funded, labor trafficking-specific training and technical assistance project.
Webinar Presentation: https://ovc.ojp.gov/confronting-labor-trafficking-webinar-presentation.pdf   (.PDF)

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️9 men arrested following undercover child sex trafficking operation in Limestone Co.
LIMESTONE CO., Ala.  - Nine men were arrested in Limestone County following an undercover child sex trafficking operation, according to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office in a press conference on Tuesday.
Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, Athens Police Department and Covenant Rescue Group assisted together in the undercover operation. The sheriff’s office said nine sexual predators were arrested after targeting children in the Tennessee Valley.
» https://www.waff.com/2024/02/13/9-men-arrested-following-undercover-child-sex-trafficking-operation-limestone-co/
»  https://www.cullmantimes.com/news/local_news/nine-arrested-in-undercover-child-exploitation-sex-trafficking-operation/article_5fbfe46b-7f28-59b8-9364-9d57b65bed17.html
»

▫️Seven People Are Arrested in Fort Worth Online Predator Sting
Those arrested included a North Crowley High School teacher reported the Star-Telegram. They were accused of online solicitation of a minor following a weekend law enforcement sting.
The sting involved the seven suspects showing up at an agreed upon location to have sexual contact with a person they thought was a teenage girl, police said.
Instead of meeting a teen, they were apprehended and arrested by police officers. Investigators said they intend to obtain an arrest warrant for an eighth suspect who ran from the location, Walls said.
https://medium.com/@garymedlin/seven-people-are-arrested-in-fort-worth-online-predator-sting-4e546de16c77 

▫️6 sex offenders arrested along southwest border, patrol agent says
EL PASO, Texas  — U.S. Customs and Border Patrol arrested six felony sex offenders along the southwest border this past weekend.
Agents apprehended criminals previously convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, abusive sexual conduct and contact, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor and statutory rape.
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/nation-world/6-sex-offenders-arrested-along-southwest-border-patrol-agent-says-customs-and-border-patrol-southern-border-el-paso-texas-congress-aid-package-migrants-immigration 

▫️Milwaukee woman charged with killing abuser arrested in Louisiana
KENOSHA, Wis. - A Wisconsin woman accused of killing a man who sexually assaulted her and other underage girls was arrested in Louisiana after nearly two weeks on the run.
U.S. marshals took Chrystul Kizer, 23, of Milwaukee, into custody on Monday. Kizer's trial in Volar's homicide is scheduled for June 10. Prosecutors have said there’s no doubt Volar sexually assaulted Kizer and other girls. Police have seized videotapes that show some of the assaults, according to court documents. Kizer was 17 when the killing occurred.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/milwaukee-woman-charged-killing-abuser-arrested-louisiana-107211057 

▫️BWC: Ohio officer shot trying to rescue hostage held at gunpoint
ONTARIO, Ohio — Body camera footage released by the Ontario Police Department shows the moment an officer and a hostage were shot during a standoff, WBNS reported.
Officers responded to a call on Feb. 12 that Jareth Vance, 32, had violated a protection order, according to the report. The 911 caller told police that the suspect was armed.
When officers arrived at the scene, Vance confronted them while holding a woman hostage at gunpoint. Video shows other people, including crying children, pouring out of the home. 
» https://www.police1.com/standoff/bwc-ohio-officer-shot-trying-to-rescue-hostage-held-at-gunpoint 
»

▫️Police look for woman with info in Maryland child sex abuse case -  $14,000 reward
HOWARD COUNTY, Md. — Police are offering up a reward for anyone who can identify a woman who may have "critical knowledge" involving a child sex abuse investigation.
Maryland State Police released photos on Tuesday of a woman they believe could have information in the case, and they're offering a reward of up to $14,000.
If you know who she is, call (443) 486-3335. Anonymous callers can call Metro Crime-Stoppers Maryland at 1 (866) 756-2587. All callers should reference Case #22-MSP-043527.
» https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/howard-county-sex-abuse-investigation-woman-sought/65-409c7a8b-8057-481d-b3c9-8b7654dab520
» https://6abc.com/infant-sex-abuse-investigation-child-assault-case-reward-in-maryland-state-police-internet-crimes-against-children-task-force/14419812/ 

▫️Virginia police looking for Dimas Alexis Lazo on rape charges
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Police are asking for the public's help finding a man they say raped a girl in Woodbridge last year. According to police, a girl had been sexually assaulted by a man inside the home when a family member discovered what was happening and intervened.
Investigators identified the suspect as 26-year-old Dimas Alexis Lazo, of College Park, Maryland. They obtained an arrest warrant, but Laz has not yet been located.
Anyone with information on Lazo's whereabouts should call the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703-792-7000 or submit a tip at pwcva.gov/policetip. Police could not provide a photo of Lazo.
https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/woodbridge-rape-suspect-wanted-dimas-alexis-lazo/65-4cdd8354-4832-4e6d-978c-1444992a8caf 

▫️Man admits to sex trafficking missing Lubbock teen across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico
LUBBOCK, Texas — Jaeline Fountaine, also known as “Valentino,” became the last of five people to admit his guilt after sex trafficking a missing Lubbock teenager across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, according to federal court documents obtained on Tuesday.
From January 15 to February 21, 2023, court records said more than 80 ads were posted on a website known for sex trafficking. Towards the end of February, the victim’s mother called a detective and said her daughter was on social media with her location showing in Lubbock.
According to court records, Jaeline Fountaine, also known as “Valentino”,  knew the victim was underage while sex trafficking her and threatened to hurt her if she left. Fountaine agreed to plead guilty to Sex Trafficking and Attempted Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud or Coercion.
https://www.ktsm.com/news/man-caught-sex-trafficking-lubbock-teen-in-west-texas-and-new-mexico-admits-guilt/ 

▫️Kidnapped 13-year-old found with Wisconsin fugitive in Key Largo
KEY LARGO, Fla. – Deputies found a kidnapped 13-year-old girl from South Carolina early Tuesday morning in a wanted man’s vehicle parked at a Key Largo shopping center, authorities said.
Authorities arrested that suspect, Tyler Michael Berlick, 35, of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on an out-of-state kidnapping warrant, according to jail records.
» https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/02/13/kidnapped-13-year-old-found-with-wisconsin-fugitive-in-key-largo-deputies-say/   (VIDEO) 
»

▫️UPDATE: Family Counselor Facing Various Sex Trafficking Charges and Sexual Abuse of Minors Charges
On January 30, 2024, Latrobe-area family counselor Gregory Miscik, pled guilty to thirteen charges of various sex crimes committed against several of his teenage clients dating back to 2007 . He had been charged with multiple felony counts of  sexual assault, promoting prostitution, human trafficking, corruption of minors, solicitation, and harassment . As part of his plea bargain, prosecutors dismissed a rape charge. Miscik was sentenced to 4 ½-9-years in prison, and he will serve an additional four years on probation upon his release.
» https://cseinstitute.org/update-family-counselor-facing-various-sex-trafficking-charges-and-sexual-abuse-of-minors/
» https://abcnews.go.com/US/kidnapped-girl-south-carolina-found-florida-man-wisconsin/story?id=107218792 

▫️First-of-its-kind school for victims of human trafficking opening in Clark County
LAS VEGAS  – Clark County School District is opening a first-of-its-kind institution in the fall to educate children who are victims of human trafficking.
It will be part of The Healing Center, a sprawling campus St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is building on its property in Boulder City.
Construction on the school will be finished by April, and the Healing Center School will open to students in October. A grand opening ceremony will take place at a later date.
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/first-of-its-kind-school-for-victims-of-human-trafficking-opening-in-clark-county/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Plaintiff says audio recordings prove OUR lied about 'sex slaves' to raise money
KATHMANDU, Nepal — Suzanne Whitehead is one of the nine plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against Tim Ballard and the nonprofit he founded, Operation Underground Railroad.
She says she has proof — audio recordings — showing OUR lied to the public about saving children. Whitehead's criticism of OUR extends beyond their alleged lies. She argues that the organization's expensive rescue missions and fundraising methods are not only wasteful but also contribute to a vicious cycle, creating more demand for trafficking victims.
Her civil suit was the fourth case to be filed against Ballard and OUR. It is the only case not focused on Ballard's alleged sexual misconduct, instead accusing OUR and its representatives of trying to silence her when she voiced concerns about the organization on social media.
» https://www.fox13now.com/news/fox-13-investigates/plaintiff-says-these-audio-recordings-prove-our-lied-about-sex-slaves-to-raise-money
» https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/human-trafficking-activist-suzanne-whitehead-sues-operation-underground-railroad-for-deception-and-intimidation 

▫️Texas dad David Barnes, 66, is jailed for 21 years in Moscow after court there finds him guilty of abusing his two sons after his Russian ex-wife accused him of child sex abuse even though US police found no basis to charge him
A Texas father of two was sentenced to 21 years in prison in Moscow on Tuesday after a court found him guilty of abusing his two sons while in the US.
David Barnes, 66, was first arrested in January 2022 shortly after he arrived in Russia to visit his children and their mother, his ex-wife, Svetlana Koptyaeva. At the time, Barnes was applying for visitation rights.
Koptyaeva was accused of taking the children from their home in the US unlawfully, prompting an Interpol alert for the two boys. The couple had an acrimonious divorce in which she accused him of sexually abusing their childrne. 
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13079075/David-Barnes-jail-prison-sentence-russia-wife-svetlana.html
» https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/13/man-jailed-21-years-russia-molesting-sons-20273830/
» https://voz.us/texas-citizen-sentenced-to-21-years-in-prison-in-russia/
» https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2024/02/13/american-gets-21-years-in-russian-jail-for-child-sex-abuse/
» https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/02/13/russia-jails-us-man-for-sexually-abusing-sons-a84067 

▫️Ex-priest Luis Barajas to stand trial on molestation charges
CLEVELAND  — A former priest accused of molesting a 15-year-old girl with cancer while performing a “blessing” is scheduled to stand trial on Tuesday.
Luis J. Barajas, 76, a Colombian national, was indicted in November on six counts of gross sexual imposition in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
» https://fox8.com/news/former-priest-to-stand-trial-on-molestation-charges/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/former-priest-to-stand-trial-on-molestation-charges/ 

▫️Brownsville priest arrested on child abuse, trafficking charges
BROWNSVILLE, Texas  — A Brownsville priest was arrested on several trafficking and child sex-related charges, authorities announced.
Fernando Gonzalez Ortega, 52, was arrested on charges of sexual performance by a child, sexual assault of a child, continuous sexual abuse of a child, trafficking of a person and continuous trafficking of persons, a news release from the Brownsville Police Department stated.
Gonzalez Ortega was currently serving as a priest at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Brownsville, according to the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office.
https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/brownsville-police-arrest-man-on-child-abuse-trafficking-charges/ 

▫️Life in prison for Mexican national who held men hostage in South Texas stash house
MISSION, Texas  — A Mexican national has been sentenced to life in prison for holding multiple men hostage at a border stash house and demanding ransom for their release, U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani said Tuesday.
Edgardo Hernandez-Zamora, 27, has been ordered by a federal judge in Laredo to serve the rest of his life in a U.S. federal prison. He pleaded guilty in June to hostage taking, Hamdani said.
https://www.borderreport.com/immigration/border-crime/life-in-prison-for-mexican-national-who-held-men-hostage-in-south-texas-stash-house/ 

▫️New film highlights human trafficking
Amplify Voices, a local non-profit organization dedicated to raising the voices of marginalized groups, has recently unveiled their new documentary “The Journey,” which follows the lives of several survivors of human trafficking and their journeys of healing and finding their voices after experiencing unimaginable trauma.The documentary was ultimately made to bring awareness to human trafficking, but it also shows the resiliency of the human spirit and the ability to be able to move forward and triumph over even the most difficult circumstances.

▫️Mission to stop drugs, human trafficking makes its way through North Texas
North Texas sheriff's departments are celebrating what they've accomplished in a few short years with its Criminal Interdiction Unit. They say the results are astonishing. NBC 5’s Maria Guerrero has the story.

 

▫️Breaking the Link Between Human Trafficking & Forced Migration: TVPRA
Join the Alliance to End Human Trafficking and the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Catholic sisters and other experts to begin breaking the link between human trafficking and forced migration. It'll take just one hour, 11.00 am - 12.00 pm EST, on Monday, February 12. 
Kwami Adoboe-Herrera: Presidentially appointed Member of the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking
Sr. Maria Orlandini, OSF: Director of Advocacy, Franciscan Action Network
Marilyn Zigmund Luke, Director of Advocacy, Alliance to End Human Trafficking

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️More than 150 arrested during human trafficking operation in Scottsdale
The City of Scottsdale Police Department announced that 158 people were arrested during a 12-day, multi-agency operation targeting human trafficking in Scottsdale.
Between Jan. 23 and Feb. 10, the Scottsdale Police Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit conducted a proactive operation to arrest sex buyers, child predators and individuals involved with the sex trade and trafficking. The operations were decoy-based, with no children directly involved.
Charges ranged from child sex trafficking, prostitution, pandering, luring a minor for sexual exploitation, attempted sexual conduct with a minor, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and felony flight.
Within the 158 arrests, there were 37 felonies and 121 misdemeanors.
» https://www.azfamily.com/2024/02/15/over-150-arrested-during-human-trafficking-sting-scottsdale/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.yourvalley.net/stories/more-than-150-arrested-during-human-trafficking-operation-in-scottsdale,478434
» https://www.12news.com/article/news/crime/over-150-arrests-during-scottsdale-human-trafficking-operation-police/75-ab7a0b0c-d872-4100-afdc-d5da75e4c561 

▫️Prostitution sting leads to 62 arrests in Oklahoma City, police say
OKLAHOMA CITY — Police arrested dozens of men during a multi-day prostitution sting this week in Oklahoma City.
On Monday and Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Police Department's Vice Unit, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Human Trafficking Unit and Homeland Security agents conducted a prostitution sting along South Robinson Avenue. The sting led to 62 arrests on felony complaints of offering to engage in prostitution.
» https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-city-prostitution-sting-62-arrests/46786459   (VIDEO) 
» https://www.news9.com/story/65cce1256e7b90065822a30b/oklahoma-city-police-arrest-62-in-prostitution-sting-firearms-and-narcotics-seized   (VIDEO) 
» https://okcfox.com/news/local/prostitution-sting-human-trafficking-oklahoma-city-police-sixty-two-arrested-in-operation   (GALLERY)    

▫️Operation Heartbreak: 8 men arrested in potential child predator sting in Tulare County
TULARE COUNTY, Calif. - Eight men were arrested in the sting. They range in age from 18-to-43. Detectives set up "underage decoy" accounts on social media to crack down on sex crimes involving children.
Authorities say almost "immediately" adults contacted the "decoys" -trying to meet them in person. On Monday, agents arrested the suspects who showed up to meet who they thought- were juveniles.
The men face felony charges of arranging to meet a child for lewd purposes.
» https://abc30.com/eight-men-arrested-potential-child-predators-tulare-county/14426502/
» https://kmph.com/news/local/8-arrested-in-child-sex-sting-in-tulare-county-called-operation-heartbreak-tulare-county-sheriffs-special-victims-unit-juvenile-decoys-sheriff-mike-boudreaux (GALLERY) 

▫️Woman arrested after 4 human trafficking victims rescued
A woman from Highland Park is accused of trafficking four people from Mexico, controlling their lives and forcing three of them into labor to cover a "debt" for their entry to the United States.
Gladys Ibanez Olea, 34, allegedly told the immigrants that their families back home would be killed if they didn't comply with her demands, the Lake County sheriff's office said.
»

▫️TBI: 79-year-old woman arrested in connection to human trafficking case in Rockwood
Sue Campbell was charged with three counts of patronizing prostitution, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

▫️Tuscaloosa man charged in human trafficking investigation, one survivor
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Tuscaloosa Police say investigators with the Alabama Bureau of Investigation spoke with a woman at a Tuscaloosa hotel Tuesday morning as part of an unrelated investigation. They suspected the woman was a possible human trafficking victim and contacted the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force.
When Task Force members responded on scene, they arrested 31-year-old Cedric Marquis Spencer Jr., of Tuscaloosa. Spencer is charged with first-degree human trafficking. He is being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail on no bond in accordance with Aniah’s Law.
Volunteers with Trafficking Hope helped the woman in obtaining medical care and other immediate needs. Trafficking Hope is a volunteer organization that routinely works with the task force to provide after care services to trafficking victims.
The West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force asks that any other victims or people with knowledge about human trafficking cases, contact 205-349-2121.
» https://www.wbrc.com/2024/02/13/tuscaloosa-man-charged-human-trafficking-investigation/   (VIDEO)
» https://abc3340.com/news/local/alabama-tuscaloosa-county-human-trafficking-arrest-cedric-marquis-spencer-jr-arrested-aniahs-law-west-alabama-human-trafficking-task-force 

▫️West Ala. law enforcement working with human trafficking victims to find recovery
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - A closer look at how west Alabama law enforcement is working to get help for sex trafficking victims. They’re investigating a brand new case this week.
Investigators with the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force say they’ve charged 31-year old Cedric Spencer Jr. with human trafficking. The arrest happened in Tuscaloosa County on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
The first thing investigators do is interview the victims and give them information on the resources available to them to help them recover.
https://www.wbrc.com/2024/02/14/west-ala-law-enforcement-working-with-human-trafficking-victims-find-recovery/ 

▫️Fremont good Samaritans subdue kidnap, sex assault suspect until police arrive
Community members in Fremont held a 27-year-old kidnap and sex assault suspect down until police could arrive and take him to Santa Rita Jail.
A woman told police that she was walking around 9:10 p.m. in the area of Fremont Boulevard and Eggers Drive when a man approached her and pulled her to the ground. The man struck her several times before he sexually assaulted her, she said. 
Marvin Velasquez, 27, of Fremont, was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping with intent to rape, sexual penetration with a foreign object, assault with a deadly weapon likely to produce great bodily injury, and battery with serious bodily injury. 
A photo of the suspect is being released in the hopes that any other alleged victims may come forward. 
Anyone with information helpful to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Blanchet at (510) 790-6900 or at blanchet@fremont.gov.
» https://www.ktvu.com/news/fremont-community-members-held-kidnap-sex-assault-suspect-down-until-police-arrive   (VIDEO)
 » https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/east-bay/fremont-sexual-assault/3453508/
»

▫️16-year-old girl escapes man accused of sex trafficking her by calling 911, feds say
A teenage girl escaped the man accused of forcing her into prostitution a few days after her 16th birthday, according to federal prosecutors. Now he’s going to prison.
When the teen told Gabriel Joseph Gonzalez “she was leaving him and no longer wanted to work as a prostitute,” he threatened her, resulting in her calling 911 on Jan. 26, 2023, court documents say.
The San Diego Police Department rescued the girl that day, according to prosecutors.
Gonzalez, 20, of Pomona, began sex trafficking the teen when she was 15 and a “runaway,” prosecutors said. He had known the girl since she was 13, they said.
Gonzalez persuaded her to leave a group home she was living at in Los Angeles County and forced her to “engage in commercial sex work” for his “financial benefit,” prosecutors said.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/16-old-girl-escapes-man-213006029.html 

▫️Former Kitsap 911 exec pleads not guilty to attempted sex abuse
KING COUNTY, Wash. — The former executive director of Kitsap County’s 911 services pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor on Wednesday.
On Jan. 26, Richard Kirton, 54, was arrested in King County as part of a sting operation. Kirton was officially charged with attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor on Jan. 31. He voluntarily resigned as executive director of Kitsap 911, which provides emergency communication services to Kitsap County on Jan. 30.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/crime/former-kitsap-911-exec-pleads-not-guilty-attempted-commercial-sex-abuse-minor/281-755a713d-28bb-417d-96df-4bb8c0c5a62d 

▫️NYSP: man arrested for sexual abuse of a child
COBLESKILL, N.Y.  — State Police of Cobleskill say they arrested Joseph Delaney, 42, of Fulton, for first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child on Tuesday. Police say they received a tip that an adult man had inappropriate contact with a child on January 10.
https://www.news10.com/news/crime/nysp-man-arrested-for-sexual-abuse-of-a-child/ 

▫️Operation Esto Perpetua: Program expands to include human trafficking
Gov. Little announced the Operation Esto Perpetua will not only focus on fentanyl and methamphetamine issues, but also on fighting human trafficking in the state.
» https://www.kivitv.com/nampa/gov-little-signs-operation-esto-perpetua-executive-order
»  https://localnews8.com/news/idaho/2024/02/14/gov-little-signs-operation-esto-perpetua-executive-order-to-fight-drugs-human-trafficking/
»

▫️Upstate man arrested for child sex crimes
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. — A Westminster man has been arrested for multiple counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
According to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Nicholas Michael Ungaro was booked into jail at around 6:04 p.m. Tuesday. The investigation into the 22-year-old started on Monday, after a deputy spoke with a victim’s family member regarding reports of a sexual assault.
Evidence gathered during the investigation determined that Ungaro had allegedly had sexual intercourse with two children.
https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/upstate-man-arrested-for-child-sex-crimes-2/ 

▫️Edgewood man who ran for town commission accused of possessing child porn
A man who ran for a seat on the Edgewood Town Commission in November is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material depicting children as young as 13.
Colin Clausen, 37, was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children, according to a criminal complaint Edgewood police filed Monday in Santa Fe County Magistrate Court.
https://www.aol.com/edgewood-man-ran-town-commission-043300949.html 

▫️Los Angeles County man sentenced to 12 years in San Diego federal court for sex trafficking teenager
SAN DIEGO — A Pomona man was sentenced to twelve years in prison in a San Diego federal court Monday for sex trafficking a 15-year-old girl, according to the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California.
Gabriel Joseph Gonzalez, 20, had pleaded guilty to one charge of sex trafficking a minor last year after the victim, a runaway living at a group home in Los Angeles County, was rescued by the San Diego Police Department in late January.
https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/man-sentenced-to-12-years-behind-bars-for-sex-trafficking-teen-in-san-diego/ 

▫️Inside the new Mexican military operation at San Diego-Tijuana border
The Mexican military has launched a new command center as they work to shut down one of the most dangerous smuggling points along the San Diego-Tijuana border.

▫️DCS comes under fire for slow responses to rescue runaway children
12News spoke with one mom who was notified more than a week after her son went missing and later died.

▫️Former Potosi Police Officer Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Sex Trafficking, Other Charges
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Wednesday sentenced a former Potosi, Missouri police officer to 25 years in prison for soliciting sexual acts and nude pictures in exchange for cash, vape cartridges and other items from three male minors.
In 2022, Matthew N. Skaggs, now 40, made contact with three minors via social media applications such as Snapchat and through his position as a police officer.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/former-potosi-police-officer-sentenced-25-years-prison-child-sex-trafficking-other 

▫️Michael Ross sentenced to 35 years for sexually abusing minor for over 5 years
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Eagle River man was sentenced today to 35 years in prison for sexually abusing a minor in order to produce and possess child pornography.
According to court documents, Michael Vernon Ross, 32, began sexually abusing a 7-year-old child in 2017. The abuse occurred weekly and lasted for multiple years.
Ross documented some of the abuse through pictures and videos kept on his cell phone. The defendant was in possession of over 450 photos and 30 videos of varied length depicting his sexual abuse of the victim.
» https://www.anchoragepolice.com/news/michael-ross-sentenced-to-35-years-for-sexually-abusing-minor-for-over-5-years
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak/pr/eagle-river-man-sentenced-35-years-sexually-abusing-minor-over-5-years 

▫️Victim services hosting virtual presentation for Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Amy Collins, the Executive Director of the Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services says a virtual presentation will take place on February 22nd at 8:00 pm.
She says the presentation will be available through Zoom, and will be focused on sex trafficking, with an overview of what is it, how to identify it, where to get assistance, and what the public can do to help.
Collins adds anyone interested in taking in the presentation, can contact their office for the links.
Contact victimservices@vianet.ca or by phone 705-370-3378 for more information.
https://www.myespanolanow.com/57102/featured/victim-services-hosting-virtual-presentation-for-human-trafficking-awareness-day/  

▫️Sex trafficking survivor shares warning ahead of NBA All-Star weekend
A Hamilton County woman who escaped her traffickers is telling her story that she says every child and parent should hear.

▫️Bill would expand Attorney General's power to civilly prosecute sex, child trafficking websites
Concerns over where money won in court for these cases would go.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D8nsSGSRm4   (VIDEO)

▫️North Texas Interdiction Unit fighting drug and human trafficking in Grayson County

▫️HHS Releases the National Human Trafficking Prevention Framework

▫️FBI Fears MS-13 Alliance with Notorious 'Bloodthirsty' Venezuelan Gang Is Brewing in NYC, Already Doing Major Damage
American police officers nationwide have fought gang violence for decades with limited success. Now, a new group has arrived.
https://www.westernjournal.com/fbi-fears-ms-13-alliance-notorious-bloodthirsty-venezuelan-gang-brewing-nyc-already-major-damage/ 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News

▫️Operation Child Guardian nets 7 suspected child predators, Webb Co. Sheriff announces
In addition to the six arrests, the Sheriff’s Office obtained 17 felony warrants for David Ortiz, LBJ High School Band Director, who is currently located in Virginia. Ortiz was arrested by Fairfax Police after traveling 1500 miles to meet with an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old girl.
Residents with questions or who have been victims of a crime are urged to contact the Webb County Sheriff’s Office at 956-718-8084 for assistance.
» https://www.kgns.tv/2024/02/15/6-arrested-child-predator-operation-webb-co-sheriff-announces/    (VIDEO)
» https://www.lmtonline.com/local/article/operation-child-guardian-laredo-nets-7-alleged-18669788.php 

▫️Wisconsin woman accused of killing sex trafficker arrested in Acadiana
BROUSSARD, La.  — A Wisconsin woman accused of killing her alleged sex trafficker was arrested this week in Broussard. U.S. marshals also arrested the woman’s boyfriend, who she skipped town with.
The woman, 23-year-old Chrystul Kizer, first made national headlines in 2018 when she was arrested in Kenosha, Wisconsin, for fatally shooting 34-year-old Randall Volar and setting his house on fire.
The then-17-year-old told investigators the motive for the murder was that Volar sexually assaulted her, while also selling her to others for sex.
https://www.upmatters.com/news/wisconsin-woman-accused-of-killing-sex-trafficker-arrested-in-acadiana-after-manhunt/    (VIDEO) 

▫️29-year-old man charged with child sex abuse after incident in NW DC, police say
WASHINGTON  — A 29-year-old D.C. man has been arrested on child sex abuse charges stemming from an incident in Northwest, according to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officials.
Officials said Nelson Torres, 29, of Northwest engaged in unwanted sexual contact with a victim in the 800 block of Jefferson Street, Northwest on Sunday, Feb. 11 around 5 p.m.
On Wednesday, Feb. 14, Torres was arrested and charged with second-degree child sex abuse, officials said.
https://wjla.com/news/local/man-charged-in-child-sex-abuse-incident-in-northwest-dc-crime-district-of-columbia-arrest-investigation-mpd-police 

▫️Police: Homeless man, 34, abducted child, triggering a California regional alert
A potentially tragic incident turned into a tale of community vigilance and law enforcement efficiency as officers and detectives successfully arrested the suspect responsible for the kidnapping of a 4-year-old boy on February 13, 2024.
The alarming incident unfolded at approximately 5:46 p.m. on Feb. 13, 2024, in the area of 1st Street and Linden Avenue. Officers and detectives rushed to the scene following a report of the kidnapping, where the child was taken when his parent's car was stolen with him inside, police said.
After an intense two-hour search, the child was found unharmed. Timothy Wood has been booked for kidnapping, child endangerment, and stolen vehicle
https://original.newsbreak.com/@golden-gate-media-1351221/3334605855443-police-homeless-man-34-abducted-child-triggering-a-california-regional-alert 

▫️Former Boy Scouts employee gets 75 days jail for sexually abusing child in Molalla; Detectives suspect more victims
PORTLAND Ore.  - A 28-year-old employee of Boy Scouts of America pled guilty Thursday in Clackamas County to sexually abusing a child, according to the Molalla Police Department.
Peter Collins Simpson pled guilty to first-degree attempted sexual abuse in Clackamas County Circuit Court. He faces 75 days in jail, 60 months supervised probation, no contact with minors, required yearly sex offender registration and additional fines and fees.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have been a victim to report the abuse to their local law enforcement.
https://www.kptv.com/2024/02/16/former-boy-scouts-employee-gets-75-days-jail-sexually-abusing-child-molalla-detectives-suspect-more-victims/ 

▫️Prescott Man Jailed For Child Sex Trafficking
A Prescott man was jailed Tuesday night on a child sex trafficking charge after he solicited a sex act for payment from an underage female. Richard Douthit, 36, was arrested by Human Trafficking detectives embedded with Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking (PANT).
https://myradioplace.com/2024/02/15/prescott-man-jailed-for-child-sex-trafficking/ 

▫️Ava woman becomes 2nd of 3 to be sentenced for Douglas County sex crimes
An Ava woman became the second of three individuals to be sentenced for sex crimes in Douglas County. Forty-nine-year-old Shawna Ross will serve 28 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for sexual trafficking of a child under the age of 18.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Ross received her sentence Feb. 6 by Circuit Judge Craig Carter. Her charges stem from an investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Ava Police Department, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Tasks Force and the Department of Homeland Security.
Sixty-six-year-old Harold Blair of Ava and 56-year-old Robert Atherton of Westerville, Ohio, were also arrested and charged. Atherton pled guilty to statutory sodomy on a child under the age of 12 on Oct. 17 and was sentenced to 30 years in the Department of Corrections. Blair pled guilty recently in federal court to multiple counts of possession of child pornography and is currently awaiting sentencing.
https://www.ktlo.com/2024/02/15/ava-woman-becomes-2nd-of-3-to-be-sentenced-for-douglas-county-sex-crimes/ 

▫️ERO Boston arrests Guatemalan national charged with child sexual assault in Rhode Island
BOSTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston apprehended an unlawfully present citizen of Guatemala Feb. 6 who is facing child molestation charges in Providence, Rhode Island. Local jurisdiction ignored ICE detainer and released the Guatemalan national. 
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-boston-arrests-guatemalan-national-charged-child-sexual-assault-rhode-island 

▫️Close call: West Point grandmother's call to police saves grandchild
A grandmother from West Point may have kept her granddaughter from becoming one of those statistics when she stepped in and spoke up.
A man was accused of kidnapping a girl in Arkansas and then coercing her to contact another female minor in Mississippi hoping he could snatch her up as easily as the first.
But things didn’t go as planned.
57-year-old Kenneth Barnes faces kidnapping, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor charges from the West Point Police Department and possibly sex trafficking charges from the F.B.I.
» https://www.wcbi.com/close-call-west-point-grandmothers-call-to-police-saves-grandchild/ 
»

▫️Wife of CT man accused of assaulting guardian daughter arrested
Police have made a second arrest in a case involving allegations that a guardian parent in Bristol sexually assaulted a girl in his care numerous times and fathered her child when she was 13 years old.
Darlene Barriault, 48, was arrested Wednesday and charged with one count of risk of injury to a minor, according to Bristol Police Department records.
Barriault’s arrest comes weeks after her husband, Roger Barriault, 63, was arrested and charged with one count each of first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor.
» https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/exclusive-police-arrest-wife-of-bristol-man-charged-for-sexually-assaulting-impregnating-girl-in-their-care/3220573/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.courant.com/2024/02/15/bristol-pd-arrest-wife-of-man-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-girl-in-their-custody/ 

▫️Ex-Buncombe County sheriff deputy pleads guilty to solicitation
ASHEVILLE — A former Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy pleaded guilty to solicitation of prostitution in Buncombe County District Court Feb. 9 and is permanently barred from being a law enforcement officer in North Carolina, according to a Feb. 15 news release from District Attorney Todd Williams.
Deputy Chad Walker pleaded guilty in front of Judge Calvin Hill, who placed him on supervised probation for 12 months. Hill also ordered Walker to undergo a comprehensive clinical assessment, comply with all treatment recommendations, and pay a $100 fine along with the costs of court, the release said.
https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2024/02/15/ex-buncombe-county-sheriff-deputy-pleads-guilty-to-solicitation/72613191007/ 

▫️Miami man accused of possessing child rape videos
MIAMI – An investigation into nearly three dozen images and videos depicting child sexual abuse uploaded to a Miami man’s Google account led officers to find a disturbing series of clips on his phone, showing the abuse of girls as young as 6, according to an arrest report.
The Miami Police Department report states that the investigation into Bernis Vargas-Torres, 23, began in April 2023 after 34 files of child sexual abuse material were uploaded to his Google account.
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/02/15/miami-man-accused-of-possessing-child-rape-videos/ 

▫️FOX23 Investigates: Young girls travel to the Philippines, help others who were rescued
A team from Tulsa's First Baptist Church went on a mission trip to the Philippines to help girls rescued from sex trafficking and abuse.

▫️Colorado House committee kills bill to increase punishment in child sex crimes
Despite hours of testimony from victims who were bought and sold as children for purposes of sexual exploitation, a Democratic-controlled House committee killed a bill that supporters said would put more teeth into Colorado law. 
House Bill 1092 would have mandated minimum sentences for those who buy children for sexual exploitation.
https://www.coloradopolitics.com/news/colorado-house-committee-kills-bill-to-increase-punishment-in-child-sex-crimes/article_14b1cab2-cc41-11ee-b593-af654ffee1c4.html 

▫️Plattsburgh and Clinton County Interfaith Council hosts March 3 event on human trafficking
https://www.pressrepublican.com/news/plattsburgh-and-clinton-county-interfaith-council-hosts-march-3-event-on-human-trafficking/article_cb418e5a-cc4d-11ee-8173-5f7f82975d94.html 

▫️Anti-human trafficking conference to be held in Connellsville 
“We’ve had incredible feedback from those who want to get engaged in the programs,” Joel Thornton, president and general counsel of One Voice International said.
The Anti-Human Trafficking conference will be held at City Church of Connellsville, 206 N. Pittsburgh Street, at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 and 10 a.m. to noon, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 24.
https://www.observer-reporter.com/news/local-news/2024/feb/16/anti-human-trafficking-conference-to-be-held-in-connellsville/ 
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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Alleged brothel busted in San Leandro residential neighborhood
An alleged brothel was busted in the East Bay. Earlier this week, arrests were made in a residential San Leandro neighborhood in connection to pimping, prostitution and human trafficking.
Police say a 60-year-old man, a 34-year-old woman and a 35-year-old woman were taken into custody — although only the man is facing charges: felonies related to prostitution and human trafficking.
» https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/alleged-brothel-busted-in-san-leandro-residential-neighborhood/ 
»

▫️Racine County deputy charged with child sex crimes
RACINE — A Racine County Sheriff’s Office deputy faces multiple child sexual exploitation charges, according to online court records.
Preston Kite, 37, was charged Thursday with possession of child pornography, five counts of child sexual exploitation, lewd and lascivious behavior, and disorderly conduct.
» https://www.bitchute.com/video/RJJnaxXKF3gp/   (VIDEO) 
» https://madison.com/news/state-regional/crime-courts/article_2e1e1d19-5dfb-52c0-bf5c-48fb53bd18b3.html 

▫️Former Beaumont Police Officer Diego Sanchez (Full Name: Diego Francisco Sanchez) Arrested Following Allegations of Rape and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct
BEAUMONT, CALIFORNIA  – A 35-year-old Beaumont Police Officer identified as Diego Sanchez has been arrested after allegations of rape and sexual misconduct.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said that the defendant was relieved of his duties prior to being arrested on Monday. 
https://www.carrillofirm.com/diego-sanchez-beaumont-police-officer-accused-of-rape/ 

▫️Man arrested in Jefferson County on suspicion of child prostitution
A 25-year-old man was arrested in Jefferson County last week on suspicion of charges related to child prostitution and exploitation, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.
Christopher Taylor, 25, is being held on charges of soliciting child prostitution, patronizing a prostituted child, sexual exploitation of a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and resisting arrest.
The investigation began when two girls — who are 15 and 16 — came forward to the sheriff’s office in November 2023 and admitted to meeting up with Taylor for sexual acts in exchange for money, the sheriff’s office said in a statement Friday.
During the investigation, which is ongoing, deputies found evidence that Taylor was communicating with numerous underage girls on his social media accounts, the sheriff’s office stated Friday.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child being approached online, or you just want more information, please email CHEEZO@jeffco.us or call 720-497-7278.
» https://www.denverpost.com/2024/02/16/child-sex-abuse-exploitation-jefferson-county-arrest-cheezo/
»

▫️Winona Senior High School gym teacher arrested on criminal sexual conduct charges
In a statement sent to Winona School District families, Superintendent Brad Berzinski said police informed the school about an investigation into Winona Senior High School teacher Eric Birth on January 3.
The police investigation was initiated when a former Winona Senior High School student reported they were in a sexual relationship with Birth while they were enrolled at the school in 2022. 
During that investigation, two more former students reported they were also involved in a sexual relationship with Birth in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
https://www.news8000.com/news/winona-senior-high-school-gym-teacher-arrested-on-criminal-sexual-conduct-charges/article_1b9d2366-cc6f-11ee-a798-975eaa85590b.html   (VIDEO) 

▫️Men arrested in Charlevoix County sex sting operations make plea deals
CHARLEVOIX — Three out of the four men arrested this summer for child sexual abuse activity in a sting operation led by the Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Department have made plea deals with the Charlevoix Prosecuting Attorney's office while one is still being evaluated for psychiatric competency.
Originally maintaining a plea of not-guilty and represented by publicly appointed attorney Mike Corcoran, Jeff Skeel, 53, of Charlevoix was scheduled for trial on Jan. 29. However, he agreed to plead guilty to one felony count of child sexual abuse activity on Jan. 24.
https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/16/men-arrested-in-charlevoix-county-sex-sting-operations-make-plea-deals/72597112007/ 

▫️Zanesville man accused of picking up Minnesota teen faces charges
SAINT CLOUD, Minn. — A Minnesota news outlet, KNSI, has reported a Zanesville man was charged in connection with the case of a teenager reported missing last month in Pope County.
According to the report, police believe the 15-year-old girl had been talking to 22-year-old Trevor Beisser of Zanesville though social media. They believe Beisser picked up the teen, who was found safe several hours later in Saint Cloud.
Beisser is accused of fleeing the state after he learned police were looking for him and was arrested in Ohio. He has been charged with several felonies, including kidnapping to facilitate felony or flight, a first-degree felony; possessing pornographic work, soliciting a child or someone believed to be a child through electronic communication to engage in sexual conduct, engaging in electronic communication relating to or describing sexual conduct, and distribution via electronic communication material that relates/describes sexual conduct to a child.
https://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/16/zanesville-man-accused-of-picking-up-minnesota-teen-faces-felony-charges/72629182007/ 

▫️Washington County indictments include man, woman facing rape, child pornography charges
MARIETTA — A Waterford man was indicted on more than two dozen combined rape and child pornography charges this week by the Washington County Grand Jury.
Michael W. Gossett, 49, 3616 Milner Road, Waterford, was indicted on seven counts of first-degree felony rape and six counts of second-degree felony illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, in addition to 12 counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, six second-degree and six fourth-degree felony charges.
According to court documents, the incidents took place between 2003 and 2008 and involved three different children between the ages of 2 and 11.
Laurie Beth Phan, 42, last known address 827 Main St. A, Charleston, was indicted on four counts, including one first-degree felony count of rape. The indictment says that between Jan. 1, 2003 and Dec. 31, 2005, she and Gossett engaged in sexual conduct with a child who was between 3 and 6 in that span.
https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/local-news/2024/02/washington-county-indictments-include-man-woman-facing-rape-child-pornography-charges/ 

▫️Roshaun Hartford accused of sexually assaulting children at day care out on bail
MANCHESTER, N.H. — A Manchester man is facing charges after he was accused of sexually assaulting two children at his mother's in-home day care.
Roshaun Hartford, 28, was charged with felony sexual assault after two children reported alleged assaults in separate incidents, police said.
» https://www.wmur.com/article/manchester-sexual-assault-children-day-care-21524/46805882   (VIDEO) 
» https://www.wmur.com/article/man-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-children-at-day-care-out-on-bail/46807175   (VIDEO) 

▫️CCSO Detective Arrest Alleged Child Predator
Cleveland County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) detectives arrested a Cleveland County man accused of crimes against animals and possession of child pornography.
Working off a tip reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), CCSO detectives investigated and subsequently arrested 45-year-old Gary Gravitt Jr. of Newalla early Friday morning.
https://www.ccso-ok.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=185 

▫️Cleveland County man arrested: 500+ explicit images and animal abuse uncovered
CLEVELAND COUNTY, OK — A man accused of crimes against animals and possession of child pornography was arrested Friday morning by the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) detectives.
According to CCSO, deputies arrested 45-year-old Gary Gravitt Jr. of Newalla after following up and investigating after a tip was reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
He will be facing the following charges: Aggravated Possession of Child Pornography; Violation of the Computer Crimes Act; Crime Against Nature—Bestiality
https://okcfox.com/news/local/cleveland-county-man-arrested-500-explicit-images-and-animal-abuse-uncovered-oklahoma-investigation-crime-stoppers-gary-gravitt-jr-criminal-exploited-children 

▫️West Monroe police arrest Grayson man accused of human trafficking
WEST MONROE, La.  - West Monroe Police Department arrested Derrick Wooten of Grayson on February 15 for a human trafficking incident that happened in January.
Police were dispatched on January 27 when a juvenile female was found unresponsive in a room from a suspected overdose. WMPD located the second victim and she told them Wooten picked her up and brought her to the hotel where her sister was already present.
Wooten was arrested for two counts of human trafficking, aggravated battery, and battery of a dating partner - child endangerment.
https://www.knoe.com/2024/02/16/west-monroe-detectives-arrest-grayson-man-accused-human-trafficking/ 

▫️Former Fort Hood Texas Soldier Guilty Sentenced to 10 Years for Multiple Child Exploitation Counts
BANGOR, Maine: A former Fort Hood, Texas soldier was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor on multiple counts of child exploitation.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Christopher Meza, 23, to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Meza was also ordered to pay $16,650 in restitution. Meza had been found guilty on November 1, 2023, of one count of enticement of a child, two counts of travelling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and two counts of transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. 
https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/former-fort-hood-texas-soldier-guilty-sentenced-10-years-multiple-child-exploitation 

▫️West Jordan man convicted of over two dozen sex crimes, most involving children
SALT LAKE CITY — A West Jordan man was convicted of 25 felony sex crimes, including aggravated sexual abuse of a child and rape, on Wednesday.
Jamison Smith, 49, was found guilty of one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony; one count of object rape, a first-degree felony; six counts of forcible sodomy, a first-degree felony; 12 counts of felony forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony; and five counts of felony rape, a first-degree felony, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office.
At the time that the police affidavit was filed, Smith worked in some capacity for the U.S. military
https://ksltv.com/623459/west-jordan-man-convicted-of-over-two-dozen-sex-crimes-most-involving-children/ 

▫️Former Virginia prison guard arrested on child sexual abuse material charges following HSI Harrisonburg investigation | ICE
HARRISONBURG, Va. — A Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Harrisonburg investigation resulted in the arrest of a former Virginia prison guard on federal charges related to his alleged receipt and purchase of child sexual abuse material. Davey Jonathan Sisk, 29, of Culpeper, was arrested Feb. 15 on a federal criminal complaint charging him with one count of receiving child sexual abuse material. Sisk is a former prison officer who worked at the Coffeewood Correctional Center in Mitchells.
The HSI investigation revealed that from 2021 through 2022, a now-15-year-old minor living in Texas and another minor engaged in sexual intercourse and then sold videos and images of these sexual encounters on the internet through various internet-based social and messaging applications.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/former-virginia-prison-guard-arrested-child-sexual-abuse-material-charges-following 

▫️Progreso CBP officers apprehend man wanted on felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child
PROGRESO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Progreso/Donna Port of Entry on Thursday apprehended a local man wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for multiple sex-related offenses involving a child.
On Thursday afternoon, Feb. 15, CBP officers at Donna International Bridge examined a passenger vehicle driven by Pedro de Jesus Garza, 35, a U.S. citizen, and immediately escorted him for secondary inspection following a biographic match to an outstanding felony warrant. During secondary examination, CBP officers utilizing biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases verified his identity and confirmed that he was the subject of an outstanding felony arrest warrant for continuous sexual abuse of a child and aggravated sexual assault of a child issued by Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office in Edinburg, Texas. CBP officers turned Garza over to Hidalgo County sheriff’s deputies for adjudication of the warrant.
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/progreso-cbp-officers-apprehend-man-wanted-felony-warrant-aggravated 

▫️Miami Police specialty unit tackling internet crimes against kids in South Florida
Internet crimes against children have reportedly tripled in recent years, according to detectives with a specialty unit with the Miami Police Department.
Officers in the unit sat down with NBC6 in January for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the work they do to turn a tip into an arrest. Then, this week, NBC6 was on scene when SWAT served a warrant to a suspect accused of possessing child sexual abuse material.
"Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, all, by federal law, have to report any suspected child sexual abuse material, which we call CSAM," one detective told NBC6. "That goes through NCMEC, which is the National Center for Missing [and Exploited] Children."
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/miami-police-specialty-unit-tackles-the-growing-number-of-internet-crimes-against-kids-in-south-florida/3211641/    (VIDEO) 

▫️Group that helped catch Alabama child sex predator suspects speaks to WAAY
A warning for parents as the National Children Advocacy Center in Huntsville says child exploitation and sexual abuse is on the rise in North Alabama. 
This as the nine men arrested in Limestone County for traveling to have sex with children can get out of jail while their cases move forward.  
Jared Hudson, CEO of Covenant Rescue Group, teamed up with the Limestone County Sherriff’s Office to take down these nine men. Their charges range from human trafficking to traveling to meet a child for sex. 
» https://www.waaytv.com/news/athens-decatur/rescue-group-reveals-details-of-human-trafficking-sting-in-limestone-county/article_385ae02e-cd46-11ee-9202-a7713ded9e33.html    (VIDEO)
»

▫️Prosecutors ask Miami judge to detain Haiti orphanage founder accused of sexual abuse
Federal prosecutors have filed an appeal with a Miami judge seeking to overturn a Denver court’s decision that allowed an American man accused of sexually abusing boys at a Haitian orphanage to be sent to a halfway house until trial.
Geilenfeld, who was arrested in Denver, is accused of traveling from Miami to Haiti 14 times between November 2006 and December 2010 to engage in “illicit sexual conduct with another person under 18.” If convicted Geilenfeld faces a maximum sentence of 30 years.
In the appeal, prosecutors argue that Geilenfeld poses a flight risk. He has no ties to South Florida and is a danger to the community given the serious nature of the allegations, they said.
https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/prosecutors-ask-miami-judge-to-detain-haiti-orphanage-founder-accused-of-sexual-abuse/ 

▫️Cedar Rapids man charged with sexually abusing three-month old
CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man was arrested Thursday on charges that he sexually abused a three-month old child.
Aaron Jacob Wingerson, 28, is charged with second-degree sexual abuse and lascivious acts with a child. The parents were on a FaceTime call with a phone they had set up in the room with the baby when they saw Wingerson start to sexually abuse the child.
https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/cedar-rapids-man-charged-with-sexually-abusing-three-month-old/ 

▫️Expanding probe, Md. AG seeks testimony from child sex abuse victims in D.C., Delaware Catholic dioceses
The office of Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) is actively seeking testimony from victims of child sex abuse in Maryland locations of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, for its ongoing probe into the Catholic Church.
“Our investigations into the Archdiocese of Washington DC and the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, are ongoing,” the attorney general’s office said in a statement provided to Maryland Matters this week. “We are grateful to all survivors who have come forward and we encourage those who haven’t yet, but may be ready to do so now.”
The attorney general’s office said that any potential victims of sex abuse in the two dioceses can contact the office by calling 410-576-6312 or emailing report@oag.state.md.us.
» https://www.marylandmatters.org/2024/02/14/expanding-probe-md-ag-seeks-testimony-from-child-sex-abuse-victims-in-d-c-delaware-catholic-dioceses/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/expanding-probe-md-ag-seeks-testimony-from-child-sex-abuse-victims-in-d-c-delaware-catholic-dioceses/ 

▫️Tennessee priest indicted on multiple sexual abuse charges
In a statement published Friday, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee, announced that Rev. Juan Carlos Garcia, who formerly served as an associate pastor at St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin, was indicted by a grand jury on several counts related to sexual abuse and battery.
Specifically, a Williamson County grand jury indicted Garcia on one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child, one count of aggravated sexual battery, four counts of sexual battery by an authority figure and two counts of sexual battery. 
» https://www.christianpost.com/news/tennessee-priest-indicted-on-multiple-sexual-abuse-charges.html
» https://www.nashvillecatholic.org/news/posts/father-garcia-indicted-by-grand-jury
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/grand-jury-indicts-tennessee-priest-on-multiple-sexual-abuse-charges/ 

▫️Streetsboro man gets life for sexual abuse of children
RAVENNA - If David Lloyd James III is ever released from prison, he'll be a very old man. The Streetsboro man was sentenced Friday to serve at least 367 years in prison for sexually abusing eight juveniles over a period of many years.
Portage County Common Pleas Judge Becky Doherty sentenced the 57-year-old James to life in prison Friday. Victims ranged in age from 7 and 17 at the time of the offenses, which occurred between July 2004 to March 2023, according to court records.
Victims included four males and four females. All but one, a 16-year old boy, are now adults in their 20s, according to court records. A number of James' victims shared their wishes for James to receive the maximum possible sentence, offering their thoughts in various ways during the hearing - including during a 90-minute video in which they were interviewed, in letters read in court, and in person.
https://www.record-courier.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/16/streetsboro-man-gets-life-for-sexual-abuse-of-children/72617944007/ 

▫️Idaho legislators advance bill to execute child rapists
Passed 57-11 mainly along party lines Tuesday, House Bill 515 amends the statute covering lewd conduct with child under age 12 with aggravating circumstances to carry a penalty of capital punishment. Co-sponsor Rep. Bruce Skaug, a Republican, has said that the death penalty would be used only for the most heinous cases such as repeat offenders. The bill next heads to the Idaho Senate for committee review.
» https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/complete-waste-of-taxpayer-dollars-idaho-legislators-advance-bill-to-execute-child-rapists-in-gamble-that-supreme-court-will-uphold-similar-florida-law/
» https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2024/legislation/H0515.pdf    (pdf) 

▫️Registered Child Sex Offender Welcomed At Human Rights Campaign Gala In North Carolina
A registered child sex offender was welcomed at the Human Rights Campaign’s North Carolina Dinner gala last week, just months after a controversy involving him being awarded a top LGBT advocacy prize. Chad Severance-Turner, a former youth minister, is currently the Chief Executive Officer at the Carolina LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce.
On February 10, the Human Rights Campaign in North Carolina held its annual dinner gala, with a number of top LGBT activists in attendance. Among the speakers at the Bank of America-sponsored “Without Exception” event was HRC Press Secretary Brandon Wolf and Democrat State Senator Lisa Grafstein.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13093009/Powerful-LGBTQ-advocacy-group-Human-Rights-Campaign-welcomes-man-know-convicted-PEDOPHILE-gala-previously-handing-prestigious-award.html
» https://reduxx.info/registered-child-sex-offender-welcomed-at-human-rights-campaign-gala-in-north-carolina/ 

▫️Report: HHS improperly vetted US sponsors for unaccompanied children
McALLEN, Texas  — The federal agency that is responsible for placing unaccompanied migrant children with U.S. sponsors after they cross the border, failed to properly vet many of them in 2021, according to a new government report.
The 62-page report by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services found serious “gaps in sponsor screening and follow up,” which the watchdog agency said “raise safety concerns for unaccompanied children.”
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR,) which is under HHS’s Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is responsible for the vetting and placement of unaccompanied minors who cross the border into the United States.
» https://www.borderreport.com/immigration/migrant-centers/report-hhs-improperly-vetted-us-sponsors-for-unaccompanied-children/    (VIDEO) 
» https://www.borderreport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/OEI-07-21-00250.pdf  (report pdf)   

▫️Texas DPS to perform monthly sting operations to fight Human Trafficking
ODESSA, Texas  - January is marked as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. But for Texas DPS, Human Trafficking Awareness Month is every month.
Last month the Texas Department of Public Safety criminal investigations division conducted several operations throughout the West Texas region.
“Our investigation went up 288% since 2019,” said Jose Sanchez, West Texas Regional Director for Texas DPS
With the arrests made last month and because of an increase in human trafficking in the Permian Basin, Texas DPS plans on doing more sting operations like the one last month.
“So throughout the entire year, we’ll be doing different types of investigated operations to rescue victims and to arrest more traffickers, more smugglers and then also put that awareness out there and engaging in this is illegal and so we’ll also go after the demand and the buyers,” said Sanchez
https://www.cbs7.com/2024/02/16/texas-dps-perform-monthly-sting-operations-fight-human-trafficking/ 

▫️Law enforcement gives update after Waxahachie 12-year-old found
The Waxahachie Police Department had been working with the North Texas Trafficking Task Force to find her.

▫️New Jersey district settles sex abuse lawsuit involving former teacher for $6 million
WINSLOW TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) - A southern New Jersey school district will pay $6 million to settle a lawsuit brought by two students who claim they were sexually assaulted for years by a former high school teacher.
The male students had filed separate lawsuits weeks apart alleging they were assaulted by Nicholas Zaccaria, a social studies and history teacher at Edgewood High School, which is now known as Winslow Township High School, between 1998 and 2003. Zaccaria was also a theater adviser, and the students took part as teens in the stage crew club.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-13093855/New-Jersey-district-settles-sex-abuse-lawsuit-involving-former-teacher-6-million.html 

▫️SGRho Annual Youth Symposium - Human Trafficking Awareness Event Tickets, Sat, Mar 16, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Join us for a powerful Youth Symposium on Human Trafficking Awareness, where we'll shed light on this issue - for youth and adults.
Saturday, March 16 · 12 - 2pm CDT, Linwood YMCA | Sr. Community Center 3800 Linwood Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64128
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sgrho-annual-youth-symposium-human-trafficking-awareness-event-tickets-833929173607 

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Film Festival
Our mission is to raise awareness with this film festival so we can shine a light to this silent crime. Together we can stop human trafficking!
We are looking for films that are primarily focused on the the world of sex or labor trafficking, online exploitation or sextortion here in the United States. We will look at shorts and videos from other countries if they focus on human trafficking. All others will be disqualified!
We will be showing several films throughout the Orlando Human Trafficking Awareness day and premier the Judges Choice Award at the Festival.
We invite you to submit your film or music video on Human Trafficking!
https://filmfreeway.com/HumanTraffickingAwarenessFilmFestival 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Police arrest suspect in northwest Las Vegas kidnapping attempt
UPDATE: Las Vegas Metropolitan police made an arrest in the child luring case that occurred on Feb. 15 in the 7200 block of Cottonsparrow Street. Irving Malagon, 31, has been arrested in connection with the case, according to police.
Police said the man attempted to lure the child into his vehicle while he was inappropriately touching himself.
» https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/police-seeking-identity-suspect-northwest-las-vegas-kidnapping-attempt/  (VIDEO)
» https://www.ktnv.com/news/police-arrest-man-who-attempted-to-lure-a-child-into-his-car-in-northwest-las-vegas 

▫️Cozad man charged with severe child abuse, infant left in critical condition
COZAD, Neb. — A Cozad man faces a child abuse charge after police say he seriously injured an infant.
Draven Haynes, 23, is charged in Dawson County Court with causing intentional child abuse resulting in injury. The affidavit says Cozad Rescue staff advised officers that the infant went into cardiac arrest and had to be placed on a breathing machine. A CT scan was later performed on the infant, who was found to have brain bleeding, broken ribs and burn marks.
Cozad Police had a video conference with Children’s Hospital staff who stated the infant is in critical condition and that his injuries “may not be survivable.”
» https://foxnebraska.com/newsletter-daily/cozad-man-charged-with-severe-child-abuse-infant-left-in-critical-condition-draven-haynes
» https://ruralradio.com/krvn/news/cozad-man-faces-two-counts-of-felony-intentional-child-abuse/ 

▫️YMCA after-school employee accused of inappropriately touching 2 children
GREENFIELD, Ind. — A Greenfield man has been arrested after he reportedly touched two children inappropriately while he was working as part of the YMCA after-school program.
According to a news release from the department, 26-year-old Jericho Johnson was arrested Wednesday afternoon at a Greenfield elementary school after two children reported that he had touched them inappropriately.
If individuals have more information, they are asked to contact Detective Andrew Pfaff at (317) 477-4410 or call the Hancock County 911 Center at (317) 477-4400.
https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/ymca-after-school-employee-accused-of-inappropriately-touching-2-children/ 

▫️Marengo Man Accused Sexually Abusing Child After Soliciting Her Online, Traveling To Meet Her
Police say a Marengo man solicited a child online, traveled to meet her and then transported her to another town where he sexually abused her.
The Marengo Police Department said they received a report last week for a sexual abuse incident involving a minor.
Marengo Police Department Sgt. Andrew Kjellgren said it was learned that Cristian Ocelotl, 19, of Marengo, had sexual contact with the victim.
https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2024/02/14/marengo-man-charged-with-sexually-abusing-child-after-soliciting-her-online-traveling-to-meet-her/ 

▫️Man arrested in Las Cruces on warrant for child sex abuse
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A 31-year-old man has been arrested in Las Cruces on an active felony warrant of child sex abuse, according to the New Mexico State Police.
The New Mexico State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit, with help from the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Miguel Florentino in Las Cruces on a felony warrant on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Florentino was wanted on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor in the second degree (child under 13) and criminal sexual penetration in the first degree (child under 13), according to the New Mexico State Police.
https://www.ktsm.com/news/man-arrested-in-las-cruces-on-warrant-for-child-sex-abuse/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Man wanted in Hall County on child pornography charges arrested in Spalding County
A suspect wanted in Hall County on several counts of child sexual exploitation was arrested Friday in Spalding County. 
Paul Kizito, 27, was reportedly first arrested in Lula on May 3, 2022, on one count of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material after Hall County Sheriff’s Office investigators acted on a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 
https://accesswdun.com/article/2024/2/1228739/man-wanted-in-hall-co-on-child-pornography-charges-arrested-in-spalding-co 

▫️Man extradited from Hawaii to San Antonio for super-aggravated sexual assault of a child
SAN ANTONIO - A man was extradited from Hawaii after the Bexar County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) received reports of him sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl in San Antonio. 
Albert James Delgado, 52, was arrested for super-aggravated sexual assault of a child.  
According to Sheriff Javier Salazar, back in November 2020, Delgado went into the Honolulu police department allegedly confessing to sexually assaulting a little girl. Salazar says he has been living in Hawaii for the last several years now.  At some point, the sheriff said the case in Hawaii had been dropped, and the victim's mother grew frustrated. The mother then reached out to the BCSO back in December 2023. 
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/man-extradited-from-hawaii-to-san-antonio-for-super-aggravated-sexual-assault-of-a-child 

▫️Child porn charges against suspect found with dozens of videos and images
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office has arrested a man on child pornography charges after investigators say they found 46 videos and images on his account.
Larry J. Burnett, 29, of Sulphur, is in the Calcasieu Parish Jail on a $400,000 bond.
In September 2023, detectives with the Sheriff’s Office, working with Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in reference to child sexual abuse material saved to a Gmail account.
https://kfdm.com/news/local/child-porn-charges-against-suspect-found-with-dozens-of-videos-and-images https://www.americanpress.com/2024/02/16/sulphur-man-charged-with-46-counts-of-child-porn-possession/ 

▫️Cohoes man sentenced 25 to life for sexually abusing child under 13 years old
A29-year-old man from Cohoes was sentenced 25 years to life in State Prison for sexually abusing a child under 13 years old, according to Albany County District Attorney's Office.
Following a jury trial, Douglas Eckler was convicted of predatory sexual assault against a child on October 18, 2023.
» https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/cohoes-man-douglas-eckler-sentenced-25-years-to-life-in-prison-for-sexually-abusing-child-under-13-years-old-predatory-sexual-assault-conviction-guilty-verdict-judge-statement-order-of-protection
» https://www.news10.com/news/crime/cohoes-man-sentenced-for-child-sex-abuse/ 

▫️Lubbock man sentenced to 10 years for distributing child porn
LUBBOCK, Texas— 55-year-old, Eric Charles Viney was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
Viney was arrested back in July where he faced three charges, but pleaded guilty to Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.
https://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/local-news/lubbock-man-sentenced-to-10-years-for-distributing-child-porn/ 

▫️Hughes sentenced to 3 consecutive life in prison terms in child rape case
Like his brother, Stephen Hughes will never be free again.
Hughes, 25, was sentenced Friday to three consecutive terms of life in prison for three counts of rape and three counts of gross sexual imposition.
Earlier this month, a jury deliberated for just under two hours before finding Hughes guilty as charged in Richland County Common Pleas Court.
Stonie Butler, the defendant's brother, was found guilty in an August trial of five counts of rape and five counts of gross sexual imposition in the same case. Judge Phil Naumoff sentenced him to three consecutive life terms.
https://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/16/child-rapist-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-with-no-chance-of-parole/72588522007/ 

▫️Northshore judge sentences child molester to 50 years
A victim asked a St. Tammany Parish judge to send her molester away for "the max."
Today District Attorney Collin Sims announced that Judge Scott Gardner sentenced Daniel Lascari to 50 years in prison.
"This case is a tremendous example of this office’s commitment to vigorously prosecute these types of cases and our dedicated prosecutors’ relentless pursuit of justice in the face of obstacles encountered during the prosecution of this child’s sexual abuser," Sims said.
https://www.audacy.com/wwl/news/local/northshore-judge-sentences-child-molester-to-50-years 

▫️Former Allegheny County 911 dispatcher indicted on charges of producing, possessing child porn
A Turtle Creek man who worked as an Allegheny County 911 dispatcher used two children to produce child pornography, according to a 20-count federal indictment.
Robert Bookshar, 46, was indicted on charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors, U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced Thursday.
According to the indictment, Bookshar used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct on multiple occasions between August 2022 and May 2023.
Bookshar also is accused of receiving and trying to receive images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit content from September 2021 to February 2023. On June 29, he possessed images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, the indictment said.
Bookshar faces a maximum total sentence of 15 to 440 years in prison and a $5 million fine. He is detained pending trial.
» https://triblive.com/local/former-allegheny-county-911-dispatcher-indicted-on-charges-of-producing-possessing-child-porn/
» https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/allegheny-county-telecommunications-officer-indicted-child-sexual-exploitation-charges/ 

▫️Ankeny doctor found guilty of sexually abusing child
DES MOINES, Iowa — A jury found an Ankeny doctor guilty of sexually abusing a child on Friday.
In June of 2023, Lynn Lindaman, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse after the Ankeny Police Department and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations received a tip accusing Lindaman of sexually abusing a child.
Lindaman was found guilty of second-degree sexual assault, which carries a 25-year prison sentence.
The Polk County Attorney’s Office said Lindaman is also facing an enhanced charge due to a 1976 conviction of lascivious acts with a child. He was given a deferred judgement in that case.
If convicted of the enhanced charge he could face up to 50 years in prison. A trial for the enhanced charge is scheduled for April 1.
https://who13.com/news/ankeny-doctor-found-guilty-of-sexually-abusing-child/ 

▫️Magoffin Man Charged With Child Exploitation Offenses
SALYERSVILLE – A Magoffin County man was arrested on Tuesday after Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch uncovered child sexual abuse material during an investigation.
According to the arrest citation, during an online undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation, police learned that someone had uploaded a video of a minor in a sexual performance. From that investigation, KSP obtained a search warrant for Kent Simpkins, 42, of Salyersville, and his home.
According to the press release from KSP, the KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering the suspect uploading sexually explicit images of juveniles to an online social media account.
https://salyersvilleindependent.com/magoffin-man-charged-with-child-exploitation-offenses/ 

▫️NJ School Employee Uploaded Child Porn To Discord, Prosecutor Charges
JEFFERSON, NJ — An employee at a school for students with special needs has been arrested for possessing child pornography after a tip from a national database, the Morris County Prosecutor said.
Official said that during the time of the investigation, Jefferson resident Richard Kattermann was employed at Montgomery Academy in Basking Ridge. This school serves children and adults with special needs, ages 5 to 21.
School officials did not respond to Patch's request for comment Friday.
https://patch.com/new-jersey/morristown/nj-school-employee-uploaded-child-porn-discord-prosecutor-charges 

▫️Man sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for child pornography
A 76-year-old Greene County man was sentenced on Friday to nearly 15 years in prison for possessing child pornography.
Gregory Kurzajczyk, of East Durham, was convicted in October following a three-day jury trial.
» https://wnyt.com/uncategorized/man-sentenced-to-up-to-15-years-in-prison-for-child-pornography/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.dailyfreeman.com/2024/02/16/greene-county-man-sentenced-to-over-14-years-in-prison-for-child-pornography-possession/
» https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/14-plus-year-sentence-child-porn-case-18672337.php 

▫️North Liberty man convicted of sexually abusing 10-year-old child
IOWA CITY — A Johnson County jury convicted a North Liberty man this week for sexually abusing a 10-year-old child in 2017.
Wilmer Garcia Espinal, 22, was found guilty Wednesday of two charges of second-degree sexual abuse. He was acquitted of the third charge of second-degree sexual abuse. The jury deliberated about 30 minutes.
Garcia Espinal faces up to 50 years in prison. His sentencing is set for April 19 in Johnson County District Court.
https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/north-liberty-man-convicted-of-sexually-abusing-10-year-old-child/ 

▫️Kansas man accused of child sex crimes for second time pleads guilty
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - A man accused of possessing sexually explicit images of children for the second time has pleaded guilty to the crimes.
Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez says that on Friday, Feb. 16, Michael W. Wicks, 53, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child after he was caught with nude images of children.
“In collaboration with our local law enforcement partners, we continue to enhance our prosecution of possession of child sexual abuse material,” District Attorney Valdez said. “We must hold offenders accountable in order to protect children and to deter this criminal conduct.”
https://www.kctv5.com/2024/02/16/kansas-man-accused-child-sex-crimes-second-time-pleads-guilty/ 

▫️Man faces child sex charges in Snyder County
Jason Miller faces child sex charges after being accused of forcing two children to perform sex acts in 2021.
https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/snyder-county/man-faces-child-sex-charges-in-snyder-county-pennsylvania/523-63855333-2d18-4ab8-916b-a7b0fa052cc0 

▫️Dansville man gets 25 years to life for sexual assault of 10-year-old
LIVINGSTON COUNTY, N.Y. — A child rapist was given the maximum sentence Friday in Livingston County.
John Litolff of Dansville is going to prison for 25 years to life. Prosecutors say he raped a 10-year-old girl in Livonia in 2018. He was convicted in December of predatory sexual assault against a child.
Litolff was also sentenced to up to seven years for felony sexual abuse.
» https://www.whec.com/top-news/dansville-man-gets-25-years-to-life-for-sexual-assault-of-10-year-old/
» https://www.thelcn.com/news/dansville-man-given-maximum-sentence-for-child-sexual-assault/article_1d9582d2-cd03-11ee-8e2b-6b03daedd919.html 

▫️Salem man sentenced to 25 years in 2021 child sex abuse case
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A man found guilty of sexually abusing an 8-year-old child was sentenced to 25 years in prison, the Polk County District Attorney announced Friday.
A judge ruled that Markis Arryon Alexander McConnico, 28, of Salem was guilty of one count of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of first-degree sodomy for incidents that happened in 2021.
https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/polk-county-sexual-abuse-sentence-25-years/ 

▫️FDLE Arrests Escambia Man On 20 Child Porn Counts
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested 26-year old Steven Thomas Twitty of Escambia County on 20 felony counts for possession of child sexual abuse material, and one felony count each for transmission of child sexual abuse material and possession of over 20 grams of marijuana.
The investigation began in November 2023 after FDLE agents identified an unknown internet user offering to share electronic files depicting the sexual abuse of children. Through the investigative and legal process, Twitty was linked to the file sharing.
FDLE said Twitty admitted that he had possessed the child sexual abuse files that were shared online, which depicted some children as young as 5-years old.
http://www.northescambia.com/2024/02/fdle-arrests-escambia-man-on-20-child-porn-counts 

▫️Brooklyn School Teacher Arrested for Indecent Relationship With Middle School Students
Brooklyn, NY – A 59-year-old math teacher has been arraigned on charges of abusing two students at Intermediate School 218.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the arraignment of Gary Simon, a teacher accused of sexually abusing two students in his classroom. Gonzalez highlighted the grave betrayal of trust this case represents and affirmed a zero-tolerance policy for such abuse in educational settings.
» https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2024/02/16/brooklyn-teacher-charged-with-sexual-abuse-of-students-at-i-s-218/
» https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2024/02/15/brooklyn-school-teacher-arrested-for-indecent-relationship-with-middle-school-students/ 

▫️Illegal Alien Arrested for Child Molestation after Being Released by 'Sanctuary City'
An illegal alien has been arrested for molesting a child in Rhode Island and the dangerous foreign national was previously detained and released under “sanctuary city” laws last year.
Immigration authorities announced Friday that a Guatemalan man illegally living in the United States was arrested earlier this month for child sex abuse charges.
However, the criminal alien was previously detained on separate child sex abuse charges last year but was released under so-called “sanctuary” policies.
https://slaynews.com/news/illegal-alien-arrested-child-molestation-released-sanctuary-city/ 

▫️Two men file lawsuit against First Baptist Church of Benton claiming former church employee sexually abused them
BENTON, Ark. – Two men are seeking justice after they claim they were sexually abused by a former employee of the First Baptist Church of Benton when they were teens. The lawsuit filed in Pulaski County alleges the church and the entire Southern Baptist Convention knew or should have known the man posed a danger to the youth.
Mary Lui with Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC the lawyer representing the two men said she believes there are more victims of the former church employee out there and hopes to help them too. 
“They were under their care, custody and control at the time of their abuse, and they didn’t protect them,” Lui said.
» https://www.fox16.com/crime/two-men-file-lawsuit-against-first-baptist-church-of-benton-claiming-former-church-employee-sexually-abused-them/    (VIDEO)
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/two-men-file-lawsuit-against-first-baptist-church-of-benton-claiming-former-church-employee-sexually-abused-them/ 

▫️Former MN Pastor Charged with Sex Crimes Concerning 14-Yr-Old
A former Minnesota pastor has been charged with several felony sex crimes for allegedly sexually touching a girl in a school basement and at his church office, beginning when she was 14, court records show.
Luverne Daniel Zacharias, 46, former pastor of Owatonna’s Christian Family Church (CFC), reportedly told the girl she was his “kryptonite,” according to records from the Steele County District Court. And when the victim reported the matter to the head pastors, they reportedly discouraged her from going to police, telling her to think about how that would affect his own kids, records show.
» https://julieroys.com/former-minnesota-pastor-charged-sex-crimes-concerning-14-year-old/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/former-minnesota-pastor-charged-with-sex-crimes-concerning-14-year-old/ 

▫️Leesburg man sentenced to life in prison for molesting young girl
A Leesburg man faces life in prison after being sentenced for child molestation in a Lake County courtroom on Tuesday.
Jurors found 35-year-old Johnny Lee Kennedy guilty of two counts of sexual battery upon a person under 12 years of age and one count of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child. He was sentenced to life in the Florida Department of Corrections and designated as a sexual predator in accordance with Florida statutes. 
Back in August 2017, it was reported to Lake County Sheriff’s Office officials that Kennedy had sexually battered an 8-year-old victim. During the investigation, the victim revealed to detectives that Kennedy had sexually abused them for the past two years.
https://www.leesburg-news.com/2024/02/17/leesburg-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-molesting-young-girl/ 

▫️Texas highway patrol troopers rescue 600th child through specialized training program
AUSTIN, Texas — The Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) Program, implemented by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol Troopers, has resulted in the rescue of its 600th child during traffic stops. The specialized training program, which began in 2009, equips troopers with skills to identify children who are victims or at risk of becoming victims.
Beyond rescuing children from hazardous situations, the training also assists DPS in investigations related to child abduction, human trafficking, possession of child pornography, and sexual assault.
The program, which has trained more than 13,000 people across the U.S. and other countries, has initiated significant changes in how agencies improve accountability and address child safety concerns.
https://www.mytexasdaily.com/north-texas/texas-highway-patrol-troopers-rescue-600th-child-through-specialized-training-program/article_ede1fa46-175a-5221-a728-c8a69b666b73.html 

▫️12 people arrested after fake Border Patrol vehicle found near US-Mexico line
TUCSON, Ariz. - Agents with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection found a cloned or fake Border Patrol van during a stop in Arizona earlier this week.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said the van was painted to look like one of its vehicles.
A driver and 11 people believed to be immigrants lacking permanent legal status were taken into custody near Newfield, which is seven miles southeast of San Miguel.
https://www.14news.com/2024/02/17/12-people-arrested-after-fake-border-patrol-vehicle-found-near-us-mexico-line/ 

▫️Learning to spot the signs at Louisville's 'Stop Human Trafficking' conference
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Members of the Louisville community learned how to spot the signs of human trafficking on Saturday.
The "Stop Human Trafficking" conference was held at St. Paul United Methodist Church. This year the conference focused on familial human trafficking, which is when victims are trafficked by family members or other trusted individuals.
Organizers say the conference is in response to the growing incidents of human trafficking in Kentucky. According to experts, 57% of child trafficking in Kentucky is done by a family member.
» https://www.wlky.com/article/louisville-human-trafficking-conference-st-paul-united-methodist-church/46836998   (VIDEO)
»

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Minnesota Hostage Crisis: 7 Children Rescued, Three Public Servants Killed in Domestic Abuse Call
Burnsville, MN – A hostage situation involving seven children in Burnsville, Minnesota, turned tragic early Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of two officers and a paramedic. The initial 911 call was made by someone inside the home, alerting authorities to the dangerous situation.
According to reports officers were called to a residence on the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue around 2;30 a.m. for a domestic disturbance. The suspect, reportedly armed and with a warrant for second-degree criminal sexual conduct, had taken seven children hostage.
During an attempted rescue around 5;30 a.m., gunfire erupted, leading to the tragic loss of a police officer and a paramedic. The suspect was later found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while all the children were safely released. 
» https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2024/02/18/2-officers-1-first-responder-shot-killed-scene-domestic-call-minnesota/    (VIDEO)
» https://www.countryherald.com/news/minnesota-hostage-crisis-two-officers-paramedic-killed-in-burnsville-7-children-rescued/    (VIDEO)
» https://apnews.com/article/officers-medic-shot-killed-burnsville-minnesota-76ae1cd7362b4bf3bca4e9598f9a968f   (VIDEO) 
» https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/two-cops-first-responder-shot-dead-during-us-domestic-dispute-call-5084192
» https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2024/02/19/minnesota-community-mourns-officers-firefighter-killed-scene-domestic-call/72656956007/
» https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/tragedy-in-burnsville-three-public-servants-killed-in-domestic-abuse-call
»

▫️Abandoned infant, toddler rescued in southern Oregon
An infant and a toddler who were abandoned in the woods near Jacksonville were rescued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Friday afternoon.
Deputies were searching for 24-year-old Justin Ryan Trompeter of Trail, who is facing allegations of domestic violence assault, robbery, theft, and reckless endangerment from an incident that happened Feb. 7 in Shady Cove.
The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone who knows where Trompeter is to to call Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon at (541) 776-7206.
https://www.chronline.com/stories/abandoned-infant-toddler-rescued-in-southern-oregon,334756 

▫️Arrest warrant issued for Mo. man in child sex case
HILLSBORO, Mo. – A Jefferson County Circuit Court judge issued an arrest warrant on Friday for a St. Francois County man in connection with a child sex abuse investigation.
The crimes occurred over a three-year period from 2018 to 2021, when the victim was between the ages of 9 and 12, according to a probable cause statement filed by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Henry T. Carey, now 37, with three counts of first-degree child molestation, one count of enticement of a child (under 15), and one count of first-degree statutory rape. Upon his arrest, he’ll be jailed on a $75,000 cash-only bond.
https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/arrest-warrant-issued-for-missouri-man-in-child-sex-case/ 

▫️Iowa City police investigating an abduction attempt
The Iowa City Police Department is actively investigating an attempted abduction reported at approximately 10;25 p.m. near Oakland Cemetery. The victim, a 12-year-old child, described the suspect as wearing a black leather coat, black gloves, and a hooded sweatshirt. The suspect approached on foot, and no further details about their appearance are available at this time.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. Detective Ryan Wood can be reached at 319-356-5292 or via email at RWood@iowa-city.org
»

▫️Oxford man charged with Rhode Island man in child sexual exploitation case
A Massachusetts man and a Rhode Island man are facing charges stemming from allegations that they filmed themselves sexually exploiting a minor in 2022, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Friday.
Oxford resident Michael Lamountain, 41, and Woonsocket resident Jalen Latimer, 25, are both facing a charge of sexual exploitation of a minor, the U.S. Attorney’s office said in a press release. Prosecutors allege that on July 7, 2022, Latimer traveled to Oxford, where he and Lamountain sexually exploited a minor and filmed the assault.
» https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/02/oxford-man-charged-with-rhode-island-man-in-child-sexual-exploitation-case.html
» https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/two-men-charged-sexually-exploiting-minor 

▫️New video shows moment former seminary student was booked on child pornography charges
CINCINNATI, Ohio - A man who was studying to be a priest was arrested on child pornography charges at a Cincinnati seminary Friday.
New video released by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office shows 28-year-old Broderick Witt being taken into the Hamilton County Justice Center last Friday.
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Witt was charged with eight counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor.
» https://www.kake.com/story/50458343/new-video-shows-moment-former-seminary-student-was-booked-on-child-pornography-charges     (VIDEO)
» https://www.wlwt.com/article/seminary-student-arrest-video-on-child-pornography-charges/46772603     (VIDEO)
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/new-video-shows-moment-former-seminary-student-was-booked-on-child-pornography-charges/ 

▫️ (UPDATE) Arrests made after children’s remains found in container filled with concrete, suitcase
PUEBLO, Colo.  - Two adults in Colorado are facing charges in the deaths of two children after police found the remains of one child in a metal container filled with concrete and further investigation led to the discovery of the remains of another.
Police said Jesus Dominguez, 35, and Corena Rose Minjarez, 36, were identified as persons of interest when a child’s remains were located in a metal container at a storage unit in Pueblo in late January, KKTV reports.
Police said their investigation revealed that no missing person’s reports were ever done on Yesenia or Jesus Jr. Police say they were not made aware of the missing children until Jan. 20.
» https://www.kktv.com/2024/02/17/second-arrest-made-deaths-2-children-after-remains-located-metal-container-suitcase-pueblo/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-13098781/Arrests-girls-body-encased-concrete-boys-remains-suitcase.html
» https://www.live5news.com/2024/02/19/arrests-made-after-childrens-remains-found-container-filled-with-concrete-suitcase/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.bigrapidsnews.com/news/article/arrests-made-after-girl-s-body-found-encased-in-18675307.php 

▫️Mother allegedly abused her children over boyfriend’s sexual assault arrest
A mother was jailed on allegations that she endangered her children as “revenge” for having her boyfriend arrested.
A criminal complaint filed in the Superior Court of Guam against Robynn Ngiraremiang stated her two children reported that she had been “acting erratically,” after her boyfriend was arrested.
“The defendant was mad at her because she had filed a sexual assault complaint against the defendant’s boyfriend,” the complaint said.
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/mother-allegedly-abused-her-children-over-boyfriend-s-sexual-assault-arrest/article_29771de6-cdf7-11ee-af56-db5a392a8732.html 

▫️Jackson teen arrested for child abuse of 1-year-old
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - A 19-year-old woman is behind bars after she allegedly abused a one-year-old child in Jackson.
According to Jackson Police, officers began investigating a child abuse case that occurred in the 100 block of Blackmon Road on Saturday. When JPD arrived at the scene, detectives learned that the baby had sustained serious injuries.
Sunday, the suspect, 19-year-old Amya Cage, was arrested and charged with felony child abuse and felony child neglect of the one-year-old.
This is an ongoing investigation. If anyone has any additional information relating to this case, please call Crime Stoppers at 601-355-8477 or contact the Jackson Police Department.
https://www.wlox.com/2024/02/18/jackson-teen-arrested-child-abuse-1-year-old/ 

▫️Ohio man accused of downloading 1,300 child porn files arrested
MEIGS COUNTY, Ohio  — An Ohio man was arrested Friday in connection to an undercover online investigation by deputies who reported finding more than 1,300 files depicting prepubescent girls engaged in sexual acts with adult men had been downloaded.
Wayne Mallory has been charged with pandering obscenity involving a minor, according to a social media post from the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office.
https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/ohio-man-accused-of-downloading-1300-child-porn-files-arrested-wayne-mallory-meigs-county-sheriffs-office-pandering-obscenity-involving-minor-pornography-csam-sexual-abuse 

▫️24-year-old Kentucky man arrested for promoting a minor
LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — A 24-year-old man was arrested Friday for promoting a minor in a sexual performance and sexual abuse, according to the London Police Department. 
According to London Police, Thurman J. Brock III was booked in the Laurel County Detention Center. 
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/crime/lily-ky-man-arrested-for-sex-crimes-against-a-minor/51-95ac757a-77bb-4c8c-acd8-ad67acd2aef2   (VIDEO) 

▫️Man convicted of child sex abuse sentenced to 10 years
Convicted sex offender Ricky Santos Cruz will serve a decade behind bars, a “tough sentence” that Attorney General Douglas Moylan said reaffirms his stance that “pedophiles deserve prison.”
The 10-year sentence is for each of the four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with four special allegations that the victim was vulnerable, of which Cruz was found guilty.
“Judge (John) Terlaje imposed 10-year sentences for each of the 4 counts to run concurrent to each other, followed by 3 years of parole,” the Office of the Attorney General said in a press release issued Friday.
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/man-convicted-of-child-sex-abuse-sentenced-to-10-years/article_99e25bda-cd49-11ee-af6a-7369bf1e3d96.html 

▫️Troup County man convicted of sexually abusing child for years, district attorney says
ATLANTA, Ga. - A LaGrange man was convicted this week on charges related to the yearslong abuse of a child, according to Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney John Cranford Jr.
On Feb. 15, a Troup County jury found 42-year-old Jerome Huzzie guilty of rape, child molestation and aggravated child molestation, Cranford said in a press release.
The judge has scheduled sentencing for March 1.
https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/02/18/troup-county-man-convicted-sexually-abusing-child-years-district-attorney-says/ 

▫️Man gets 110 years in Floresville child sex assault case
FLORESVILLE, Texas - After a four-day trial, a Wilson County jury found Esteban San Miguel, 65, guilty of Sexual Assault of a Child and Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.
The jury sentenced Miguel to a maximum of 20 years for the Sexual Assault and 90 years for the Aggravated Sexual Assault. He also faces a fine of $10,000 for each count.
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/man-gets-110-years-in-floresville-child-sex-assault-case-sentence-arrested-local 

▫️Human trafficking activist speaks at “Alabama to the Rescue” event in Phenix City
PHENIX CITY, Ala.  - A human trafficking awareness event was held in Phenix City to educate those in attendance on the reality and horrors of human trafficking.
They also brought attention to the dangerous practice that happens inside and outside the United States, even in Alabama and Georgia.
The speaker was Rosi Orozco. She is known for her work against the dangerous practice in Mexico and in the U.S.
https://www.wtvm.com/2024/02/19/human-trafficking-activist-speaks-alabama-rescue-event-phenix-city/    (VIDEO) 

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Event – White River Now – Batesville, AR
Join us for an informative awareness event where our speakers will teach us what human trafficking is, how to recognize it, prevention, ways to get involved, Q&A, and more. The focus is on its occurrence in Batesville and the surrounding area.
Sat., April 13, 2024 - 10am-12:30pm - West Annex of First Baptist Church in Batesville (610 E. Main St.)
https://www.whiterivernow.com/event/human-trafficking-awareness-event/ 

▫️Kroger's Merger With Albertsons Uncovers Ties To Human Trafficking
When most people think of human trafficking, they likely immediately think about sex trafficking. But there’s another form of human trafficking taking place right here in this country, and some of the biggest companies in America are taking advantage of it. Mike Papantonio & Farron Cousins discuss more.

▫️Carmel woman shares how she escaped human traffickers from TikTok | Exclusive interview

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️'America's Most Wanted' man caught after daughters' help hunt him down
A man who appeared on ‘America’s Most Wanted’ has been caught after his daughters launched a campaign to find him on social media.
Ana and Yaneiry Albarran say their father Davie Albarran, 51, sexually assaulted two children and have spent over a year trying to hunt him down.
After 451 days on the run police found him hiding in a shed in Lakeland, Polk County, Florida on Sunday.
The 51-year-old was arrested for sexual battery on a child under 12 and lewd conduct with a child under 12. 
After Albarran disappeared, Ana posted on Facebook, publicly accusing him of the crimes and appealing to anyone who might have seen him to come forward.
She wrote: ‘Please share and paint the city with his face. He’s on the run and the cops are looking for him.’
» https://rumble.com/v4ejwmr-americas-most-wanted-child-sexual-predator-arrested-in-polk-county-florida.html         (VIDEO)
» https://www.foxnews.com/us/americas-most-wanted-suspect-child-sex-crimes-caught-florida
» https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/20/americas-wanted-man-caught-daughters-help-hunt-20311297/
» https://www.redvoicemedia.com/2024/02/pedophile-papa-arrested-with-help-of-daughters-by-based-sheriff-in-florida-videos/
» https://lawandcrime.com/crime/we-f-ing-did-it-daughters-help-cops-nab-father-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-2-children/ 

▫️Convicted sex offender accused of molesting 8-year-old
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man is sitting in jail awaiting trial after being accused of molesting an 8-year-old girl.
The mother told police the molestation happened after she dropped her daughter off at the home of Travis Hill so she could visit a friend, who was Hill’s relative.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office charged Hill with statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy – victim less than 12 years of age. Hill is a convicted sex offender, with a prior conviction for sodomy in November 1996.
https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/convicted-sex-offender-accused-of-molesting-8-year-old/ 

▫️(UPDATE) Kidnapped 13-year-old girl found in car parked outside Florida shopping center
TAMPA, Fla.  — A Wisconsin man wanted for allegedly kidnapping a 13-year-old girl was caught in a Florida shopping center last week.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to WFLA on Feb. 13 that the suspect, 35-year-old Tyler Michael Berlick, of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, was found in the Florida Keys after deputies ran his license plate.
“This is probably something that will affect her the rest of her life,” the sheriff said.
Sheriff Ramsay said while the girl was reported missing from South Carolina, it’s unclear what part of the state she’s from, how long she’s been missing, or who reported her missing.
https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/kidnapped-13-year-old-girl-found-in-a-parked-car-in-florida-shopping-center/ 

▫️Outagamie County HR Director arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography
Former City of Sheboygan Human Resources Director Adam Westbrook, who resigned his position on August 30th last year under a cloud of suspicion, has been arrested on four counts of possession of child pornography and four counts of sexual exploitation of a child.
According to Westbrook’s LinkedIn, he previously served as Executive Director of Human Resources and Legal Affairs for Sheboygan County. Westbrook also served Neenah as City Attorney.
» https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/outagamie-county-hr-director-arrested-for-allegedly-possessing-child-pornography/
» https://whbl.com/2024/02/16/former-city-of-sheboygan-and-current-outagamie-county-hr-director-arrested-on-child-porn-and-exploitation-charges/
» https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/outagamie-county-hr-director-arrested-in-child-pornography-sting-in-wisconsin 

▫️Creighton Middle School staff member arrested for alleged child sexual assault
A 27-year-old staff member at Creighton Middle School was arrested Friday on suspicion of child sexual assault after students reported he inappropriately touched them during school hours, according to the Lakewood Police Department.
Luis Fernando Robles-Luevanos was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, Lakewood police said in a news release Monday night.
Police were notified of multiple complaints by male students on Thursday, according to the department.
https://www.denverpost.com/2024/02/19/creighton-middle-school-luis-fernando-robles-luevanos-arrested-child-sexual-assault-lakewood-jeffco/ 

▫️Bessemer man arrested on 14 child sex, child porn charges involving 2 young victims
A Bessemer man is facing more than a dozen child sex charges involving two young children.
Rodragus Valente Woods Jr., 32, is charged with seven counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12, three counts of first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of producing child pornography and two counts of possession of obscene material of a child under the age of 17.
Charging documents list two different children as the victims. Woods is accused of recording at least one of the victims during sexual acts.
https://www.al.com/news/2024/02/bessemer-man-arrested-on-14-child-sex-child-porn-charges-involving-2-young-victims.html 

▫️Eight of 24 defendants in Georgia's largest human trafficking case plan to plead guilty
More than two years after the announcement of Operation Blooming Onion, one of the largest U.S. human trafficking cases ever prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ), two defendants have pled guilty to charges in the case and eight defendants plan to plead guilty, according to a review of court documents.
In October 2021, a grand jury indicted 24 people for conspiring to engage in forced labor and other related crimes. Federal prosecutors say the defendants required guest farmworkers to pay illegal fees to obtain jobs, withheld their IDs so they could not leave, made them work for little or no pay, housed them in unsanitary conditions and threatened them with deportation and violence. Two workers died in the heat, according to the indictment. Court records say five workers were kidnapped and one of them was raped.
https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2024/02/20/defendants-in-operation-blooming-onion-case-plead-guilty/72627981007/ 
» https://article.wn.com/view/2024/02/20/Eight_of_24_defendants_in_Georgias_largest_human_trafficking/

▫️DeKalb County man sentenced for trafficking 16-year-old girl, Georgia attorney general says
ATLANTA, Ga. - A Georgia man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for trafficking a 16-year-old girl for sex in DeKalb County, the state attorney general’s office announced Monday.
Stone Mountain resident Trayon Moore, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude in connection to the February 2020 case.
According to the attorney general’s office, the teen had been reported missing for about six weeks when the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit found her at a hotel in Tucker.
A judge set Moore’s sentence to 25 years, with the first 15 to be served in prison and the remainder on probation. 
https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/02/19/dekalb-county-man-sentenced-trafficking-16-year-old-girl-georgia-attorney-general-says/ 

▫️ENC man accused of sexually abusing child under age 15 over several years
A Pitt County man is accused of molesting a child many times over the course of several years.
In January, a school resource officer was told about a sexual assault a child in the Grimesland area, and when speaking with the victim investigators learned the assaults had been happening for years.
Daniel Rouse, 40, is charged with four counts of indecent liberties with a child, felony child abuse sex act, first-degree statutory sex offense, statutory sex offense with a child under 15, and statutory rape of a child under 15.
» https://www.publicradioeast.org/2024-02-20/enc-man-accused-of-sexually-abusing-child-under-age-15-over-several-years
» https://www.witn.com/2024/02/19/pitt-county-man-charged-with-child-sex-crimes/ 

▫️Sex trafficking trial for Springfield woman begins
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.  – A woman from Springfield is expected to go on trial on Tuesday after she was indicted on sex trafficking charges.
It has been nearly six years since Liu Yang was indicted for sex trafficking. Yang is accused of running a prostitution operation with Stephen Forsley in Springfield. 
The two are accused of offering sexual activity between women and buyers in exchange for a fee. The AG’s Office alleges that the two advertised these sexual services online and transported victims. 
https://www.wwlp.com/news/crime/sex-trafficking-trial-for-springfield-woman-begins/ 

▫️Naches man sentenced to two days in jail on Operation Net Nanny conviction
YAKIMA - A Naches man will spend two days in jail in connection with a 2019 online child sex sting.
Brent Mitchell Atkins, 45, entered an “In Re Barr” plea Wednesday in Yakima County Superior Court to a single count of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. He was originally charged with attempted first- and second-degree child rape and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.
An In Re Barr plea allows Atkins to plead to an offense that may not be fully supported by the facts of the case in order to avoid being convicted of more serious charges.
“I understand that I am not being convicted of or admitting guilt of the original charge, and the court is not finding me guilty of that charge,” Atkins wrote in his plea statement.
A gross misdemeanor, communicating with a minor for immoral purposes has a sentencing range of up to 364 days in jail. He will not be required to register as a sex offender.
https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/local/naches-man-sentenced-to-two-days-in-jail-on-operation-net-nanny-conviction/article_56aa2aad-b902-583d-85f1-aa60ff8f5adb.html 

▫️EXCLUSIVE: Trans Activist "Family Bloggers" Who Lived In Feces-Covered Home Arrested On Charges Of Endangering The Welfare Of Their Child
A trans-identified male and his wife have been accused of endangering the welfare of a child after their 10-year-old autistic son was reportedly found in “squalid” conditions. Robert Eugene Plummer, 45, who identifies as transgender and uses the name Kirstyn Piper, and his wife Amy Plummer, 46, were arrested in Ocean County, New Jersey on charges endangering the welfare of their young son.
DCPP deemed the residence was in “deplorable conditions,” and noted a number of other safety issues in the home. Police were then notified and the child was immediately removed from the home.
https://reduxx.info/exclusive-trans-activist-family-bloggers-who-lived-in-feces-covered-home-arrested-on-charges-of-endangering-the-welfare-of-their-child/ 

▫️‘Boy Meets World’ stars express regret for being on the wrong side of fellow actor’s child molestation charges
In Monday’s episode of “Pod Meets World,” the podcast recapping episodes of ABC’s long-running Philadelphia-based sitcom “Boy Meets World,” former child stars Danielle Fishel (Topenga), Rider Strong (Shawn), and Will Friedle (Eric) talk about their experience working with convicted sex abuser Brian Peck, according to Variety.
In 2004 Peck, who was a guest on two “Boy Meets World” episodes, was convicted of sexually abusing an unknown Nickelodeon child actor and spent 16 months in prison. Peck’s story will be featured in the upcoming “Quiet on Set” docuseries that looks at past alleged abuse at Nickelodeon.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13102109/Boy-Meets-World-alums-open-experiences-actor-Brian-Peck-convicted-sexually-abusing-child.html
» https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/tv/brian-peck-boy-meets-world-grooming-will-friedle-rider-strong-20240219.html
» https://www.nationalworld.com/culture/television/boy-meets-world-grooming-allegations-brian-peck-convicted-child-sex-offences-4525074
» https://deadline.com/2024/02/will-friedle-rider-strong-brian-peck-grooming-boy-meets-world-1235831081/ 

▫️Ohio doesn't consistently track human trafficking. A new tool aims to change that
Right now, there’s no consistent way to track human trafficking cases across Ohio. Different organizations use different screeners and methods to identify victims.
The University of Toledo's Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute wants to change that. In partnership with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the institute is developing a screening tool: a questionnaire that will be distributed to schools, courts, nonprofits and hospitals across the state.
https://www.wyso.org/2024-02-20/ohio-doesnt-consistently-track-human-trafficking-a-new-tool-aims-to-change-that 

▫️Biden administration failed to vet adults housing migrant children, federal watchdog says
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration struggled to properly vet and monitor the homes where they placed a surge of migrant children who arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border in 2021, according to a federal watchdog report released Thursday.
HHS, in particular, has been criticized for releasing those kids too quickly from government shelters, discharging them to adults who have allowed them to be exploited by major companies for cheap, dangerous, and illegal labor.
» https://www.courthousenews.com/biden-administration-failed-to-vet-adults-housing-migrant-children-federal-watchdog-says/
» https://accesswdun.com/print/2024/2/1228486
» https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/OEI-07-21-00250.pdf  (pdf) 

▫️The Vile Sextortion and Torture Ring Where Kids Target Kids
“There is a way out. Talk to someone. It’s better than constantly feeling trapped in a situation like that.”
If you or somebody you know are being targeted or abused by sextortionists you do have options. If you can’t reach out to a loved one or law enforcement you can reach out to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and/or use their Take It Down (https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/) app to anonymously remove your images from most platforms.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/7kxjnz/the-vile-sextortion-and-torture-ring-where-kids-target-kids 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Operation Thin Ice: Ten Wakulla County-based registered Sexual Offenders/Predators arrested
On February 16, 2024, the arrest phase of “Operation Thin Ice” was completed following the arrest of 10 Wakulla County-based registered Sexual Offenders/Predators for failure to report information required during their mandated sexual offender/predator registrations.
https://www.wtxl.com/crawfordville/ten-wakulla-county-based-registered-sexual-offenders-predators-arrested 

▫️3 Grant County men arrested for child solicitation
Three Grant County men were arrested this month for child solicitation by electronic communication device, the result of a special operation led by the Silver City Police Department to identify and arrest people trying to solicit sex with minors via the internet.
Arrested were Charles Robert Hernandez, 35, of Silver City, who was also charged with possession of a controlled substance; James R. Mohr, 26, of San Lorenzo; and Bryan Keith Conn, 47, of Hurley.
The special operation, conducted in the first week of February, was led by Detective Sgt. Daniel Tavizon with assistance from another Silver City police detective, in collaboration with the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
https://www.scdailypress.com/2024/02/20/3-men-arrested-child-solicitation/ 

▫️Joint operation results in human trafficking arrest in Monroe County
MONROE COUNTY, Miss. – A joint operation between county and state investigators resulted in a human trafficking arrest in Monroe County.
On Friday, Special Victims Unit Investigators of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Agents from the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office arrested 68-year-old Steve G. Colburn in the Bigbee area.
Colburn was being charged with one count of human trafficking and one count of human trafficking, procuring servitude of a minor.  Sheriff Kevin Crook said some alleged victims had already come forward to talk, and he believed there were other survivors in the area.
» https://www.wcbi.com/joint-operation-results-in-human-trafficking-arrest-in-monroe-county/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.supertalk.fm/aberdeen-man-arrested-for-human-trafficking-police-believe-there-are-more-victims/
»

▫️Lafayette man charged with six counts of child molestation
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. — A Lafayette man is facing multiple counts of child molestation after police say he admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a minor less than 14 years old on multiple occasions.
In an interview with police earlier in February, Cody Demarais, 41, reportedly confessed to engaging in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts during that time frame.
https://www.wlfi.com/news/local/lafayette-man-charged-with-six-counts-of-child-molestation/article_16e30fd2-d0b3-11ee-b203-27d9d7a25d6d.html 

▫️Man tries to kidnap girl from bus stop in Burlington
BURLINGTON, N.C. — The Alamance County Sheriff's Office is searching for a man who tried to kidnap a girl from a bus stop in Burlington on Feb. 12 and needs public help. 
» https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/crime/man-tries-to-abduct-child-at-bus-stop-burlington-nc/83-74eecc8b-06df-4fa0-bca0-9ada0876a9e4   (VIDEO)
»

▫️Berkeley police interrupt sex crime caught live on camera
An Oakland man was arrested over the weekend after being caught on camera taking advantage of a heavily intoxicated woman in Berkeley, police report.
When officers arrived, they detained the man, who was identified as 23-year-old Zhe Wang of Oakland, according to booking records and police.
Wang was arrested on suspicion of three felony sex crimes, including sexual battery of an unconscious person and sexual penetration of a victim who is incapable of consent, according to booking records.
https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2024/02/20/arrests/berkeley-police-interrupt-sex-crime-camera/ 

▫️Mt. Morris man charged with child sex crimes
GENESEE COUNTY, Mich.  - Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson has provided an update on a GHOST case involving a Mt. Morris man.
Gregory Robert Nieman, 36, was arraigned Tuesday on seven charges, including three counts of criminal sexual conduct, three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person between 13 and 15 and failure to comply with the sex offenders registration act.
Sheriff Swanson says that the victim was 14 years old. He adds that Nieman would groom the 14-year-old for sexual acts by calling the victim names and using CBD gummies and alcohol. Nieman would also allegedly videotape the sexual encounters to make money.
https://www.abc12.com/news/crime/mt-morris-man-charged-with-child-sex-crimes/article_079d87a2-d034-11ee-95a9-fb0b228afa3d.html 

▫️Utah parenting vlogger sentenced to prison for child abuse
A Utah mother-of-six who doled out parenting advice on a popular YouTube channel has been sentenced to prison for abusing her children, holding two of them in conditions prosecutors likened to concentration camps.
Ruby Franke, 42, pleaded guilty in December to four counts of aggravated child abuse and was sentenced on Tuesday to one-to-15 years in prison on each charge.
Franke's business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, 54, whom she described as her "mentor," received the same sentence.
Beginning in 2015, Franke ran a since-deleted YouTube channel called "8 Passengers" which provided parenting advice. She would later feature on a YouTube channel run by Hildebrandt after separating from her husband.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/galleries/article-13108083/YouTuber-Ruby-Franke-serve-30-years-amid-child-abuse.html
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-13109687/Utah-parenting-vlogger-sentenced-prison-child-abuse.html
»

▫️Sean 'Diddy' Combs DENIES gang rape of 17-year-old girl in Manhattan recording studio and claims photo showing her sitting on his lap 'isn't accurate'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has denied gang-raping a 17-year-old girl in his Manhattan recording studio while claiming a photograph of her sitting in his lap 'isn't accurate'. 
The 54-year-old Harlem-born rapper has filed an official legal challenge refuting bombshell abuse accusations made by the alleged victim, who is now in her 30s. 
She claimed in December that Combs, his longtime friend and rapper Harve Pierre and a third unidentified man flew her to his New York studio before plying her with 'copious amounts of drugs and alcohol' in 2003. 
He and two pals then took turns violently raping the teen as she drifted in and out of consciousness, leaving her in so much pain that she could barely stand or remember how she got home, the complaint alleges.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13108885/sean-diddy-combs-denies-gang-rape-harve-pierre-studio.html 
»

▫️Florida human trafficker headed to prison after abusing, threatening women in several counties: MBI
A human trafficker will spend decades in prison after he threatened, abused, and humiliated women throughout Florida, according to the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigations. 
Joselito Martinez was sentenced to prison for 55 years after he was convicted of human trafficking for commercial sexual activity. 
According to investigators, Martinez would provide women a place to live, under the guise of assisting them – typically after bonding them out of jail. 
In return, he forced the women to engage in commercial sex acts with customers, officials said. Martinez took all the money the women made from the commercial dates and made close to $300,000 over two years. 
https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/florida-human-trafficker-headed-to-prison-after-abusing-threatening-woman-in-several-counties-mbi 

▫️Virginia man sentenced to prison for traveling to Lancaster County to solicit sex from teen
A Virginia man was sentenced Friday to 11 to 23 months in prison after attempting to sexually assault a 13-year-old in a police sting operation in Lancaster County, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office. 
Tanner Iskra, 38, of Stafford, Virginia pleaded guilty in September to attempted statutory sexual assault, attempted corruption of minors and criminal use of a communication facility.  
» https://fox28savannah.com/news/nation-world/virginia-man-sentenced-for-driving-to-pennsylvania-to-have-sex-with-a-13-year-old-tanner-iskra-stafford-undercover-agent-online-advertisement-lancaster-county-human-trafficking-task-force
» https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/virgina-man-sentenced-to-prison-after-arrest-in-lancaster-county-human-trafficking-sting-operation/article_011d47ea-d053-11ee-b8f8-5bedba361caf.html 

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Class Tickets, Mon, Mar 18, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Come join us for a Human Trafficking Awareness Class at Little Sweeties Cakery in Warner Robins, GA.  Learn about the signs of human trafficking, how to protect yourself and others, and what you can do to help combat this serious issue. Let's work together to make a difference and spread awareness in our community.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/human-trafficking-awareness-class-tickets-846775126197 

▫️Alaska Public Safety officials say job vacancies hinder human trafficking response
About 15% of trooper positions are vacant, agency said
https://www.chilkatvalleynews.com/2024/02/20/alaska-public-safety-officials-say-job-vacancies-hinder-human-trafficking-response/ 

▫️HSI Galveston-led investigation sends convicted sex offender back to prison for child sexual abuse material-related offenses | ICE
GALVESTON, Texas — A previously convicted sex offender has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for receiving, possessing and distributing child pornography following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston’s Galveston office, the Pearland Police Department, and the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Robert James Alden, a 37-year-old San Leon resident, was ordered to pay $22,000 in restitution to known victims and will serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he must comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/hsi-galveston-led-investigation-sends-convicted-sex-offender-back-prison-child-sexual 

▫️Florida man sentenced to 60 years for sexually exploiting a child following HSI Frederick investigation | ICE
BALTIMORE — An investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Frederick and the Hagerstown Police Department resulted in a 60-year prison sentence with a lifetime of supervised release for a Florida man guilty of two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. John W. Balch, 76, of Jacksonville, received the six-decade sentence Jan. 26 at the U.S. District Court in Baltimore.
Balch’s co-defendant, Jane Ellen Campbell, 35, of Hagerstown, received a 210-month federal prison sentence with 15 years of supervised release for distributing child sexual abuse material as a relative of one of the victims.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/florida-man-sentenced-60-years-sexually-exploiting-child-following-hsi-frederick 

▫️Cuban national convicted of smuggling noncitizens in rotten produce | ICE
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Illeysel Carcasses, a 38-year-old Cuban national, was convicted Feb. 15 in the Southern District of Texas of illegally transporting noncitizens in the back of a locked tractor trailer filled with rotting produce.
The investigation that led to the conviction was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Corpus Christi and the U.S. Border Patrol.
The jury deliberated for approximately 90 minutes before convicting Carcasses following a two-day trial that included 10 witnesses.
On Nov. 13, 2023, Carcasses drove a refrigerated box truck to the Sarita Border Patrol checkpoint. Upon initial inspection, a K-9 alerted to the rear of the truck. During a search, authorities discovered five undocumented individuals concealed inside the back of the vehicle hidden amongst pallets of rotten produce. The jury heard how the individuals were locked inside with no way of escaping.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/cuban-national-convicted-smuggling-noncitizens-rotten-produce 

▫️‘There is hope’: Survivor who inspired Jenna’s Law a step closer to passing federal legislation to protect children
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Since 2009, a law mandating K-12 sexual abuse prevention training has been in place in Texas. It was the first child sexual abuse prevention law to pass in the nation and is named after a survivor from the Dallas area.
Jenna Quinn survived the horrors of abuse as a child and is now one step closer to her law passing on a federal level.
“I understand what it’s like to suffer in silence,” Quinn said. “I understand what it’s like to wear the shackles of shame and I understand what it’s like to struggle.”
For years, Quinn said she did not disclose her abuse. She finally came forward when she was 16 years old.
“At that point, I was in bondage you know…my bags were packed for a mental hospital and I had depression and anxiety…suicidal ideation,” Quinn said.”I really suffered from the effects of child sexual abuse but I do have to say it doesn’t end there.”
https://www.kwtx.com/2024/02/20/there-is-hope-child-sex-abuse-survivor-who-inspired-jennas-law-step-closer-passing-federal-legislation-protect-children/   (VIDEO) 

▫️As Survivors Seek Justice, New York Child Welfare Agencies Face the Costs of Decades-Old Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
A new report focused on dozens of New York agencies serving children, youth and families in the foster care system revealed a shocking number last month: These nonprofits now face more than 800 lawsuits alleging childhood sexual abuse, including allegations that date back as far as the 1950s.
https://imprintnews.org/top-stories/as-survivors-seek-justice-new-york-child-welfare-agencies-face-the-costs-of-decades-old-sexual-abuse-lawsuits/247459 

▫️What three agencies are doing to build awareness of human trafficking
Transit agencies are strengthening their resolve to make public transit spaces safer for their riders by educating transit employees to recognize signs of trafficking.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Rio Metro Regional Transit District (Rio Metro) in New Mexico and the Oklahoma Transit Association are each taking a stronger stance to prevent human trafficking in and around their communities to make the public transit space an anti- trafficker zone.
https://www.masstransitmag.com/safety-security/article/53095615/what-three-agencies-are-doing-to-build-awareness-of-human-trafficking 

▫️Traverse City Hosts Pivotal Event to Combat Human Trafficking Epidemic in Michigan
The Charlevoix Area Zonta Club hosted an enlightening event in Traverse City, MI, on February 20th, 2024, aiming to combat human trafficking. The event featured a screening of 'Ring of Silence' and a panel discussion with experts from law enforcement and victim advocacy. The focus was on empowering the community by recognizing signs of human trafficking and supporting victims.
https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/crime/traverse-city-hosts-pivotal-event-to-combat-human-trafficking-epidemic-in-michigan 

▫️'This is modern day slavery': Sheriff describes sex trafficking issue in Palm Beach County

▫️Prostitution in Houston: Women tell their stories in their own words, and what police are doing to stop it
HOUSTON, Texas - The women trapped in it are best equipped to tell its story. "You feel like you as a woman have no value," KJ Hall said. "You have no control over your life."
https://abc13.com/prostitution-in-houston-texas-sex-workers-human-trafficking-bissonnet-street/14448169/ 

▫️Governor Parson commits 200 National Guard members, 22 highway patrol troopers to Texas border operation
During a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that the State of Missouri will be providing up to 200 Missouri National Guard (MONG) members and 22 Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers to support Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star mission at the Southern Border.
» https://www.ky3.com/2024/02/20/missouri-gov-parson-deploys-200-national-guard-members-22-missouri-highway-patrol-texas-southern-border/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.kttn.com/v2-governonr-parson-commits-200-national-guard-members-22-highway-patrol-troopers-to-texas-border-operation/ 

▫️12 cartel members killed in shootout with soldiers
EL PASO, Texas  – Police in the border state of Tamaulipas are investigating the aftermath of a shootout between suspected cartel members and Mexican soldiers. The firefight left 12 people dead near the town of Miguel Aleman on Sunday night.
The state official said all indications point to an ambush against the soldiers and took exception to some local news media characterizing the event as an army massacre.
» https://www.borderreport.com/regions/mexico/12-cartel-members-killed-in-shootout-with-soldiers/
» https://mvsnoticias.com/entrevistas/2024/2/19/civiles-armados-en-tamaulipas-en-enfrentamiento-con-sedena-pertenecen-un-grupo-delictivo-627246.html 

▫️More NYC Migrant Gang Arrest
Tren de Aragua, which law enforcement is warning is rapidly expanding its criminal empire,  has used the border crisis to set up in New York could join forces with the feared MS-13, a senior FBI agent has told The Post. NY Post Investigative Reporter Isabel Vincent shares this story.
Eight migrants have been charged so far in the Jan. 27 mob attack on two NYPD cops in Times Square, with up to 14 suspects believed to have been involved in the assault, officials and law-enforcement sources said.
» https://nypost.com/2024/02/18/us-news/who-are-the-migrants-charged-with-attacking-nypd-cops-a-look-at-the-asylum-seekers-charged-in-times-square-melee/ 
» https://youtu.be/rqWAYkCOC6Y

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Goodyear PD submits charges against former Palm Valley Post Acute employee following sexual assault claims
Charges submitted against former CNA Bobby Lee Williams accused of sexual assult
GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Goodyear Police submitted charges against the former Palm Valley Post Acute employee accused of raping and impregnating a patient.
The charges come not long after FOX 10 Investigates dug into the case of Bobby Lee Williams being accused of sexually assaulting a former patient several times while he was a CNA. Back in January, Williams voluntarily surrendered his certified nursing assistant license which he had just received last June.
Just days before the state’s board of nursing was notified of the allegations, Arizona DHS conducted a week-long investigation into the alleged sexual abuse at Palm Valley Post Acute.
AZDHS found several deficiencies, saying the "facility failed to implement policy" to protect a resident and failed "reporting and investigating allegations of sexual abuse."
After reviewing records and conducting interviews with staff, ADHS officials determined the patient was not properly protected from Williams and accused the facility of a "substandard quality of care."
Goodyear police have submitted their case against Bobby Lee Williams to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, officials said Wednesday.
» https://www.12news.com/article/news/crime/case-against-former-goodyear-healthcare-worker-allegedly-impregnated-patient-sent-county-attorney/75-e8ba0349-864a-4d4f-bbb0-3e22ddca22f7
»  https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/goodyear-pd-submits-charges-against-former-palm-valley-post-acute-employee-following-sexual-assault-claims
»

▫️Operation Catch a Predator: 12 arrested after underage sex trafficking operation, Visalia police say
VISALIA, Calif.  – 12 have been arrested following a multi-agency operation that resulted in an underage human trafficking crackdown, the Visalia Police Department said.
On Wednesday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the results of a human trafficking operation that occurred from Feb. 13 to Feb.16, targeting alleged sexual predators using the Internet to seek out potential victims.
Throughout the four-day operation, officials say 12 suspects were arrested and charged with contacting a minor for sexual purposes.
» https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/crime/12-arrested-after-underage-sex-trafficking-operation-visalia-police-say/
» https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-results-human-trafficking-operation-“catch 

▫️9-year-old girl safe after being kidnapped in Sanger, police say
SANGER, Calif. - A 9-year-old girl was kidnapped and then let go in Sanger on Wednesday, police say.
Officers responded to a call of a possible kidnapping at 1;45 p.m. near JFK Park on Faller and North Avenues.
Sanger Police Chief Greg Garner said in a news conference that the girl was walking home from nearby Jefferson Elementary School when a white van or SUV pulled up beside her.
» https://abc30.com/9-year-old-child-kidnapped-from-sanger-police-say/14454583/
»

▫️4 missing teenagers in Bakersfield in span of 48 hours: Authorities urge vigilance
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.  — Jesika Gilmour, Venus Avila Gallardo, Zaira Fregoso and Latrecs Villanueva, all teenagers reported missing to the Bakersfield Police Department in the span of 48 hours.
On social media, many shared their concerns about their children’s safety in Bakersfield.
https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/4-missing-teenagers-in-bakersfield-in-span-of-48-hours-authorities-urge-vigilance  (VIDEO) 

▫️Man arrested for kidnapping, child endangerment in Milam County after long police pursuit
MILAM COUNTY, Texas — A man was arrested in Milam County Saturday after allegedly leading police on a pursuit across multiple cities.
The driver, later identified as 27-year-old Paul Rodriguez, had a woman and a baby in the car with him.
Temple PD has brought charges against Rodriguez for Kidnapping, Evading Arrest in a Vehicle and Child Endangerment.
https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/man-arrested-for-kidnapping-child-endangerment-in-milam-county-after-long-police-pursuit 

▫️Grand Island 22 year-old arrested for sex trafficking a disabled minor
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - A 22 year old Grand Island man stands accused of human trafficking of a minor and possession of child pornography.
According to court records Grand Island police were contacted by law enforcement in Pennsylvania regarding Logan Bundy, who they suspected of asking a mentally disabled 17-year-old girl for nude pictures.
Bundy has been charged with possession of child pornography and sex trafficking of a minor. His bond has been set at $250,000.
» https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2024/02/21/grand-island-22-year-old-arrested-sex-trafficking-disabled-minor/  (VIDEO)
»

▫️25 year-old arrested for sex crimes after Grand Island undercover operation
GRAND ISLAND, Neb.  - A 25 year-old is under arrest in Grand Island after police say he was trying to get explicit photos and sex from a person who he believed was a 13-year-old girl.
Manuel Canil Tol of Grand Island messaged via social media with an undercover officer posing as a 13 year-old girl between December of 2023 and February 2024. During the interactions, police say he asked for explicit materials.
Police say Canil Tol told the undercover officer he wanted to meet in person for sexual intercourse and “other various sexual acts.” They arranged a meetup on Monday. Canil Tol requested sexually explicit photos and arranged to pick the girl up.
Once Canil Tol arrived to pick up the girl, Grand Island police arrested him for enticement by electronic device and sex trafficking of a minor.
» https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2024/02/21/25-year-old-arrested-sex-crimes-after-grand-island-undercover-operation/
» https://southeast.newschannelnebraska.com/story/50480645/grand-island-police-arrest-two-men-for-sex-trafficking-of-a-minor-in-separate-cases  🇺🇸

▫️Kentucky police arrest man accused of rape involving victim under 12
LONDON, Ky.  - UPDATE: The London Police announced that Kylin Hutton has been arrested.
ORIGINAL: Police in Kentucky are searching for a wanted on a rape charge involving a victim under 12. According to the London Police Department, 24-year-old Kylin Dewayne Hutton of Corbin has multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest in Laurel County, including rape and sodomy.
» https://www.wkyt.com/2024/02/21/kentucky-police-looking-man-accused-rape-involving-victim-under-12/
»

▫️Cops: Online vigilantes nab another child predator in Valpo
VALPARAISO — An area vigilante group has nabbed yet another man accused of approaching what he thought was a child online and then trying to meet up in Valparaiso for sex.
"If I go to jail I go to jail," Thomas Gobin, 27, of Valparaiso, reportedly said in a message to the "girl" as the two readied to meet Friday.
The 13-year-old girl turned out to be a member of the NWI predator catchers group and Gobin was taken into custody by Valparaiso police.
He was charged Tuesday with two felony counts of child solicitation, the more serious count carrying a potential prison term of two to 12 years, records show.
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/thomas-gobin-valparaiso-police-child-solicitation-nwi-predator-catchers/article_ea136444-d0bb-11ee-a653-971c556dfe0b.html 

▫️Sicko San Antonio Cop Suspected of Child Sex Abuse, Caught with Creepshots
A San Antonio Police Department officer with 16 years on the force has been revealed to have admitted to performing sex acts on children as young as three, according to disciplinary records released this week. Officer Albert Sanchez was suspended without pay on Jan. 12 following his arrest on a charge of possession of child pornography, KSAT Investigates reported.
The troubling allegations against Sanchez came to light when a woman, in a relationship with him, contacted authorities with evidence of his crimes.
Sanchez is also under investigation for aggravated sexual assault of a child, discipline records show.
» https://hoodline.com/2024/02/sicko-san-antonio-cop-suspected-of-child-sex-abuse-caught-with-creepshots/
» https://www.ksat.com/news/ksat-investigates/2024/02/21/sapd-officer-repeatedly-admitted-to-sex-acts-with-children-as-young-as-3-years-old-discipline-records-reveal/ 

▫️Former Greenwich teacher pleads guilty to child exploitation offense
A former Greenwich High School math teacher pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to a charge relating to accessing with intent to view and possessing child sexual abuse materials, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Connecticut.
An investigation into the case began in October 2022, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip that a TikTok video containing child sex abuse imagery was sent from Skirkanich’s email account.
https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/ridgefield-teacher-guilty-child-abuse-greenwich-18680178.php 

▫️Beaumont police searching for man suspected of child sex crimes
BEAUMONT, Texas — The Beaumont Police Department is asking for any information from the public that can help them find David Lance Tillman, 29, of Beaumont who is wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of Tillman, they are asked to contact Beaumont Police or Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers at 409-833-TIPS(8477).
https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/crime/police-searching-for-alleged-child-predator/502-84a77961-b905-49ed-aac3-bc0fd3460c59   (VIDEO) 

▫️Guilty plea from the man accused of kidnapping a 9-year-old girl from an upstate New York park
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. - A man accused of kidnapping a 9-year-old girl from a state park in upstate New York pleaded guilty to two felony counts and faces 47 years to life in prison.
Craig N. Ross Jr. pleaded guilty Wednesday under a plea deal to first-degree kidnapping and predatory sexual assault of a child, according to the Saratoga County district attorney.
Ross was charged in the abduction of the girl on Sept. 30 from Moreau Lake State Park, located in a rural area about 35 miles (60 kilometers) north of Albany. A search involving more than 100 people ended two days later when state police troopers and an FBI SWAT team stormed a camper Ross was staying in. Rescuers found the girl alive in a cabinet.
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-13113513/Guilty-plea-man-accused-kidnapping-9-year-old-girl-upstate-New-York-park.html
» https://t.me/Terrae_Liberatae_Lux_Vicit/13867 

▫️Carlsbad man gets 17 years for role in child sex abuse scheme
A Carlsbad man was the latest person sentenced to federal prison after meeting with a married couple who produced child pornography and advertised children for sex acts online.
Juan Antonio Flores, 47, was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to enticement of a minor on Sept. 19, 2023. Records show Flores met with Joseph and Rachel Crutcher after Flores voiced his desire to sexually abuse a girl the Crutchers advertised online. Police said the couple planned to provide Flores access to a 9-year-old girl.
Joseph Crutcher, 59, previously pleaded guilty to a count each of production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He was sentenced to 70 years in prison.
https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/22/carlsbad-man-gets-17-years-for-role-in-child-sex-abuse-scheme/72683162007/ 

▫️Former Wichita Falls coach sentenced for child pornography possession
A former Wichita Falls High School basketball coach — who was caught years ago looking at pornography during school hours — was sentenced to federal and state prison time for possession of child pornography, according to a media release and federal court documents.
Mark Daniel Malone, 47, coached boys basketball at Old High from 2015 to 2019 when he left to coach girls basketball at Rockport-Fulton High School. 
On Feb. 16, 343rd District Judge Janna Whatley stacked some of the sentences handed down by a jury during Malone's trial, reaching a 32-year sentence, according to a media release from the Aransas County Attorney's Office.
https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/2024/02/22/former-wichita-falls-coach-sentenced-for-child-pornography-possession/72687234007/ 

▫️Riverside County Pastor David Helbling Arrested for Alleged Child Sexual Abuse
A local pastor was arrested by Riverside County Sheriff’s Department officials for alleged sexual abuse of a child. David Helbling, 79, or Moreno Valley, California, was identified as the suspect after law enforcement responded to reports of a previous child sex assault that occurred at a property on the 23000 block of Hemlock Avenue, KTLA reported.
Authorities believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information on this case to call Investigator McCracken at 951-486-6710.
» https://www.dlawgroup.com/riverside-county-pastor-david-helbling-arrested-alleged-child-sexual-abuse/
» https://ktla.com/news/local-news/riverside-county-pastor-arrested-for-alleged-child-sex-assault/
»

▫️Lexington leads KY in human trafficking arrests
LEXINGTON, Ky.  – A report on human trafficking in Kentucky shows that the Lexington Police Department had more human trafficking arrests than any other law enforcement agency in Kentucky.
The new report from the Kentucky Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force shows that Lexington police had the highest number of human trafficking arrests between 2010 and 2022.
The 74 arrests for the department exceeded the statewide figures for the Kentucky State Police, which came in second with 60 arrests.
» https://fox56news.com/news/local/lexington/report-lexington-leading-kentucky-in-human-trafficking-arrests/  (VIDEO)
» https://youlianers.online/lexington/2024/02/22/lexington-leads-ky-in-human-trafficking-arrests/
»

▫️DeSoto, Texas man sentenced 30 years for sex trafficking
DALLAS — A DeSoto man who authorities say sex trafficked women for more than a decade was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
According to a news release, Phillip Jay Curlett, 34, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force, fraud and coercion.
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/desoto-man-convicted-sex-trafficking-sentenced-30-years-prison/287-d6b092bc-0c08-4c06-9d0a-bcdb3d6d1cfb 

▫️Columbus man pleads guilty to sex trafficking women through force, fraud & coercion
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to sex trafficking and racketeering.
The parties involved in this case have recommended a sentence of more than 19 years up to 25 years in prison for Terrael A. Alls, 29.
Alls, who is also known as “Rell” and “Ace,” recruited women under the guise of modeling for him as a photographer. He served as a pimp for his victims, advertising them for sexual escort services on various websites. Alls transported his victims to and from hotels while giving them drugs, such as fentanyl and methamphetamine, then later using their drug dependency against them to continue profiting from their commercial sex acts. Alls was frequently physically abusive to his victims as well. For example, he fired a gun near a victim’s head and threatened to pistol-whip her. He also punched the victims and slammed them onto tables.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/columbus-man-pleads-guilty-sex-trafficking-women-through-force-fraud-coercion 

▫️Fighting labor trafficking in Brazos County
BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas — Officials in Brazos County are working to prevent and identify a form of human trafficking that doesn't get as much attention: labor trafficking.
In 2016, there were 313,000 victims of human trafficking in Texas. Of those, 234,000 were victims of labor trafficking.
In the Brazos Valley, Naomi Rijpstra with Unbound Bryan College Station said they’ve helped over 150 victims of human trafficking in the last five years.
» https://www.kxxv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/brazos-county/fighting-labor-trafficking-in-brazos-county
» https://youtu.be/rorvKWop_hc 

▫️Here are some of the realities of human trafficking in East Tennessee
An annual report shows East Tennessee is at severe risk of human trafficking. Nonprofits are on the front lines of the fight against this crime.

▫️Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative Meeting 
Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland will host the North County Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative meeting on Thursday, March 14th, 9 a.m., at United Methodist Church of Vista, 490 S. Melrose Ave., Vista. The event is free to the public.
Our guest speaker will be Chief of the Vista Fire Department, Gerard Washington. He will speak about how firefighters are now being trained to spot and assist human trafficking victims.
https://fox5sandiego.com/community-calendar/?_escaped_fragment_=/show/?start=2024-02-29#!/details/Anti-Human-Trafficking-Collaborative-Meeting/13149640/2024-03-14T09 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Operation Janus: 13 Children Rescued, 47 Arrested in North Texas multi-agency operation targeting online Child Sexual Exploitation
DALLAS - The North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested 47 people during an operation "aimed at the rescue of children across North Texas who are victims of online sexual exploitation."
The three-week operation brought together computer crimes investigators to target child predators. Authorities said the operation resulted in the rescue of 13 children from sexual abuse, and more than 90 criminal charges filed against 47 suspects.
» https://www.mytexasdaily.com/north-texas/dallas-texas----the-north-texas-internet-crimes-against-children-task-force-has/article_308e5eff-42a6-53ed-910f-96d46fd0d3ee.html
» https://dpdbeat.com/2024/02/22/forty-seven-people-arrested-in-multi-agency-operation-targeting-online-child-sexual-exploitation/
» https://www.fox4news.com/news/operation-janus-child-predator-arrests 

▫️Human smuggling operation busted, 8 rescued, 3 arrested
SAN ANTONIO  — The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the arrest of three suspects in connection to what is believed to be a human smuggling operation on the Southwest Side.
Sheriff Javier Salazar says the three suspects are expected to face charges, although it was unclear what those charges would be.
The victims rescued were as young as 2 years and as old as 59. Their countries of origin were not known as of Thursday night.
Salazar says the number of victims and suspects could go up as the investigation continues.
This is a developing story.
» https://www.ktsa.com/human-smuggling-operation-busted-3-arrested-8-rescued/ 
»

▫️Human trafficking victim rescued after she went missing, suspect arrested: HCSO
TAMPA, Fla. — A victim of human trafficking was rescued in Tampa on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of the man police are saying trafficked her.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said on Feb. 21, they received a 911 call from the Rodeway Inn on North US Highway 301. The employee told deputies the victim, a 29-year-old woman with disabilities, needed help.
After arriving at the inn, they found the victim, who had been reported missing from Missouri. She told detectives she connected with a man, Andre Scott, 39, and his girlfriend on social media, who brought her to Florida.
Scott was arrested and charged with human trafficking for commercial sex act (victim mentally defect or incapacitated). A mental health professional provided care to the victim and coordinated the reunification process with her guardian from Missouri.
Anyone with information on this case, or if someone believes they may have been a victim of Scott, please call HCSO at 813-247-8200.
» https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/human-trafficking-victim-rescued-in-tampa-after-she-went-missing-from-her-home-state-hcso
» https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/hillsborough-deputies-find-missing-missouri-woman-in-human-trafficking-arrest/ 

▫️Judson ISD employee arrested, fired by district for allegedly possessing child pornography
CONVERSE, Texas – The Judson Independent School District said one of its now-former district employees was arrested at his home on child pornography charges.
The Guadalupe County jail records page shows Andrew Kuehne is charged with possession of child pornography of a child younger than 10 years old.
» https://www.kens5.com/article/news/crime/former-judson-isd-employee-arrested-child-pornography-charges-san-antonio/273-28af6d37-73a3-4c88-8204-d78c09d95bb0
» https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/02/23/judson-isd-employee-arrested-fired-by-district-for-allegedly-possessing-child-pornography/
»

▫️Greenwich teacher charged with child sex abuse image possession
GREENWICH — A Greenwich man arrested on possession of child pornography was working as a teacher at a local private school, the administration at Eagle Hill School confirmed Thursday. He was removed from campus.
Deane Flood Jr., 53, of Riversville Road is facing criminal charges after Greenwich Police were contacted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Cyber Tip Line that child sex abuse imagery had been downloaded to a device in Greenwich, according to a statement released by law enforcement authorities.
“The videos were taken in a private setting and filmed in a manner that would indicate the children nor their parents gave consent to being videoed or had knowledge they were being videoed,” police continued, and those images led to a charge of voyeurism in addition to possession of child pornography.
https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/greenwich-eagle-hill-school-deane-flood-jr-child-18682444.php 

▫️Investigation into Racine sheriff's deputy leads to arrest of second official
An investigation into a Racine County Sheriff’s deputy charged with possession of child pornography has led to the arrest of another Wisconsin community official.
Adam Westbrook, most recently the Outagamie County human resources director, is facing federal charges for distributing child pornography. Westbrook’s charges are tied to those filed against a Racine County Deputy earlier this month.
A citizen’s complaint led to the arrest of Racine Deputy Preston Kite. A man called 911 to report Kite for lewd conduct in a gas station bathroom. The man said Kite, who was on duty and in uniform, had exposed himself.
A detective investigating that allegation was searching Kite’s phone, which the deputy turned over to investigators, when he discovered it had been used to share child pornography.
https://www.wpr.org/news/investigation-into-racine-sheriffs-deputy-leads-to-arrest-of-second-official 

▫️Teacher at UCLA child-care center arrested on suspicion of child sex abuse
A teacher at one of UCLA's child-care centers was arrested and booked on suspicion of sexual abuse of a child, the school told parents Wednesday.
Christopher Rodriguez was arrested by the UCLA Police Department after other staff members reported seeing "concerning behavior" and that he'd had "inappropriate contact with a minor student," according to the university.
Rodriguez was booked on five misdemeanor charges: single counts of false imprisonment, battery and willful cruelty to a child and two counts of sexual battery, said Christina Christie, dean of the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/teacher-ucla-child-care-center-212238969.html 

▫️Migrants in New York City shelters falling victim to human trafficking
NEW YORK -- Human trafficking is a crime that preys on vulnerable men, women and kids, and now CBS New York has learned it's happening to migrants, many of whom are still in shelters, can't legally work and feel they are out of options.
An asylum seeker who arrived from Peru last year and is living at a shelter in Jamaica, Queens, told us vehicles pull up to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which is now a migrant shelter, and pick women up.
"They usually leave at about 5 or 6 in the evening and return the next day at about 5 in the morning," the asylum seeker said. Some return in the middle of the night, others in the morning, many leaving their kids all alone.
» https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-migrants-asylum-seekers-human-trafficking-sex-trafficking/ 
»

▫️Baltimore rabbi, 47, accused of sexually abusing three young boys at an Orthodox Jewish camp, bribing them with $100 to 'touch his genitals' and holding sleepovers with kids
A Baltimore rabbi accused of sexually abusing three young boys at an Orthodox Jewish summer camp has been found liable for battery and assault.
Rabbi Steven 'Shmuel' Krawatsky, 47, was accused of abusing the boys who were then between seven and eight-years-old at Camp Shoresh in 2014 and 2015.
Two of the victims claimed to have been anally raped, while another said the camp counselor offered him $100 to touch his genitals, according to the complaint which sought a $1.8 million payout.
The accusations first surfaced in a 2017 in a post by sexual abuse survivor Chaim Levin and were later reported in a 2018 New York Jewish Week article.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13114183/Baltimore-rabbi-accused-child-sex-abuse.html 

▫️Beaumont doctor accepts plea deal for online solicitation
BEAUMONT, Texas — A Beaumont doctor who was arrested in 2020 during an anti-human trafficking bust accepted a plea deal that will give him three years’ probation.
Dr. Sadiq Ali had his license suspended in October 2020 following his arrest by Beaumont Police who charged him with prostitution with someone under 18-years-old, which is a 2nd degree felony.
As part of the plea, Ali's original charge will be dismissed and he will have to pay a $15,000 fine, but will not be required to register as a sex offender.
https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/crime/beaumont-doctor-accepts-plea-for-underage-prostitution-charge-three-year-probation/502-5dd28e2f-dc0b-48e2-8473-9d7f3c44dd0f 

▫️Seaford children's pastor arrested for child sex abuse material: DOJ
A former Seaford children's pastor has been arrested on 10 felony charges after admitting to possessing and viewing child sexual abuse material, the Delaware Department of Justice said Friday.
James Dryden, 74, was charged last week following an investigation by the state's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes Delaware State Police and the state justice department.
Southern did not say when the church learned of the charges against Dryden. He is being held at Sussex Correctional Institution on $500,000 cash bail. Tipsters are asked to contact the task force at (302) 739-2030. 
https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/23/seaford-childrens-pastor-arrested-on-child-porn-charges-doj-says/72711257007/ 

▫️ICE arrests 275 noncitizens with sex offense convictions during nation-wide law enforcement effort | ICE
WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers apprehended 275 unlawfully present noncitizen sex offenders during a nation-wide law enforcement effort that ran from February 5-16, 2024.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-arrests-275-noncitizens-sex-offense-convictions-during-nation-wide-law 

▫️Migrants with criminal backgrounds arrested after illegal entry into the United States
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the West Texas and New Mexico region have apprehended more than 12 migrants this week with previous criminal convictions and/or criminal histories, attempting to enter the country illegally through the El Paso Sector area of responsibility.
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/migrants-criminal-backgrounds-arrested-after-illegal-entry-united 

▫️Laredo CBP officers apprehend man wanted on felony warrant for child sex assault offense
During secondary examination, CBP officers utilizing biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases verified his identity and confirmed that Francisco Olvera Tovar, 75, a U.S. citizen was the subject of an outstanding felony arrest warrant for sexual assault of a child issued by Laredo Police Department.
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/laredo-cbp-officers-apprehend-man-wanted-felony-warrant-child-sex-0 

▫️South Texas man sentenced to 30 years for producing child sexual abuse material following HSI Rio Grande Valley investigation | ICE
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A South Texas man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material and sexual exploitation of a child following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Ulysses Rubalcava, 34, of Weslaco, pleaded guilty Oct. 31, 2023, and was sentenced Feb. 20. HSI conducted a search of Rubalcava’s cellphone, which contained numerous files of child sexual abuse material, including sexual assaults of two girls.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/south-texas-man-sentenced-30-years-producing-child-sexual-abuse-material-following 

▫️Seven indicted suspects tied to alleged sex trafficking ring at West Linn massage parlor
Seven suspects have been indicted with charges stemming from their ties to an alleged sex trafficking ring that ran out of a massage parlor in West Linn as part of an investigation that also led to arrests at a Lake Oswego spa in January.
West Linn police announced via social media that officers began investigating Yo Yo Spa, which is located on Willamette Drive in West Linn, in July 2023. According to WLPD, the business was tied to a national sex trafficking operation.
The victims were offered the resources and support they needed.
https://www.lakeoswegoreview.com/news/seven-indicted-suspects-tied-to-alleged-sex-trafficking-ring-at-west-linn-massage-parlor/article_5c15481f-b687-50e5-92a8-1ad729c4d4d6.html 

▫️FBI launches sex abuse investigation into Christian cult after ex-members revealed harrowing assaults - with more than 1,500 victims reporting over 700 sexual predators
The FBI has launched an investigation into claims of historic sex abuse inside a Christian cult after former members spoke out about harrowing assaults. 
The religious movement, which has no official name but is known by some as 'Two By Twos' is being probed over years of alleged sexual abuse.
The FBI Omaha Field Office said they are seeking help in identifying victims or individuals with knowledge of the religious group. 
According to survivors group Advocates for the Truth (AFTT), one ex-minister, Robert Corfield. is one of over 700 alleged perpetrators that have been identified by a hotline. 
The group said that over 1,500 survivors have called their hotline and utilized their therapy resources. 
» https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13114845/FBI-launches-sex-abuse-investigation-Christian-cult-ex-members-revealed-harrowing-assaults-1-500-victims-reporting-700-sexual-predators.html
» https://newsfinale.com/us/fbi-launches-sex-abuse-investigation-into-christian-cult/
» https://nybreaking.com/fbi-launches-sex-abuse-investigation-into-christian-cult-after-ex-members-revealed-harrowing-assaults-with-more-than-1500-victims-reporting-over-700-sexual-predators/
» https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68361054.amp
» https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66449988 

▫️Regional Freedom from Slavery Forums 2024
This series of 7 regional forums will explore promising regional approaches for eradicating modern slavery in local communities and the regions.
The first regional forum is the North America regional forum that will be hosted by the Wolfson Campus, Miami Dade College, Florida, United States, from 11-13 March 2024.  The theme is "Mobilizing for Anti-Trafficking Action: Bridging the Gaps and Enabling Collective Awareness through Technological Advancements."  Speakers will include survivors, tech experts, the United Nations, government officials, etc.
https://www.alliance87.org/events/regional-freedom-slavery-forums-2024 

▫️Human Trafficking Disruptors Summit • March 22-23, 2024 • Ashland, OR
From start to finish, this event brings together experts, advocates, and community members to discuss strategies for combating human trafficking and supporting survivors. Learn tools and skills to identify what trafficking looks like, and discover surprising solutions to help keep our communities safe.
“By coming together as a community, we can disrupt the cycle of human trafficking and create a safer, more just society for all. This unique event is critical in raising awareness and mobilizing action to address this troubling meta-issue in our society.” – Lauren Trantham, Event Co-Producer
https://anpconference.com/disruptors-summit-2024-ashland-or/ 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Harris County Sting Operation Nets 13 Arrests in Prostitution and Trafficking Crackdown, several survivors
Deputies in Harris County, Texas, put the squeeze on local prostitution and potential human trafficking in a sting operation that led to over a dozen arrests, according to officials.
The effort ended with 13 men, aged from their 20s up to their 60s, cuffed and charged for trying their luck with undercover deputies posing as prostitutes.
The precinct urges anyone with knowledge of spots condoning prostitution to dial in at 281-376-3472 or drop a tip on their website, assuring anonymity for all whistleblowers. 
» https://www.fox26houston.com/news/sex-trafficked-women-rescued-and-several-people-arrested-in-nw-harris-county-prostitution-sting   (VIDEO)
» https://hoodline.com/2024/02/harris-county-sting-operation-nets-13-arrests-in-prostitution-and-trafficking-crackdown/ 
» https://www.facebook.com/Precinct4/posts/793991339429252
»

▫️Multiple children taken to hospital following police investigation at Medway home
Multiple children were removed from a home in Medway following an investigation regarding concerns for their welfare, Medway Police Chief William Kingsbury said Friday afternoon.
Kingsbury said “multiple” children living at 105 Holliston Street were taken to a local hospital “for safekeeping.” They are now under the care of the Department of Children and Families.
“They’re all safe right now. Our main focus is the safety of the children as we continue our investigation,” Kingsbury detailed.
Kingsbury said that while the home is considered a crime scene until police leave, there was no homicide investigation initiated and the house was now empty. No arrests have been made and no charges have been filed.
https://news.yahoo.com/multiple-children-taken-hospital-following-203829740.html  (VIDEO) 

▫️FBI: Man charged with prostitution met undercover officer at Wake Forest hotel; 6 men charged
A new search warrant details how the FBI and Wake Forest police were able to arrest one of six men charged with human trafficking and soliciting prostitution.
Wake Forest police and the FBI were able to target Amadeo Vargas-Valera, 49, in December 2023 by posting ads on websites known for soliciting prostitution. A new search warrant details how the FBI and Wake Forest police were able to arrest one of six men charged with human trafficking and soliciting prostitution.
The warrants state that Vargas-Valera replied to the ad by text message, and an undercover police officer posed as a 15-year-old female.
» https://www.wral.com/story/man-charged-with-prostitution-in-wake-forest-met-undercover-officer-at-hotel/21297510/  (VIDEO) 
»

▫️Police didn’t investigate thousands of sexual assault cases in Houston, chief says
HOUSTON  - Houston’s police chief announced Thursday that thousands of sexual assault cases were suspended due to staffing issues.
The frustration from Finner is because 4,017 cases of sexual assaults dating back to 2016 were suspended by Houston police investigators due to lack of personnel.
“It was unacceptable then. It’s unacceptable now. Again, there will be accountability,” Finner said.
https://www.wvva.com/2024/02/23/police-didnt-investigate-thousands-sexual-assault-cases-houston-chief-says/?outputType=amp 

▫️Two Disney Cruise Workers Charged With Child Porn in Two-Week Span
A Disney cruise employee allegedly admitted to watching several videos of child pornography on his cellphone and was part of a group chat that sent explicit visuals of children under 10, according to court documents. 
Federal agents said they found the disturbing videos on Amiel Joseph Trazo's phone after receiving several tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 
The 28-year-old Philippines native allegedly told police that "he shared these images on Facebook Messenger with his friends and a girlfriend in order to "tease" them," the Miami New Times reported, citing the Broward County criminal affidavit.
On Jan. 31, Alvin Gonzales, 49, allegedly had an explicit, eight-plus-minute video of underage children on his phone, which a Homeland Security Investigations Task Force seized when he returned to Florida. 
» https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/another-disney-cruise-worker-arrested-in-florida-on-child-porn-charges-19084001
» https://www.foxnews.com/us/disney-cruise-worker-allegedly-watched-child-pornography-while-ship-admits-bad-religion
more Disney arrests-> https://drive.google.com/file/d/10EU2XCsDg_j3iaw587uVvxot2rKxTjNt/view 

▫️Commerce City police officer arrested for alleged sexual assault in Fort Lupton
A Commerce City police officer was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in Fort Lupton on Thursday.
Michael Glenn Parker, 30, was booked into the Weld County Detention Center on an arrest warrant for one count of sexual assault, Fort Lupton police said in a news release Friday.
Parker was placed on unpaid administrative leave Thursday and the internal investigation into the case is ongoing, Commerce City police said.
https://www.denverpost.com/2024/02/23/commerce-city-police-officer-arrested-alleged-sexual-assault-fort-lupton/ 

▫️Arrest made after man allegedly tried trafficking in child for sex
MONROE COUNTY  — A man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to traffic in, and promoting prostitution with a child.
Detectives from the Monroe County Office of the District Attorney state they have arrested and charged Fred Stevenson, 68 of Marshall’s Creek with crimes relating to attempted sex with a minor, along with attempted trafficking in minors and promoting prostitution.  
Police say in earlier February a woman came forward with concerns regarding Stevenson. The woman reported that while working as a prostitute, Stevenson would ask her to procure a child to fulfill a fantasy of having sex with a mother/daughter duo, according to court documents.
An undercover sting operation was arranged to meet with Stevenson where he was taken into custody without incident. Stevenson is now facing various charges involving incident assault involving minors.
» https://www.pahomepage.com/news/crime-courts/arrest-made-after-man-allegedly-tried-trafficking-child-for-sex/
» https://dailyvoice.com/pennsylvania/northampton/monroe-county-man-charged-with-trafficking-in-minors-prostitution-da/ 

▫️Michigan Man Charged with Interstate Sexual Exploitation of Children
ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on federal charges relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Matthew James Chantelois, 45, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the Court, from in and around October 2023 to in and around January 2024, Chantelois used, persuaded, induced, and enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct. The Indictment also charges Chantelois with possessing and transporting child sexual abuse material in interstate commerce.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/michigan-man-charged-interstate-sexual-exploitation-children 

▫️Wanted murder suspect discovered in local smuggling bust, three detained
SAN ANTONIO - The Bexar Country Sheriff's Office held a press conference addressing a human smuggling operation uncovered near the 1400 block of W Southcross.
According to Sheriff Salazar, three suspects have been arrested concerning the operation.
Cesar Vanegas, 23, Ramiro Martinez, 23, and Raul Rodriguez, 19, face state charges of Smuggling of Persons and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.
Vanegas, who is believed to be the organizer of the stash house, faces an additional charge of Operations of a Stash House. Among those being smuggled in was Francisco Carmona, 59, an internationally wanted suspect with a warrant out of Mexico for a 2009 homicide and 2022 for kidnapping. Carmona is now being held in federal custody.
A 2-year-old was also among the victims.
» https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/south-side-stash-house-18684441.php
»  https://foxsanantonio.com/newsletter-daily/wanted-murder-suspect-discovered-in-local-smuggling-bust-three-detained
»

▫️Smuggler sentenced for sexually assaulting migrant, putting her in toolbox
EL PASO, Texas – A federal judge has sentenced a Tucson, Arizona, resident to six years in prison plus three years of probation for transporting for money an undocumented 18-year-old female whose life he endangered after sexually assaulting her.
The alleged rape victim told investigators she remained inside the confined space for approximately two hours before the Border Patrol found her and let her out.
https://www.borderreport.com/immigration/border-crime/smuggler-sexually-assaulted-migrant-put-her-in-toolbox/ 

▫️Richmond man arrested on matter portraying sexual performance by minor
Richmond Police arrested a 30-year-old man after a sting operation in the 300 block of Gibson Lane.
Police arrested Kevin Perkins, 30, on 51 total charges, 50 of those charges being possession or viewing of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor.
Police were called out to an apartment at 390 Gibson Lane just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday night in reference to a man who was trying to contact a minor for sex.
“Officers met with members of an independent organization who stated they attempt to identify subjects engaging in sexual contact with minors,” the citation says.
https://www.richmondregister.com/news/richmond-man-arrested-on-matter-portraying-sexual-performance-by-minor/article_97aa4856-d266-11ee-a4d6-1bb9fde5d67c.html 

▫️Teen charged in fatal shooting of Detroit-area man who sought to expose sexual predators
PONTIAC, Mich. — A 17-year-old male has been charged in the fatal shooting of a Detroit-area man who had been trying to expose sexual predators by posing as a teenaged girl on social media. The office of Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald says the killing of Robert Wayne Lee II does not appear to be related to his unauthorized “sting” operations.
» https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/teen-charged-with-homicide-of-boopac-shakur-michigan-man-known-for-exposing-alleged-sexual-predators/
» https://krdo.com/news/ap-national-news/2024/02/23/teen-charged-in-fatal-shooting-of-detroit-area-man-who-sought-to-expose-sexual-predators/ 

▫️Children's pastor faces charges of viewing child sex abuse material
A former Seaford children's pastor has been arrested on 10 felony charges after admitting to possessing and viewing child sexual abuse material, the Delaware Department of Justice said Friday.
James Dryden, 74, was charged last week following an investigation by the state's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes Delaware State Police and the state Justice Department. 
Though Dryden is not charged with contacting a child - nor are investigators aware of any victims affiliated with the church - investigators are requesting anyone with information to come forward.
Tipsters are asked to contact the task force at (302) 739-2030. 
https://eu.delawareonline.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/23/seaford-childrens-pastor-arrested-on-child-porn-charges-doj-says/72711257007/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/seaford-childrens-pastor-arrested-on-charges-of-possession-of-child-sex-abuse-material/ 

▫️Former Lowell school worker charged with sex abuse in Indiana
LOWELL, Mich.  — A man who worked as a school bus driver and paraprofessional in Lowell Area Schools has been charged with seven counts of child molestation in Indiana.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Department in Indiana announced on Feb. 9 that Matthew Wayne Hare, 51, had been arrested in Kent County and extradited back to Indiana to face charges in a 2013 molestation case.
https://www.woodtv.com/news/kent-county/former-lowell-school-worker-charged-with-sex-abuse-in-indiana/   (VIDEO) 

▫️Muskogee Catholic school teacher's assistant charged with rape and sexual abuse, police say
MUSKOGEE, Okla. — A teacher's assistant at St. Joseph Catholic School in Muskogee was arrested after a sexual abuse investigation, according to the Muskogee County Sheriff's Dept.
On Feb. 20, the Muskogee County Sheriff's Dept. received a report of child sexual abuse involving 3 children.
Police say after investigation, Johnathan Wiedel was arrested on charges of rape in the first degree, rape by instrumentation, lewd acts with indecent proposals to a child under sixteen, and sexual abuse of children.
» https://www.fox23.com/news/muskogee-catholic-school-teachers-assistant-charged-with-rape-and-sexual-abuse-police-say/article_0ad1c9be-d279-11ee-b308-dbd84e822c16.html
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/muskogee-catholic-school-teachers-assistant-charged-with-rape-and-sexual-abuse-police-say-2/ 

▫️(UPDATE) Former Hamilton County teacher charged with dozens of child sex abuse crimes refuses plea deal
A former Hamilton County teacher who is charged with dozens of child sex abuse crimes has refused to negotiate with state prosecutors and is heading to trial this summer.
Duane Sanders Jr., 46, is charged with two counts of aggravated rape of a child, 14 counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child and 13 counts of aggravated sexual battery. Each count is a felony charge.
https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/feb/22/former-hamilton-county-teacher-charged-with/  

▫️Former Wetumpka firefighter gets 30 years on child sex charges
WETUMPKA - A former Wetumpka firefighter was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison on child sex charges.
John Cole Carter, 32, of Elmore, pleaded guilty in January to sexual abuse, transmitting obscene material, possession of child pornography, enticing a child for immoral purposes and electronic solicitation of a child, Elmore County Circuit Court records show.
He was sentenced Thursday morning by Circuit Judge Joy Booth in an often emotional proceeding that lasted longer than an hour. The victims in the case were a 13 and a 14-year-old girl, said District Attorney CJ Robinson.
» https://www.wsfa.com/video/2024/02/23/former-wetumpka-firefighter-sentenced-30-years-child-sex-abuse-case/   (VIDEO)
» https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/22/former-wetumpka-firefighter-gets-30-years-on-child-sex-charges/72692072007/  

▫️(UPDATE) Man accused of trafficking Oregon girls is former King County library employee
A Federal Way man who is accused of trafficking two girls from Oregon, 11 and 15 years old, after messaging them on Instagram and Snapchat has pleaded not guilty. 
The man, identified as Ezra Wimana in court documents, was charged with two counts of second-degree human trafficking, third-degree rape of a child, and two counts of promoting commercial sex abuse of a minor. He is being held on $500,000 bail after the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office argued that he would likely commit another offense against children if he was released. 
https://www.king5.com/article/news/crime/federal-way-man-plea-trafficking-minors/281-c801021a-1bf2-4cd8-8058-d3b8abc3fc49  

▫️Effingham Man Given Prison Time for Sex Crime
A district judge sentenced an Effingham man to spend 10 years in federal prison after he admitted to soliciting sex online from a purported minor in exchange for money.
John S. Harmon, 65, pleaded guilty to attempted commercial sex trafficking of a minor and solicitation of child pornography.
http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/64136-effingham-man-given-prison-time-for-sex-crime  

▫️2 New Bedford men convicted of child sex abuse; both face deportation
Two men from New Bedford men will go to prison after a Fall River Superior Court jury convicted them of child sex abuse on Friday, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III’s office announced.
Nicholas Pacheco, 41, was convicted of two counts of aggravated rape and abuse of a child with at least a five-year age difference, Quinn’s office said in a statement Thursday. Pacheco’s housemate, Braulio Castro, 37, was convicted of forcible rape of a child.
Judge Thomas McGuire sentenced the two men after they were ordered held in jail over the holiday weekend, Quinn’s office said. Pacheco will serve 10 to 15 years in state prison and Castro was sentenced to serve eight to 12 years in prison. Neither of them are United States citizens and could be deported after their prison sentences are completed.
https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/02/2-new-bedford-men-convicted-of-child-sex-abuse-both-face-deportation.html 

▫️Man convicted of child sex crimes captured in Linn County after police search
PORTLAND, Ore.  — Law enforcement in Linn County announced that a convicted child rapist, who authorities were searching for last week, has been captured.
According to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, 51-year-old Gary Coomer, of Sweet Home, was scheduled for sentencing one week ago. When he failed to appear, warrants were issued for his arrest.
https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/man-convicted-of-child-sex-crimes-captured-in-linn-county-after-police-search/  

▫️Man Convicted of Sexually Abusing 2 Teen Girls in Santa Ana
A 52-year-old man was convicted Thursday of ongoing sexual relationships with two teenage girls he lived with years apart in Santa Ana, impregnating one of them.
Alejandro Heredia-Santana was convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and continuous sexual abuse of a child, both felonies, with a sentencing enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury. He was also convicted of two misdemeanor counts of disobeying domestic relations court orders.
Police reported when he was arrested that he was a soccer coach in Santa Ana.
https://mynewsla.com/crime/2024/02/22/man-convicted-of-sexually-abusing-2-teen-girls-in-santa-ana/  

▫️Broward jury votes to send convicted rapist, murderer back to death row for 3rd time
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – A Broward jury voted to send convicted rapist and murderer Howard Steven Ault back to death row for the third time.
The jury voted 9-3 in favor of the death penalty recommendations after eight total hours in two days of deliberations.
Ault, 57, was on death row for the 1996 rape and murder of two sisters, who were just 11 and 7 years old. 
» https://www.local10.com/news/local/2024/02/22/jury-recommends-death-penalty-for-broward-man-accused-of-raping-murdering-2-young-girls/
» https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/double-child-killer-howard-steven-32192445
» https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/23/howard-steven-ault-sentenced-death-murdering-sisters-florida-20332572/ 

▫️Attorney asks the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to weigh in on vigilante child predator stings
No one has sympathy for an adult looking to sexually assault a child.
Luzerne County attorney William Watt understands that. But he is asking Pennsylvania’s highest court to weigh in on the rise of amateur vigilantes who lure in adults online by acting as minors.
Amateur predator catchers operate in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, setting up their own stings, posting their in-person confrontations on social media, and handing the evidence to police. They’ve taken up the mantle of NBC’s popular, short-lived “To Catch a Predator,” which was eventually canceled after lawsuits and at least one suicide.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/child-predator-sting-hansen-police-law-20240223.html  

▫️Supreme Court refuses to pause $2.46 billion settlement for Boy Scout abuse victims
WASHINGTON  — The Supreme Court refused on Thursday to put the Boy Scouts of America’s $2.46 billion settlement for assault victims on pause while considering a similar bankruptcy deal. 
A group of abuse victims urged the justices to pause the Boy Scout’s bankruptcy deal while the victims’ challenge to the plan proceeds. 
The justices did not explain why they denied the victims’ application. There were no noted dissents.
https://www.courthousenews.com/supreme-court-refuses-to-pause-2-46-billion-settlement-for-boy-scout-abuse-victims/ 

▫️'Sound of Freedom' Angel Studios Targeted in Tim Ballard Lawsuit
Brought by the same law firms representing multiple women accusing Ballard of sexual assault in previous complaints (allegations Ballard disputes), this latest suit claims that Ballard and various companies connected to him defamed plaintiff Kely Johana Suárez Moya, a Colombian woman, as a child trafficker and sexual predator. The 369-page document argues that Suárez was wrongly arrested during a sting operation run by Ballard in her home country, which then became the “founding myth” of his organization Operation Underground Railroad — leading to salacious headlines about her and, eventually, her vilification in Sound of Freedom.
» https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/sound-of-freedom-tim-ballard-angel-studios-lawsuit-1234974841/
» https://www.fox13now.com/news/fox-13-investigates/woman-portrayed-as-villain-in-sound-of-freedom-sues-tim-ballard 

▫️Parent Education Series - San Luis Coastal Unified School District
On February 28th Divina Diaz from the District Attorney's Office will provide an in depth presentation on human trafficking in SLO County and what parents can do to keep their kids safe.
https://www.slcusd.org/about/parent-education-series  

▫️Trucking industry fights human trafficking, still a crisis
Canadian and American truckers like Kimmel, are the mobile army of eyes and ears on the road that can help combat human trafficking, says Heather Fry, the director of Industry training at Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT).
According to TAT’s 2022 survey, 992 of 13,600 professional truck drivers surveyed have said they’ve seen at least 3,044 incidents of sex trafficking within the last three years.
https://www.trucknews.com/transportation/trucking-industry-fights-human-trafficking-still-a-crisis/1003182230/ 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?=

▫️Border Patrol Reports Thousands of Arrests of Criminals
The U.S. Border Patrol reported thousands of arrests of unlawful migrants with past criminal histories this week.
In a post on X, Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens wrote that agents had made more than 6,400 arrests thus far in FY 2024 of individuals with criminal convictions, including murder, rape, and drug or weapons smuggling.
https://dallasexpress.com/national/border-patrol-reports-thousands-of-arrests/ 

▫️Operation SOAR: ICE arrests 6 sex offenders in Texas, 3 in Houston area
HOUSTON - On Friday, ICE announced six migrant sex offenders were arrested by their Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Houston Field Office during a nationwide operation from Feb. 5 to 16.
According to the agency, ERO identified and arrested several individuals with previous convictions for sex offenses, including three who had child sex offenses.
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/ice-arrests-6-sex-offenders-in-texas-3-in-houston-area 

▫️Illegal immigrant from Honduras arrested in Virginia on child porn charges
According to a report from Fox 5 Washington, D.C., Gherson Gonzales-Hernandez was arrested on Feb. 9 by Fairfax County Police facing charges that included 10 counts related to child pornography material and two counts of unlawful creation of a videographic or still image of a minor.
He was arrested by Fairfax County Police Feb. 9, and charged with multiple crimes related to child sexual abuse material.
» https://www.fox5dc.com/news/honduran-man-in-virginia-illegally-now-facing-child-pornography-charges   (VIDEO)
» https://www.bizpacreview.com/2024/02/24/illegal-immigrant-from-honduras-arrested-in-virginia-on-child-porn-charges-1439857/ 

▫️Migrants with criminal backgrounds arrested after illegal entry into the United States
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the West Texas and New Mexico region have apprehended more than 12 migrants this week with previous criminal convictions and/or criminal histories, attempting to enter the country illegally through the El Paso Sector area of responsibility.
Migrants with criminal convictions encountered by El Paso Sector agents include aggravated felons such as sex offenders, child predators and drug traffickers. 
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/migrants-criminal-backgrounds-arrested-after-illegal-entry-united 

▫️Border Patrol releases hundreds of migrants at a bus stop after San Diego runs out of aid money
SAN DIEGO — Hundreds of migrants were dropped off Friday at a San Diego bus stop instead of at a reception center that had been serving as a staging area because it ran out of local funding sooner than expected, showing how even the largest city on the country’s southern border is struggling to cope with the unprecedented influx of people.
https://ottawa.citynews.ca/2024/02/23/border-patrol-releases-hundreds-of-migrants-at-a-bus-stop-after-san-diego-runs-out-of-aid-money/ 

   @ENDHUMANTRAFFICKING

▫️9 people found neglected, possibly injured in Fort Bend unpermitted boarding house
Deputies say they encountered individuals within a residence in need of help. Officers then found nine individuals inside, showing signs of neglect and potential injuries. Five of them were promptly transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
The proprietor and operator of the residential facility, identified as Samantha Renee Morris, 51, later arrived at the location and was apprehended by a Fire Marshal Investigator. 
Morris was sent to the Fort Bend County Jail, where she was booked on charges of Operating a Boarding House Without a Permit.
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/fort-bend-county-sheriffs-office-arrests-suspect-for-operating-unpermitted-boarding-house 

▫️UPDATED: Ex-Sioux County sheriff's deputy, wife arrested on child neglect charges
ORANGE CITY, Iowa — An ex-Sioux County deputy and his wife are accused of failing to protect children from numerous acts of sexual abuse perpetrated by a child in their care.  
Caleb and Jill Haverdink, both 37, were arrested Thursday on seven counts of neglect of a dependent person, Class C felonies, as well as two counts of mandatory reporter violations and one count of making a false report to law enforcement, all simple misdemeanors.
Both posted $5,000 bond and were released from custody.
https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/crime-courts/childneglect-calebhaverdink-jillhaverdink-siouxcounty-childsexabuse-deputy/article_7151e130-d1f5-11ee-b917-6799f0b9b341.html 

▫️Sexual predator in DeLand arrested on child porn charges
A tip about a Facebook account led Volusia County Sheriff's detectives to arrest a sexual predator on child pornography charges, according to a social media post by the sheriff's office.
Brad A. Perry, 35, of DeLand, has been charged with multiple counts of failure to properly register as a sexual predator and 30 counts of possession of child pornography, according to the sheriff's office.
"Detectives also determined Perry had given his unregistered cell number to a 17-year-old girl," according to the sheriff's office. "Upon obtaining a search warrant for the phone, detectives discovered several other unreported social media accounts, as well as multiple explicit images depicting children from the ages of infancy to 10 years old."
https://eu.news-journalonline.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/24/sexual-predator-in-deland-arrested-on-child-porn-charges/72726066007/ 

▫️Mint Hill man arrested for sexual exploitation of a minor, police say
MINT HILL, N.C. — The Mint Hill Police Department has arrested a man in connection with the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Police said William Rafael Marin-Angel was taken into custody at his home on Thursday. He has been charged with five counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/mint-hill-man-arrested-sexual-exploitation-minor-police-say/D7AVZSOL7RCCVGKBUY4NUV37NY/ 

▫️Vile stepmum sentenced after children locked in dog cages in 'worst case of abuse' nurse had ever seen
A twisted stepmother has been sent to prison for failing to stop her husband from torturing their six children after locking them in a dog cage as punishment.
Amanda Stamper, 33, wept in court after she was sentenced to up to 18 years in jail. She told Clark County District Court Judge Nadia Krall on Thursday she knew she 'should have done something sooner' as the court heard evidence from one nurse who called the "worst case of abuse" she had ever seen.
Sex worker Stamper, a pimp for her husband Travis Doss, 32, was accused of the sickening abuse of their children aged between two to 11. She faced seven charges of child abuse, six of whom were allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse. Two of her children were found in a dog cage in the apartment in Las Vegas, Nevada. The kids didn't go to school.
One child was locked in the dog cage for five days without food.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/vile-stepmum-sentenced-after-children-32206748 

▫️Teacher Charged for Sex with 11-Year-Old: New Allegations Surface
Three months ago Alyson Cranick, a teacher in Connecticut, was arrested for alledgedly having sexual relations with an 11 year old boy student at the school.
Originally, Cranick turned herself in and was granted bail. A short time after being granted bail, Cranick broke her bail agreement to not have unsupervised contact with a minor. She has been taken back into custody.
The former school teacher is now being held on a $1.5 million dollar bond.
https://original.newsbreak.com/@rhonda-grice-1867083/3345474470837-teacher-charged-for-sex-with-11-year-old-new-allegations-surface 

▫️Edgewood ISD coach, substitute arrested on child sex charges
A San Antonio instructional coach and substitute teacher was arrested after a student's outcry reached school officials on Wednesday, February 21. The staff member at Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School faces a second-degree felony charge after allegedly touching the child inappropriately in a classroom.
San Antonio police arrested Duke Robert Aguirre, 28, on Thursday, February 22, after Edgewood ISD received reports of a staff member having sexual contact with a student on January 24.
https://www.lmtonline.com/news/local/article/edgewood-isd-coach-substitute-arrested-18685930.php 

▫️Irving Man Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing Child Under 6 Years of Age
In a recent court case in Dallas County, 47-year-old Gerardo Benitez-Canales of Irving was found guilty of child sexual abuse.  The jury only needed to deliberate for 13 minutes to return the guilty verdict.  
Irving Police Officers apprehended Benitez-Canales in November of 2022 after investigations into sexual abuse of a child.  The victim was under the age of 6.
Benitez-Canales was sentenced to 60 years in prison without the possibility of parole. It has been revealed that Benitez-Canales has been in the United States illegally. 
https://www.irvingjournal.com/s/1142/Irving-Man-Found-Guilty-of-Sexually-Abusing-Child-Under-6-Years-of-Age.php 

▫️Jehovah's Witness Elder Sentenced to 20 years
Superior Court Judge Stephen Nelson has just sentenced former Jehovah's Witness Elder Ernest Fyans to the max. penalty for crimes of child sexual abuse of minors: 20 years for Count 1 and 5 years for Count 2. Defendant Fyans invoked "Jehovah" in his plea, to no avail.
On September 20th, 2023, a jury in Aroostook County, Maine found Ernie Fyans guilty of both counts of child abuse the State was able to prosecute, but hundreds of pages of documents locked inside Jehovah's Witness filing cabinets in several states reveal many more victims.
These documents, sometimes referred to as the "Palmer Leaks" of Massachusetts tell the story of countless JW perpetrators and crimes in the Northeastern US, most of which are concealed from law enforcement officers, obstructing justice on the claim of Clergy-Privilege.
During today's sentencing hearing, victims described the impact of their assaults and rapes at the hands of defendant Fyans as well as additional members of the Fort Kent Maine congregation, including elders and abusers.
» https://avoidjw.org/news/jw-elder-sentenced-to-20-years/ 
»

▫️New Orleans Catholic priest charged with rape may be too sick to stand trial
A 92-year-old Roman Catholic priest from New Orleans who is charged with raping a teenager after strangling him unconscious is now “in and out of consciousness” himself, according to the clergyman’s defense attorney, who is seeking to postpone a trial date in the case.
The assistant district attorney who is leading the prosecution of Lawrence Hecker said on Friday he was ready to “roll [the defendant] in on a gurney” to keep a 25 March trial date in the case. 
» https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/25/new-orleans-trial-priest-health
» https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/20/jailed-new-orleans-priest-lawrence-hecker-hospitalized 

▫️Hunt for lost children of FLDS: New 'sightings' of missing kids feared 'kidnapped' by Warren Jeffs' polygamous cult give desperate moms glimmer of hope as investigators chase down leads in Utah
Police are treating the cases as 'runaways', but mothers fear their children are being harbored by Jeffs' loyal followers who want to take them to the afterlife
Mothers of children feared to have been 'abducted' by the followers of Warren Jeffs' radical polygamous cult say they have been given renewed hope of finding their loved ones as private investigators chase leads in Utah.
The distraught moms, themselves former members of the cult, have been buoyed by reports of possible sightings around the state. Sarah Johnson, whose son Salome, 15, has been missing for almost three years, praised the work of private investigators who have been tirelessly working on her case.
The group of Harley Davidson-riding 'Road Warriors' are monitoring an active work site in Utah run by the Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints (FLDS), the extreme Mormon offshoot once ruled by Jeffs, DailyMail.com can reveal.
Johnson said it was a 'stronger lead' than any that had been investigated in the past. Four ex-FLDS mothers have gone public with their plea to track down eight missing children. 
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13106681/warren-jeffs-mormon-cult-leader-missing-kids-utah-kidnapped.html  

Utah advances bill to criminalize ‘ritual abuse of a child’ These Utahns say they experienced ‘ritual’ abuse — and urge legislators to make it a crime
Utah County sheriff said ritual child abuse does happen, and should be banned in criminal law. But some legislators doubted whether that is needed.
After an evening of emotional testimony from activists, self-described victims and law enforcement officials, lawmakers in Utah are moving forward with a bill that would criminalize so-called ritualistic child sexual abuse — a codification critics say is unnecessary and potentially harmful.
Sponsored by Republican state Rep. Ken Ivory, House Bill 196 defines ritual abuse as abuse that occurs as “part of an event or act designed to commemorate, celebrate, or solemnize a particular occasion or significance in a religious, cultural, social, institutional, or other context.” The bill lists specific actions that fall under the proposed definition: abuse against children that includes animal torture, bestiality or cannibalism, or forcing a child to ingest urine or feces, enter a coffin or grave containing a corpse, or take drugs as part of the ritual.
At the hearing on Wednesday, several adults who described themselves as survivors of ritualistic child sexual abuse urged lawmakers in the state House Judiciary Committee to support the bill. Their testimony included the stuff of nightmares: devil worship, animal torture, forced bondage, rape, cannibalism, child prostitution and mind control — assaults so physically and emotionally traumatic that the victims said they repressed memories of their abuse.
The bill would differentiate the crime and classify it as a second-degree felony, with a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
» https://www.fox13now.com/news/politics/utah-moves-forward-with-bill-to-outlaw-ritualistic-child-abuse    (VIDEO)
» https://kutv.com/news/local/bill-defining-ritualistic-sex-abuse-passes-out-of-utah-house-judiciary-committee-house-bill-196-ken-ivory-kera-birkeland    (VIDEO)
» https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/utah-advances-bill-criminalize-ritual-child-abuse-rcna140025
» https://www.aol.com/utah-advances-bill-criminalize-ritual-221259274.html
» https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2024/02/21/should-ritual-child-abuse-be/
» https://youtu.be/HaD_Ds1o-m0  

▫️#CTP Presents: Emmaus - Sex Trafficking Rescue Team

▫️Community comes together to combat sex trafficking
SARASOTA, Fla.  - Dozens of community members gathered at Christ Church on Longboat Key to learn more about the realities of sex trafficking in our area.
“It’s definitely a crisis,” says Laurie Swink, the co-founder of Selah Freedom, which is a local non-profit that works to fight sex-trafficking along the Suncoast.
She says their safe houses for trafficking victims in the Tampa Bay area currently have a four month wait, but she is encouraged by the attention the issue is starting to get.
“There’s definitely an increase in awareness of trafficking here in this area,” she says.
https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/02/24/community-comes-together-combat-sex-trafficking/ 

▫️Marvel Comics And DC Reportedly Cut Two Stories Penned By Convicted Child Sex Offender Gerard Jones From Upcoming ‘Amalgam Comics’ Omnibus
In an understandable yet unfortunate-for-completionists move, Marvel and DC have reportedly moved to omit a pair of one-shots penned by former comic book writer and current convicted pedophile Gerard Jones from their upcoming Amalgam Comics omnibus.
While neither DC nor Marvel have yet to offer any official word as to why the two titles will be omitted from the omnibus, it’s not hard to guess that the decision more or less had to do with the fact that Jones, as noted above, is a convicted sex offender.
https://boundingintocomics.com/2024/02/24/marvel-comics-and-dc-reportedly-cut-two-stories-penned-by-convicted-child-sex-offender-gerard-jones-from-upcoming-amalgam-comics-omnibus/ 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Operation HART: Officials aid 35 victims in Arkansas human trafficking investigation, multiple arrests
JONESBORO, Ark. — Five women believed to be victims of human trafficking and another 30 local victims were identified and offered services as part of Operation HART (Human Anti-Trafficking Recovery Team) in Jonesboro earlier this month. One suspected trafficker was also identified.
The operation was conducted by the Arkansas State Police (ASP) and Arkansas Human Trafficking Council. Recovery operations are underway to provide victims with necessities such as food, lodging, onsite medical services, counseling/therapy, and drug rehabilitation.
Additionally, ten men were detained and ten adult females and two minor females were identified and offered recovery services after a similar operation in Little Rock in September. Five of the adults accepted assistance and all minors were taken into protective custody.
If you have information or suspect human trafficking in your area, please contact the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council at reportht@asp.arkansas.gov.
» https://www.countryherald.com/news/arkansas-law-enforcement-identifies-35-victims-in-human-trafficking-operation/
» https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/suspects-identified-victims-recovered-arkansas-human-trafficking-investigations/91-7bd32401-cbc5-4adb-bf25-88372229d4f1
» https://www.kait8.com/2024/02/26/asp-5-women-rescued-human-trafficking-jonesboro/
» https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/news/operation-hart-tackles-human-trafficking-in-northeast-arkansas/ 

▫️ERO New Orleans focuses targeted operation on convicted sexual offenders | ICE
NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New Orleans officers apprehended six unlawfully present noncitizen sex offenders during a nationwide law enforcement effort that ran from Feb. 5 through Feb. 16.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-new-orleans-focuses-targeted-operation-convicted-sexual-offenders 

▫️ERO Los Angeles arrests 36 noncitizens with sex offense convictions during nationwide law enforcement effort | ICE
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-los-angeles-arrests-36-noncitizens-sex-offense-convictions-during-nationwide-law 

▫️ICE arrests 19 noncitizens with sex offense convictions as part of nationwide law enforcement effort | ICE
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-arrests-19-noncitizens-sex-offense-convictions-part-nationwide-law-enforcement 

▫️Orange Grove parent helps catch online predator
A 27-year-old Collegedale man has been arrested and charged with three counts of solicitation of a minor and 12 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor after a parent in Texas found worrisome messages on their child's phone.
On February 5, the Collegedale Police Department received a call from a concerned parent in Orange Grove, TX, saying a Collegedale man named Quentin Williams had been talking with his 8-year-old son on Snapchat and Xbox since August of 2023.
An investigation led to the charges of three counts of solicitation of a minor and 12 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. 
https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/local/experts-weigh-in-on-warning-signs-when-it-comes-to-online-predators/503-361f72a6-9a2f-45b9-974e-f907cf5f5707 

▫️Woman attempts to kidnap 4-year-old at Target store in Los Angeles: police
Authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s help in locating a woman wanted for an attempted kidnapping Sunday afternoon.  
The incident occurred at a Target store located at 620 S. Virgil at around 12;30 p.m., according to an an LAPD Community Alert notification.  
Police said the suspect, described as a Black adult female, approximately 40 years old, standing around 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds, grabbed a 4-year-old victim from behind without consent and carried him outside of the store.  
Anyone with information about this incident or who may recognize the woman is urged to contact officials at the Los Angeles Police Department. 
» https://ktla.com/news/local-news/woman-allegedly-attempts-to-kidnap-4-year-old-at-target-store-in-l-a/  (VIDEO) 
»

▫️Former CPS Investigator to stand trial in child sexual assault case
Next week, Slade Dean King will stand trial in the 350th District Court of the Taylor County Courthouse. A jury of his peers will decide whether or not he is guilty of the sexual assault of a child.
King stands accused of second-degree sexual assault of a child, under 17 years old.
According to documents obtained by Reporter-News, Slade was a confirmed employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) for a little over nine years. He worked as a Childhood Protective Services (CPS) investigator, with the investigations unit from March 5, 2012, through June 1, 2021.
https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/26/former-cps-investigator-stand-trial-child-sexual-assault-case-abilene-taylor-county-texas-crime/72601854007/ 

▫️Retired South Georgia teacher pleads guilty to filming children with hidden bathroom cameras
ALBANY, Ga. — A retired South Georgia school teacher pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material after police found hidden cameras inside his rental property’s bathroom.
David Swanson, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and will be supervised for the rest of his life upon his release.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Swanson filmed young children bathing and undressing.
According to court documents, a concerned citizen reported to Ray City police in March 2023 that she found a hidden camera in the home she rented from Swanson.
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/georgia/retired-south-georgia-teacher-pleads-guilty-filming-children-with-hidden-bathroom-cameras/JO42DV6A2RAUNBXPJDXDEF53O4/ 

▫️Federal judge green-lights victims' class action lawsuit against Johnson City, police
Tennessee - A federal judge has greenlit a class action lawsuit against Johnson City and its police force that makes explosive allegations that some cops took bribes and turned the other way while a serial rapist assaulted scores of women and at least two children.
The ruling on Friday dramatically raises the stakes in a police corruption scandal that has roiled the northeast Tennessee community — and the city’s potential liability should it lose or settle the case.
Instead of ten plaintiffs, identified as “Jane Does” in a lawsuit first filed in June, the ruling now opens the door to potentially hundreds of Johnson City victims who were sexually assaulted over a more than five-year period, from January 1, 2018 to April 25, 2023 — regardless of who the perpetrator was or whether the assaults were reported to police.
» https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/02/24/federal-judge-green-lights-victims-class-action-lawsuit-against-johnson-city-police/
» https://edition.timesfreepress.com/article/281741274359549 

▫️Fourth Carlsbad resident sentenced in connection with sexual abuse of children
ALBUQUERQUE – A Carlsbad man was sentenced this week in federal court in connection with sexual abuse of minors.
Alexander M.M. Uballez, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Juan Antonio Flores was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison. Flores, 47, of Carlsbad, pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor on Sept. 19, 2023.
According to publicly available court records, the FBI obtained a federal search warrant for an address in Carlsbad associated with an online account for a fetish website that had been discussing the sexual molestation of a 9-year-old minor and sending child pornography of that minor.
https://artesianews.com/news/crime/fourth-carlsbad-resident-sentenced-in-connection-with-sexual-abuse-of-children/ 

▫️Bellingham man sentenced for child pornography, attempted enticement of a minor
A 28-year-old Bellingham man was sentenced Friday to 12 years in federal prison after he went to a hotel in December 2022 to sexually assault an 8-year-old child and film the abuse.
Clayton Paul Harker was sentenced Friday, Feb. 23, in the Western District of Washington in U.S. District Court to 12 years in federal prison, with 15 years of supervised release.
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/crime/article285863611.html 

▫️Texas AG moves to shut down Catholic migrant shelter. Could the same happen in Iowa?
IOWA CITY — Immigrant workers and Catholic charities worry a package of bills being advanced by Iowa Republican lawmakers would criminalize and could lead to the closure of faith-based migrant shelters and civic engagement organizations to house or transport asylum-seekers.
Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Catholic migrant shelter Annunciation House under similar legislation signed into law in that state to turn over information about the guests they serve.
https://siouxcityjournal.com/texas-ag-moves-to-shut-down-catholic-migrant-shelter-could-the-same-happen-in-iowa/article_060233a2-d430-11ee-ad70-f3cc8070dcaf.html 

▫️EXCLUSIVE: Woman Forced to Bunk with Transgender Prisoner
Katelyn McGraw is currently incarcerated in Taycheedah Correctional Institution in Kenosha, Wisconsin, serving a sentence for possession of narcotic drugs and bail jumping. She’s been at Taycheedah since the end of summer 2023, records show, and her fiancee says that she’ll soon be sent to a minimum security prison.
Recently she began sending distressed messages to her fiancee, Raymond Slater II, describing a transgender prisoner named “Mark Campbell” with whom she shares both a cell and a bunkbed. McGraw expressed extreme anxiety as she described her cellmate’s constant masturbating, sexual comments, and aggressive behavior, and she asked her fiancee to find out what exactly got Campbell locked up.
A report that revealed Campbell to be a man who now identifies as a woman, who raped his own daughter, and is a registered sex offender convicted of first-degree sexual assault of a child. n December 2020, a federal judge ruled that Wisconsin must offer Campbell taxpayer-funded transition surgery and must move him to a women’s prison while awaiting that surgery.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2024/02/26/exclusive-female-inmate-forced-to-bunk-with-masturbating-transgender-prisoner-who-raped-daughter-messages-claim/ 

▫️In Depth: Child Exploitation
Denise Gomez, the founder of Speaking 4 Change, joins Hal to discuss the experience she had with exploitation as a young teen and how it affected her. Then, Patrick Erlandson, of Father-con.org, discusses with Hal the importance of involved fathers. Also, Charlene Doak-Gebauer, producer/director of "Vulnerable Innocence," discusses the documentary with Hal – as well as her work as an advocate against child exploitation with an international team. And finally, author of "Parenting in the Digital World," Clayton Cranford, walks Hal through some of the suggestions in his book.

▫️Story of teen victim inspires Austin council member to draft resolution to combat human trafficking
"It hurt my heart, it hurt my soul," District 6 Council Member Mackenzie Kelly said after hearing about a 16-year-old girl who was trafficked from Kansas to Austin and sexually assaulted.
https://news.yahoo.com/story-teen-victim-inspires-austin-014238637.html   (VIDEO)  

▫️6th annual "A Walk Together - Uniting Against Sex Trafficking" to raise funds, awareness for sex trafficking problem in Central Minn.
ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center and Shear Dynamics Salon of Waite Park are teaming up again to host the annual 5K walk to raise funds and awareness for the sex trafficking problem in Central Minn.
The 6th annual event will help raise money for and bring awareness to the work of the Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center. Local law enforcement and survivors have identified St. Cloud as a “training hub” for prostitution in the state, which has the third highest rate of sex trafficking in the nation.
To register, visit WalkTogetherMN.org.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center. Participants are encouraged to bring signs with educational information regarding sex trafficking.
https://www.kvsc.org/6th-annual-a-walk-together-uniting-against-sex-trafficking-to-raise-funds-awareness-for-sex-trafficking-problem-in-central-minn/ 

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[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Operation Good Shepherd: 16 suspects arrested in Hall County for child sex crimes, prostitution
Authorities arrested 16 people in Hall County over the weekend during a sting operation targeting people who use the internet for illegal sexual activity. The resulting arrests were for various charges, including electronic exploitation of a minor,  prostitution, pandering and drug possession.
Spearheaded by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Operation Good Shepherd netted four arrests in January. The joint operation also involved the Floyd County and Grovetown police departments acting under the umbrella of the GBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
» https://accesswdun.com/article/2024/2/1230173/16-suspects-arrested-in-hall-county-for-child-sex-crimes-prostitution
» https://nowhabersham.com/operation-good-shepherd-results-in-16-more-sex-sting-arrests/
» https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/16-arrested-illegal-sex-sting-hall-county/OVAL2VNLZBASRBKRB652SLI2FE/ 

▫️5 men arrested in connection to child exploitation in Albertville
ALBERTVILLE, Ala.  - Five men were arrested in connection to child exploitation in Albertville, the Albertville Police Department announced on Monday.
Police said the men were allegedly in communication with what was believed to be children through texting and phone calls to engage in unlawful sex acts.
» https://www.waff.com/2024/02/26/5-men-arrested-connection-child-exploitation-albertville/  (VIDEO)
» https://www.waaytv.com/news/albertville-police-chief-speaks-about-undercover-child-exploitation-sting-arrests/article_637d9064-d532-11ee-91d1-13f4b89374de.html 

▫️Operation Shadows: Austintown Man Arrested in Undercover Operation Targeting Sexual Predators
Ke’Monie L Colpetro, was arrested at a site along Meridian Road after Austintown police and the task force engaged him in an online exchange, during which he allegedly solicited them for sexual activity, believing them to be between the ages of 13 and 16, according to the charging document filed through Mahoning County Austintown Court.
Colpetro, 24, of Compass West Apartments in Austintown, faces charges of attempted unlawful sexual contact with a minor and soliciting sexual contact with a minor.
» https://bnnbreaking.com/world/us/austintown-man-arrested-in-undercover-operation-targeting-sexual-predators
» https://www.vindy.com/news/local-news/2024/02/austintown-man-24-arrested-in-sex-sting/ 

▫️ (UPDATE) Operation Hart: Law enforcement agencies, advocates coordinate recovery operation for sex-trafficking victims, identify suspect in Jonesboro
"It's a team that we put in place with nonprofits, victim services providers and law enforcement to basically create a multidisciplinary team that will give services to victims of trafficking that arrive at locations to meet law enforcement."
 Sgt. Matthew Foster, the Arkansas human trafficking coordinator within Arkansas State Police said that 59 victims in Little Rock were identified.
"That and the 30 in Jonesboro, that's a large number. Especially when you consider that one is too many," he said.
» https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2024/feb/26/law-enforcement-agencies-conduct-recovery/
» https://arkansasag.gov/news_releases/attorney-general-griffin-praises-anti-human-trafficking-operation-in-northeast-arkansas/
» https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/news/operation-hart-tackles-human-trafficking-in-northeast-arkansas/ 

▫️Santa Cruz County middle school principal arrested on rape charges
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office seeking further victims in rape case.
WATSONVILLE — Police arrested the principal of Edward A. Hall Middle School on suspicion of multiple felony sexual assault allegations last week.
Dagoberto Garcia, 58, who has served at the helm of Watsonville’s oldest junior high school since March 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile, faces charges of rape of an intoxicated woman, sexual penetration of an intoxicated person and oral copulation of an intoxicated person. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office arrested Garcia on Thursday but his name was no longer listed in Friday’s inmate logs for the Santa Cruz County Jail.
Sheriff’s Office detectives are seeking additional victims in the early stages of their investigation. They are asking anyone with information to contact the office’s non-emergency dispatch line at 831-471-1121.
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/02/26/watsonville-middle-school-principal-arrested-on-rape-charges/ 

▫️Defense lawyer specializing in prostitution cases caught in sex sting, prosecutor says
On Kenneth Martin’s website, the Ohio-based attorney advertises that he represents clients in prostitution and solicitation cases. Now, 72-year-old Martin, of Macedonia, has been caught in a sex sting, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. 
» https://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/national/article285943886.html
» https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/crime/sex-sting-macedonia-defense-lawyer-kenneth-martin-charged-ohio-attorney-general-dave-yost/95-4b981e3a-994c-47c2-bb26-8f54f373781f 

▫️Police reopen sex investigation into Key Biscayne gymnastics coach
Key Biscayne Police Chief Frank Sousa revealed Monday an “active and ongoing criminal investigation” into allegations against a Key Biscayne gymnastics coach. 
Sousa referenced an investigation into Oscar Olea that took place last year where parents accused him of inappropriately touching young students, records show. But law enforcement and prosecutors choose not to file charges, citing insufficient evidence. 
Speaking at the “Protect Our Children” public meeting  Monday night, Sousa said  — for the first time — that women who came forward earlier this month sparked the investigation.
“There has been a lot of media interest in this. We have had additional individuals come forward, I can confirm for you that we do have an active and ongoing criminal investigation with the Miami-Dade Police Department and the State Attorney’s Office,” Sousa said.
The Village Council decided to hold the meeting after an online petition circulated on social media after the Olea investigation became public — along with the federal arrest of William McCaughan Jr., a Key Biscayne resident and former attorney, on child pornography charge in July. 
https://kbindependent.org/2024/02/26/police-reopen-sex-investigation-into-key-biscayne-gymnastics-coach/ 

▫️Feds detail human trafficking, Vacaville police chase as they charge East Bay man with gun possession
OAKLAND — A man twice convicted of human trafficking is back in jail, this time facing federal gun possession charges that carry a maximum 15-year prison term.
Adesola Kehinde, 37, was arrested last month for allegedly violating his probation and sex offender conditions by having a 17-year-old girl in his vehicle. But the gun police say they found in his glove compartment may spell more legal trouble for Kehinde.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/02/26/feds-detail-human-trafficking-vacaville-police-chase-as-they-charge-east-bay-man-with-gun-possession/ 

▫️Man Arrested In Operation Keiki Shield In Hilo
HILO, Hawaii - The multi-agency sting operation took place between Friday, February 23, and Sunday, February 25, with investigators posing as underage teens online.
A 42-year-old Big Island man has been arrested and charged for child sex solicitation as part of a multi-agency undercover operation in Hilo.
Elijah Joseph Stutes was charged with first-degree electronic enticement of a child and resisting arrest, police say.
https://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2024/02/26/man-arrested-in-operation-keiki-shield-in-hilo/ 

▫️Baton Rouge man arrested for solicitation of a minor in Livingston Parish
Livingston Parish – On February 21, 2024 the Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit (LSP SVU) working in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 41-year-old Fleet J. O’Bryant of Baton Rouge on charges related to a child sexual exploitation investigation.
As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained through the 21st JDC charging O’Bryant with LRS 14:81.3 - Computer-aided solicitation of a minor, and LRS 14:81 - Indecent behavior with juveniles. O’Bryant was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on the above charges. This case remains under investigation.
https://www.an17.com/crime/baton-rouge-man-arrested-for-solicitation-of-a-minor-in-livingston-parish/article_20ef1cbe-d44b-11ee-a6e0-e7ffe227397f.html 

▫️ERO Boston arrests Guatemalan national convicted of child sexual assault in Massachusetts
BOSTON — On Feb. 21, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston arrested an unlawfully present 34-year-old citizen of Guatemala in Gloucester who was recently convicted locally of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14. The unlawfully present Guatemalan national had been released by the Gloucester District Court, despite ERO Boston having filed an immigration detainer against him.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-boston-arrests-guatemalan-national-convicted-child-sexual-assault-massachusetts 

▫️Venezuelan migrant charged with raping young teen in Virginia
Authorities in Virginia are vowing to seek justice after a Venezuelan migrant in the country illegally was charged with sexually assaulting a child as young as 13.
Renzo Mendoza Montes, 32, was arrested last week on two felony charges for sexually assaulting an underage child, deputies in Campbell County announced.
The charges for the Jan. 21 attack do not give details of the victim or the circumstances — except to note that the child was between the ages of 13 and 14 years old, according to court records obtained by WSLS.
» https://nypost.com/2024/02/27/us-news/venezuelan-migrant-arrested-for-sexually-assaulting-young-teen/
»  https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2024/02/26/32-year-old-man-facing-felony-charges-in-connection-with-sexual-assault-of-a-minor-in-campbell-co/
»

▫️Former Camp Kieve counselor hit with more accusations of childhood sex abuse
Bill McCook is facing three lawsuits from three men who allege he molested them in the 1960s and 1970s.

▫️Sexual Predator Arrested in Claverack
On February 19, 2024, the New York State Police in conjunction with the Columbia County Child Advocacy Center arrested Gregory Brusso, age 66, of Claverack, NY, for Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a class A-II felony, and Criminal Sexual Act in the 1st degree, a class B felony.
After receiving a law enforcement tip, investigation determined Brusso sexually assaulted a child under the age of 13-years-old.
https://troopers.ny.gov/news/sexual-predator-arrested-claverack 

▫️Annapolis babysitter's husband pleads guilty to raping children
The husband of an Annapolis babysitter will serve 20 years in prison after sexually assaulting three young girls in her care between 2013 and 2015.
Across three criminal cases, Roberto Medina pleaded guilty Friday to second- and third-degree sex offenses as well as second-degree rape and was sentenced to 50 years in prison, 30 years of which were suspended.
https://www.capitalgazette.com/2024/02/27/babysitters-husband-to-serve-20-years-after-sexually-assaulting-three-children-in-her-care/  

▫️Vista Fire Chief to Speak at Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative Meeting
Vista, CA—Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland will host the North County Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative meeting on Thursday, March 14th, 9 a.m., at United Methodist Church of Vista, 490 S. Melrose Ave., Vista. The event is free to the public, and complimentary coffee and pastries will be provided.
Our guest speaker will be Chief of the Vista Fire Department, Gerard Washington. He will speak about how firefighters are now being trained to spot and assist human trafficking victims.
https://www.thevistapress.com/vista-fire-chief-to-speak-at-anti-human-trafficking-collaborative-meeting/ 

▫️I caught illegal immigrants crossing the border, at the US border I found a hole in the wall where migrants were crossing into the US.

▫️GOP AGs press Biden admin to act after reports that 85,000 migrant children are missing, possibly trafficked | Fox News (VIDEO)
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/22-gop-ags-press-biden-admin-act-reports-85000-migrant-children-missing-possibly-trafficked 

▫️State attorneys general say more than 85,000 children lost at the border
Twenty-two state attorneys general said Monday more than 85,000 migrant children could be lost based on a report from the Department of Health and Human Services.
The report issued this month shows many of the children could be in the labor market or sex trafficked, they said in a letter.
The attorneys general said the Biden administration needs to find the missing children. They are asking Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and FBI Director Christopher Wray to provide information on when the children were last seen and what safeguards are in place to ensure they are placed with family members.
» https://www.montanarightnow.com/news/state/state-attorneys-general-say-more-than-85-000-children-lost-at-the-border/article_50dafad9-3dfe-508e-8e9c-702e72c5e367.html
» https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/OEI-07-21-00250.pdf  (pdf) 

▫️Colorado Dems kill bill to have harsher penalties for child prostitution crimes
Colorado Democrats killed a bill this month that would have created a mandatory minimum sentence of four years for child prostitution. Under the current law, people who commit sex offenses against children can be charged with probation-eligible offenses.
"Probation-eligible offenses" refers to crimes for which a judge has the discretion to sentence the offender to probation instead of incarceration.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/colorado-dems-kill-bill-harsher-penalties-child-prostitution-crimes 

▫️Human Trafficking Awareness in Nebraska
https://rivercountry.newschannelnebraska.com/clip/15454168/human-trafficking-awareness-in-nebraska  (VIDEO) 

▫️Program launched to fight human trafficking in TN

▫️Solicitation for Annual Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award
The annual Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award (the award) seeks to raise awareness among transportation stakeholders about human trafficking and increase training and prevention to combat it. The award is a component of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking initiative. Additional information regarding the Department's counter-trafficking activities can be found at 
www.transportation.gov/stophumantrafficking.
Submissions accepted March 22, 2022 through midnight PST on May 23, 2022.
The Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award is looking for the best innovators to develop original, impactful, and unique human trafficking tools, initiatives, campaigns, and technologies that can help stop these heinous crimes in the transportation industry.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/22/2022-05781/solicitation-for-annual-combating-human-trafficking-in-transportation-impact-award 

▫️Chinese citizens use Northern Marianas as illegal pathway to Guam, authorities say
Since 2022, the agency has reported 118 unlawful or attempted unlawful entries by Chinese citizens, she told Stars and Stripes by email last month.
Entries peaked in 2022 with 85 cases, followed by 27 in 2023 and six so far this year, Chargualaf-Afaisen said.
These migrants could be involved in drug or human trafficking, cybersecurity breaches or threats to national security, Moylan said by email Monday.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2024-02-26/guam-china-illegal-entry-northern-marianas-13130497.html 

▫️RWS Civic Association Speaker Series – Human Trafficking
Thursday March 24 at 6:30 pm, the Rodanthe Waves Salvo Civic Association will be hosting its second speaker for its 2024 Speaker Series. This event is rescheduled from February.
Steve Vanover, an Advocate for the Outer Banks Hotline, will explain what human trafficking looks like in North Carolina
The event is held at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building located at 23646 NC Hwy 12 in Rodanthe. Check out our webpage https://www.rwscivicassociation.org or check our Facebook page for more details.
https://islandfreepress.org/hatteras-community-news/rws-civic-association-speaker-series-human-trafficking/ 

▫️Children Are Not For Sale - Stand Up Today
Az - It's so ugly, we want to turn away. But our children need our help to protect them from the horrors of child sex trafficking. 

▫️Taken but not forgotten: Human trafficking exhibit coming to Flagstaff March 1 | Navajo-Hopi Observer | Navajo & Hopi Nations, AZ
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — “Taken But Not Forgotten: Stories of Human Trafficking” will exhibit at the Open Doors: Art in Action Gallery March 1 — May 1. The non-profit art gallery is located at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Flagstaff, 423 N. Beaver Street.
The exhibit will focus on the exploitation of women, men and children, and Murdered & Missing Indigenous Persons. Each month, different, speakers, artists and musicians will highlight these issues at Open Doors during the Flagstaff First Friday ArtWalks in March, April and May from 6 to 8;30 p.m.
https://www.nhonews.com/news/2024/feb/27/taken-not-forgotten-human-trafficking-exhibit-comi/ 

▫️Chilling Video Shows Moment Cops Rescue 8 Year Old Texas Girl Kidnapped In Front Of Mom
Michael Webb, 51, kidnapped the 8-year-old girl on May 18 as she was walking with her mom in Fort Worth. As the distraught mom tried to fight him off, he was able to get the girl in his car and take off. She called 911 and police immediately went searching for the girl.

▫️Human Trafficking with Jared Hudson from Covenant Rescue Group (Part 2)
Jared Hudson is the founder of @CovenantRescueGroup. In this episode he goes over the ins and outs of how Covenant Rescue Group saves lives through performing human trafficking stings. 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

[Pompeii]

Who's in the News?

▫️Roy man admits to multiple child sex abuse charges; police say there could be more victims
On Tuesday, the Roy City Police Department issued a statement asking for anyone else who may have been a victim to please contact authorities.
Jack Eric Arnell, 35, was arrested Saturday after the abuse was reported the previous week, a police affidavit states. The report sparked an investigation, which included interviews with the victims.
If you or anyone you know have been affected in such a way by Arnell, please contact Detective Pearson by calling Weber Area Dispatch at 801-395-8221.
PROVO, Utah — Provo police arrested a Lehi man Monday for the alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl. Through social media information, Provo police identified the suspect as Jonathan Ruano Garcia, 26.
» https://kutv.com/news/local/roy-man-admits-to-multiple-child-sex-abuse-charges-police-say-there-could-be-more-victims
» https://gephardtdaily.com/local/roy-city-pd-arrests-man-for-alleged-child-sex-abuse-asks-public-for-info-on-any-additional-cases/
»  https://gephardtdaily.com/local/lehi-man-jailed-after-alleged-child-rape/
» https://kmyu.tv/news/local/roy-man-admits-to-multiple-child-sex-abuse-charges-police-say-there-could-be-more-victims
»

▫️TGSO Seeks Potential Victims Following Arrest of Child Predator
SAN ANGELO, TX - The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office is reaching out to the community for information after executing a search warrant on February 27 at the 4100 block of Ben Ficklin Road.
The search warrant was prompted by information received from the Colorado Springs Police Department, identifying Juelz Armstead during a child exploitation investigation.
Armstead, a 20-year-old resident of San Angelo, was arrested on four felony warrants and one misdemeanor warrant from Colorado.
Authorities urge anyone who believes they or their child may be a victim of Armstead to contact the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office or their local law enforcement agency, referencing this investigation.
» https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/local-news/tgcso-looking-for-potential-victims-following-child-predator-arrest/
» https://sanangelolive.com/news/crime/2024-02-27/tgso-seeks-potential-victims-following-arrest-child-predator 

▫️U.S. Marshals Arrest Child Sexual Predator
Columbia, SC – The U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force (CRFTF), in coordination with the Lexington Police Department and Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, located and safely arrested on Feb. 21 a man wanted by the Lexington Police Department for sexual crimes involving a child.   
Taz Michael Johnson, 27, was wanted for sexual exploitation of a minor, criminal solicitation of a child, and two counts of unlawful dissemination of obscene material to a child.  
Johnson is a prior sexual offender, having been arrested in September 2019 and prosecuted for sexual misconduct with a minor and disseminating obscene material to a child. 
https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/press-release/us-marshals-arrest-child-sexual-predator 

▫️Former Easthampton paraeducator faces child sexual assault charges
EASTHAMPTON, Mass. – A former paraeducator in Easthampton was arrested and faces child sexual assault charges.
57-year-old Troy Gray of Easthampton, a former Easthampton elementary school paraeducator, was arrested last Thursday on child sexual assault charges that allegedly occurred between 2022 and 2023.
On Friday, Gray pleaded not guilty in Northampton District Court to five counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, which involves a single victim, and one count of intimidation of a witness.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/crime/former-easthampton-school-staff-member-arrested-on-child-sexual-assault-charges/    (VIDEO) 

▫️Lago Vista ISD, police investigate alleged predator's involvement with student athletes
LAGO VISTA, Texas — Multiple investigations are underway in Lago Vista after parents say an alleged sexual predator was given access to student-athletes for months.
According to the district, Lago Vista Police are investigating whether anything criminal took place while Lago Vista ISD investigates how a failure to follow policy may have put students in danger.
At a special-called school board meeting Monday night, parents of the children involved had strong words for the school board and the district.
The school district said they anticipate their investigation will be complete by the end of the week at which time more information will be available to the public.
» https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/lago-vista-isd-police-investigate-alleged-predators-involvement-with-student-athletes 
»

▫️Employee Of Children's Group Home Indicted For Repeatedly Raping A 13-Year-Old Resident
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Hayden Daley, 28, of Deer Park, was indicted for Rape in the Second Degree and other related charges, for allegedly repeatedly raping a 13-year-old child who was a resident of the WellLife Network in Dix Hills while he was employed there.
After Daley learned that he was under investigation for these alleged crimes, he quit his job at the WellLife Network. However, Daley allegedly continued to meet the victim outside of the group home on various occasions and sexually abused her.
https://suffolkcountyny.gov/da/Newsroom/Press-Releases/employee-of-childrens-group-home-indicted-for-repeatedly-raping-a-13-year-old-resident 

▫️LA Teacher Sherry Bernal Charged With Child Sexual Abuse
LOS ANGELES – A 33-year-old Los Angeles pre-school teacher identified as Sherry Bernal has been charged with having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old child.
The arrest comes after Sherry Bernal became the subject of an investigation into whether she was having an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old juvenile.
https://www.carrillofirm.com/la-teacher-sherry-bernal-charged-with-child-sexual-abuse/ 

▫️Warrants: Ex-CT high school baseball coach sexually assaulted players
Frank Melillo has been charged with five felony counts consisting of two counts of second-degree sexual assault and three counts of risk of injury to a minor.  The 58-year-old Bethany resident was arrested Friday by Wallingford police.
https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/frank-melillo-nonnewaug-baseball-sexual-assault-18691211.php 

▫️Cleveland County School employee charged with child sex abuse
A Fallston Elementary School guidance counselor was arrested and charged with child sex crimes, according to Kings Mountain Police.
Dustin Glenn Ledford, 41, of Bessemer City, was charged with felony child abuse sexual act and indecent liberties with a child, according to a press release from Kings Mountain Police.
https://www.shelbystar.com/story/news/2024/02/27/cleveland-county-school-employee-charged-with-child-sex-abuse/72762345007/ 

▫️Report: Ogden daycare failed to protect children from sex abuse that led to worker arrest
OGDEN, Utah  — A man accused of sexually abusing a child at an Ogden daycare where he worked is set for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
30-year-old Tanner Dobson was arrested in January after police said he touched a 5-year-old girl sexually and filmed it while she was in the care of Progressive Preschool.
https://kutv.com/news/2news-investigates/inspection-report-ogden-daycare-didnt-protect-children-from-sex-abuse-that-led-to-employ  (VIDEO) 

▫️West Virginia State Police Investigation: 72 new lawsuits say women and minors were filmed secretly in the shower; Sexual assault allegedly happened on academy grounds
The West Virginia State Police is now facing 72 new lawsuits that alleges a hidden camera was in the women’s locker room and shower facilities at the State Academy.
Most of the lawsuits are from women that are current and former officers of the law. Some of the lawsuits are from civilian officials and administrators who worked for the West Virginia State Police and other lawsuits come from women who attended the Junior Trooper academy. Those attending the Junior Trooper Academy were between the ages of 14-17.
Some of the lawsuits allege that sexual assault and physical assault took place at the State Academy and three of the complaints allege retaliation against employees for reporting misconduct at the academy involving Comer.
“Defendants Joshua Eldridge, Robert Perry, James Lee, and Joseph Comer conspired to install, operate and/or secrete the existence of at least one hidden recording device in the female shower and locker room facilities at the training academy,” the complaints state. “The images and/or videos captured by the aforementioned hidden recording device were stored on external hard drives, thumb/USB drives and West Virginia State Police computers.”
https://www.wvnstv.com/news/crime/west-virginia-crime/west-virginia-state-police-investigation-72-new-lawsuits-say-women-and-minors-were-filmed-secretly-in-the-shower-sexual-assault-allegedly-happened-on-academy-grounds/ 

▫️Three defendants in Georgia's largest human trafficking case plead guilty
On Tuesday, three defendants pled guilty to charges in Operation Blooming Onion, one of the largest U.S. human trafficking cases ever prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ), according to court proceedings attended by the Savannah Morning News.
During court proceedings held Feb. 27 at the Waycross Federal Courthouse, 601 Tebeau St., Daniel Mendoza pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud; Donna Michelle Rojas pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in forced labor; and Antonio Chavez Ramos pled guilty to one count of misprision of a felony.
In exchange for the guilty pleas, federal prosecutors dismissed multiple other counts in the indictment.
https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/28/three-defendants-in-georgias-largest-human-trafficking-case-plead-guilty/72762654007/ 

▫️Cedar Falls Police assist FBI in stopping sex offender from murder plot
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota  - Multiple law enforcement agencies have helped the FBI in preventing a 28-year-old man from exchanging in a murder plot against his former child sexual abuse victim.
Officials say that in April 2021, 28-year-old Michael Lee Kurkowski was charged in the state of Pennsylvania with multiple felonies and convicted of corruption of a minor related to the sexual exploitation of the minor. He was sentenced to 142 days in prison. Kurkowski’s probation required him to not contact his victim,
https://www.kcrg.com/2024/02/27/cedar-falls-police-assist-fbi-stopping-sex-offender-murder-plot/ 

▫️Human trafficking suspects arrested: Man and woman wanted in violent Brookshire, Texas kidnapping found in Mexico, FBI said
HOUSTON, Texas - After a monthslong search for a man and a woman accused of taking part in a kidnapping for ransom scheme, authorities said the duo was arrested on the other side of the border.
Lorie Lin Flowers and Santiago Hernandez Jr. were arrested in Michoacan, Mexico, according to the FBI. Authorities said Flowers and Hernandez were wanted on federal charges for their alleged roles in the violent kidnapping of three people in Brookshire in March 2023.
In addition to Flowers and Hernandez's arrest, eight other suspects in the scheme were also arrested in August 2023. One suspect was killed during a raid to save three hostages, and two other suspects are juveniles.
» https://abc13.com/houston-kidnapping-ransom-scheme-lorie-lin-flowers-santiago-hernandez-jr-arrested/14474081/  (VIDEO)
» https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/brookshire-texas-kidnapping-fugitives-arrested-mexico/285-2d6ee1b1-c0c4-4897-b91b-9ba24d832756  (VIDEO)
» https://bnnbreaking.com/world/mexico/fbi-arrests-texas-kidnapping-fugitives-in-mexico-crackdown-on-human-smuggling-ring
» https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/additional/lorie-lin-flowers 

▫️PSP, AG's office charge Franklin County men with child porn possession
Two Waynesboro men were arrested this week on charges of possession of child pornography. The cases are not related.
Justin Michael Dingle and Justin Frank Chappell, both 36, have been in Franklin County Jail since Thursday and Friday, respectively, according to online court records.
https://www.therecordherald.com/story/news/crime/2024/02/28/psp-ags-office-charge-franklin-county-waynesboro-men-with-child-porn-possession/72759535007/ 

▫️New York Man Arrested for Aggravated Sexual Assault of Child in Northvale, NJ
John Mark Dillon, a 63-year-old from Piermont, New York, faces serious charges after being arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a child under 13 in Northvale, New Jersey. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and the Northvale Police Department have charged Dillon with two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, marking a significant development in an ongoing investigation. 
https://bnnbreaking.com/world/us/new-york-man-arrested-for-aggravated-sexual-assault-of-child-in-northvale-nj 

▫️Registered sex offender molests two children sleeping at his home, Indiana cops say
An Indiana man is accused of molesting two children, ages 13 and 8, and violating his lifetime parole. Both children said Forshey molested them while they were asleep in his bed, according to police.
Michael Forshey, 51, is a registered sex offender not permitted to interact with children under the age of 16 unless approved by the Indiana Parole Board, according to court documents.
https://news.yahoo.com/registered-sex-offender-molests-two-160718833.html 

▫️Migrants in Chicago: Cook County Special Victims Unit warning asylum seekers about sex trafficking
CHICAGO - Many of the 36,000 migrants in Chicago moved here to escape violence and crime. Now they are in need of protection from a despicable criminal element here: sex traffickers.
The I-Team rode along with Cook County Sheriff's Special Victim's Unit to get an inside look at the tactics they are using to help new arrivals avoid being victimized. But for some migrants, it's already too late.
Chicago police arrested Wilson Vasquez in January and charged him with sex trafficking two women from Venezuela who migrated to Houston and then northwest suburban Elgin. He has pleaded not guilty.
According to documents shared with the I-Team, Vasquez "arranged for men to come to the hotel where the victims were located and forced to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money. They were not allowed to keep the money."
Cook County prosecutors say the women were held for days in the basement of a home on Chicago's West Side. They were eventually rescued at Loretto Hospital. Vasquez had taken them there because one of the women said she was sick, according to prosecutors.
» https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-migrants-in-cook-county-sex-trafficking/14471350/  (VIDEO) 
»

▫️16 migrants found in ‘deplorable conditions’ in South Texas stash house
McALLEN, Texas - Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers raided a home on Friday in the South Texas border town after receiving a tip.
Inside, agents said they found 16 migrants “being harbored in deplorable conditions,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said.
» https://www.borderreport.com/immigration/border-crime/16-migrants-found-in-deplorable-conditions-in-south-texas-stash-house/
» https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/agents-discover-16-migrants-inside-stash-house-laredo-sector 

▫️From the Battlefield to Slavery: The Untold Plight of Homeless Veterans Ensnared by Human Traffickers
As a social worker at Battle Creek VA, Katie Papke noticed a growing number of homeless Veterans were victims of human trafficking. 
In 2020, VA assembled a team to investigate the issue and found that 36% of VA staff had encountered a Veteran who was a victim of human trafficking. After training, 38% of that staff was able to recognize a past missed opportunity to further assess if a Veteran was being trafficked.
It can be hard to spot human trafficking—particularly labor exploitation—especially if the victim doesn’t know it’s a crime.
But that can change with training and education. At an organization as large as VA where we interact with millions of Veterans across the country, there are many opportunities for staff to spot red flags and provide help.
We’ve launched a two-year pilot program at six VA facilities to implement efforts to address trafficking and we’ll soon see what progress we’ve made.
» https://redstate.com/jeffc/2024/02/28/from-the-battlefield-to-slavery-the-untold-plight-of-homeless-veterans-ensnared-by-human-traffickers-n2170677
» https://news.va.gov/128586/how-human-trafficking-hitting-homeless-veterans/ (podcast) 

▫️Presbyter Blasts AG Leaders for ‘Gross Negligence’ Regarding Chi Alpha Sex Abuse Scandal
A longtime central Texas pastor is blasting Assemblies of God (AG) leaders for “gross negligence” in responding to concerns about sex offender Daniel Savala having access to students in the denomination’s Chi Alpha Campus Ministries. The pastor has since resigned his role as a presbyter in the AG North Texas District, after months of what he called “belligerent and defensive” responses from AG leaders. 
The pastor, Anthony Scoma, spoke out in a podcast interview released on Feb. 16.
» https://julieroys.com/presbyter-scoma-blasts-assemblies-of-god-leaders-gross-negligence-response-chi-alpha-sex-abuse-scandal/
» https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/02/presbyter-blasts-assemblies-of-god-leaders-for-gross-negligence-in-response-to-chi-alpha-sex-abuse-scandal/ 

▫️AG Drummond demands answers from Biden Administration on migrant child trafficking
OKLAHOMA CITY  – Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond says he has sent a letter demanding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and FBI address a recent HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) report that found unaccompanied migrant children in the custody of the federal government are being released into unsafe situations, including into human trafficking.
“It is inexcusable that the Biden Administration is failing to provide proper oversight and protection for tens of thousands of vulnerable children,” Drummond said.
https://kfor.com/news/local/ag-drummond-demands-answers-from-biden-administration-on-migrant-child-trafficking/ 

▫️Human trafficking survivors speak at Horry County news conference
CONWAY, S.C.  — Lawmakers, law enforcement and human trafficking survivors attended a news conference Tuesday on the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which will protect victims and survivors from prosecution when they have been forced into those crimes by human traffickers.
The conference was held by Congressman Russell Fry. Two human trafficking survivors spoke, and local law enforcement including the Horry County Sheriffs Office and 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson were in attendance.
“This isn’t a red or blue issue. This is an American issue and one that we want to fix,” Fry said.
https://www.wbtw.com/news/grand-strand/horry-county/human-trafficking-survivors-speak-at-horry-county-news-conference/ 
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