Who's in the News? ▫️Human trafficking operation rescues 17 adults and a child, results in five arrests A police operation helped rescue 17 adults and a child who were found to be victims of human trafficking or exploitation. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Human Exploitation and Recovery Operations Unit, also known as HERO, carried out a sting over three days last week. They made five felony arrests and started three human trafficking investigations. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, you can contact the HERO unit at (775) 328-3048. » https://www.2news.com/news/local/human-trafficking-operation-rescues-17-adults-and-a-child-results-in-five-arrests/article_f1168b02-bdd4-11ef-a370-d7efb387dd3e.html (VIDEO) » https://washoelife.washoecounty.gov/sheriff/washoe-county-sheriffs-office-h-e-r-o-unit-conducts-multi-day-operation-targeting-human-trafficking/ » ▫️Renton man arrested for child porn faces multiple charges RENTON, Wash. - The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has charged a Renton man with sex crimes that detectives believe happened in south King County and north Pierce County spanning nearly a decade. Forty-nine-year-old Kevin McFarland was arrested at a home in Renton on Sunday morning and faces multiple charges including dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, communicating with a minor for immoral purposes, and sexual exploitation of a child. Investigators say a cyber tip sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted them to McFarland in November. "Detectives believe his actions may have gone back as far as 2016 where he was contacting, potentially, women and children trying to videotape them and engaging in all sorts of lewd behavior," said Captain Tim Meyer of the King County Sheriff's Office. The King County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who may have been victimized by McFarland to reach out to their office. » https://youtu.be/WGINT_N3qMQ (VIDEO) » https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/renton-man-arrested-child-pornography-charges (VIDEO) ▫️Former bus aide for Augusta school district charged with child sex crime, in jail on $300K bond BUTLER COUNTY, Kan. - A former bus aide for the Augusta school district is charged with indecent liberties with a child in connection with a sexual assault of a student by a staff member. The district reported that the crime was caught on camera. William A. Wetzel, 73, was arrested following the incident on Monday. Police responded Tuesday morning to a call from district administration about an alleged sexual assault of a child. Officers were provided video footage that was found by school officials, reportedly showing the assault happening on the bus. » https://youtu.be/j3k77TP7YNA (VIDEO) » https://www.kwch.com/2024/12/18/former-bus-aide-augusta-school-district-charged-with-child-sex-crime-jail-300k-bond/ (VIDEO) ▫️Pennsbury Issues Statement After Man Accused Of Being Predator Says He Coached At High School A video showing a man accused of inappropriate contact with a person he thought was a minor raised alarms after it was posted Wednesday morning and the man mentioned he was heavily involved in the Pennsbury High School sports program. The video shared on YouTube by vigilante group PP Southeast Texas featured the comments by an older man who claimed he was a past coach and athletic director for Pennsbury High School. The man was accused by the group of inappropriately chatting with a girl he believed was a minor. It appears the man in the video was arrested by Bensalem Township police in early November due to the work of the group, which law enforcement called “Predator Poachers.” https://levittownnow.com/2024/12/18/pennsbury-issues-statement-after-man-accused-of-being-predator-says-he-coached-at-high-school/ ▫️WANTED: Houston police seek fugitive wanted for continuous SA of a child - Reward $5,000 HOUSTON, Texas — Authorities are searching for Danny Maldonado, who is wanted for the continuous sexual abuse of a child, according to a press release from the Houston Police Department. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest. Investigators discovered that Maldonado, a 25-year-old Hispanic male, allegedly abused the child from September 2016 to September 2022, according to the department. Maldonado is described as 5'7" tall, weighing 200 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. Crime Stoppers encourages anyone with information to contact them at 713-222-TIPS (8477). » https://crime-stoppers.org/solve-crime/wanted/349059-23 » https://www.mytexasdaily.com/upper-gulf-coast/wanted-houston-police-seek-fugitive-wanted-for-continuous-sa-of-a-child/article_8a0b383e-947a-582e-a829-cdaad8dd782e.html ▫️Michigan hockey doctor accused of sexually abusing teens back in court FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. - A Metro Detroit hockey doctor accused of sexually abusing teenage boys was in a Farmington Hills courtroom on Wednesday. Since November 2022, Dr. Zvi Levran has been behind bars at the Oakland County jail. He faces 28 total charges involving child sexual abuse. On Wednesday, Jay Maidu, one of the victims involved, provided witness testimony in court over Zoom. According to what was mentioned by the victim, Levran used Maidu's phone to take those photos, and then he sent those pictures to his own phone. » https://youtu.be/A_C3Jb72nnI (VIDEO) » https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/michigan-hockey-doctor-accused-sexually-abusing-teens/ (VIDEO) ▫️Roth HS teacher accused of sexually assaulting child placed on administrative leave ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A Roth Junior High School employee is facing a felony charge – accused of sexually assaulting a child. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Scott Stradley, 52 of Pittsford, was arrested Friday and charged with predatory sexual assault against a child, a class A felony. He’s listed as a teacher on the Roth HS website. Deputies announced that the victim was a child Stradley knew personally. While he is an employee at the school, deputies said it does not appear his crime involved any students there. Stradley was arraigned and taken to jail without bail. » https://youtu.be/bHo2R610O-Y (VIDEO) » https://www.rochesterfirst.com/monroe-county-sheriffs-office/roth-hs-teacher-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-child/ (VIDEO) ▫️Manhattan DA accuses man of sexually assaulting, trafficking 16-year-old in 104-count indictment A 31-year-old man is accused of sexually assaulting and trafficking a 16-year-old boy for five months in Upper Manhattan, District Attorney Alvin Bragg said on Tuesday. Matthew Halstead was charged in a 104-count indictment, including on charges of sex trafficking, using a child in a sexual performance, promoting sexual performances by a child, committing criminal sexual acts, possessing child sexual abuse material, obstructing breathing or blood circulation and endangering the welfare of a child, the DA's office said. According to court records, Halstead was housing the teenager, who had run away from Child Protective Services, in his Washington Heights apartment between March and August. https://gothamist.com/news/manhattan-da-accuses-man-of-sexually-assaulting-trafficking-16-year-old-in-104-count-indictment ▫️Two Texas Residents Arrested After Human Trafficking Victim Calls For Help From Columbus Hotel Bathroom A rookie Columbus police officer is being praised for his sharp observation skills, which led to the arrest of a suspect wanted on a human trafficking warrant. According to the Columbus Police Chief, a woman called 911 from a Columbus hotel bathroom on December 15th. The woman claimed 29-year-old Naphtali Ratshitanga, of Houston, Texas, and 24-year-old Essence Holloway, of Arlington, Texas, brought her to Columbus from Indiana. During a routine roll call briefing, shift supervisors highlighted the suspect’s description and the vehicle details as part of a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert. Early Wednesday morning, the rookie officer noticed the vehicle and verified the tag. He quickly called it in, leading to the arrest of Holiday. » https://youtu.be/_EslqRvQMz0 (VIDEO) » https://darkhorsepressnow.com/rookie-officer-helps-capture-human-trafficking-suspect-reuniting-victim-with-her-family-in-indiana/ » https://www.wtva.com/news/local/911-call-from-columbus-hotel-resulted-in-human-trafficking-arrests-of-2-texans/article_5429a800-bd71-11ef-89b3-63373bc57dfd.html ▫️Man found guilty of kidnap and sexual assault; faces up to 150 years in prison MADERA, Calif — A man was found guilty of kidnapping and sexual assault on Tuesday, according to the Madera Police Department. Otis McKinzy was arrested on March 20 after he carjacked and kidnapped a woman using a sharp object, police said. He then drove the woman around Madera, to Merced, and eventually ended up in Modesto, where he sexually assaulted her. https://kmph.com/news/local/man-found-guilty-of-kidnap-and-sexual-assault-faces-up-to-150-years-in-prison ▫️37-Year-Old Cleveland man pleads guilty to solicitation of prostitution BEAUMONT, Texas — A Cleveland man arrested in a Texas Department of Public Safety human trafficking operation was sentenced to three years' probation and ordered to pay a $500 fine after pleading guilty to solicitation of prostitution. Steven Floyd Lawrence, 37, received the sentence Wednesday morning from Judge West. Lawrence was among 17 people arrested during a multi-agency operation led by DPS special agents in Beaumont. The two-day operation, conducted March 27-28 in the 2000 block of North 11th Street, resulted in multiple human trafficking victims being recovered. One suspect, Jeremie Deshaun Nellar Barabin, 39, was arrested on human trafficking charges, while the others face solicitation of prostitution charges. The investigation remains active, and additional arrests are possible, according to DPS officials. https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/local/cleveland-man-among-17-arrested-in-beaumont-human-trafficking-operation/502-b396f67d-9a12-4918-b747-9f129cc761f8 ▫️ERO New York City arrests unlawfully present Mexican citizen, child sex offender | ICE NEW YORK — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City arrested Raymond Rojas Basilio, a previously removed citizen of Mexico convicted of forcible touching of the sexual/intimate parts of another person, Dec. 17. The victim is less than 11-years old. Fugitive operations officers arrested the 36-year-old predator outside his residence in Queens without incident pursuant to a warrant of removal. He is currently in ERO custody pending removal to Mexico. https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-new-york-city-arrests-unlawfully-present-mexican-citizen-child-sex-offender ▫️Man accused of holding teen in shed, giving her drugs and forcing her to have sex Groves — The Jefferson County grand jury has indicted Charles Richard McDaniel, 54 from Groves for Sexual Assault of a Child, and according to a court document obtained by KFDM/Fox 4 News, he gave the 15-year-old girl drugs and forced her to have sex every day for about three months, locking her in a shed when she'd refuse. According to the document, during the three month period, the victim reported she was given crack cocaine, marijuana, 'whippits' and alcohol. The defendant would then have sex with her every day and sometimes multiple times each day. The victim stated there were times when she'd refuse, at which time the defendant would lock her in a white shed in his backyard. She says that's where he'd give her illegal drugs and sexually assault her. » https://kfdm.com/news/local/man-accused-of-holding-teen-in-shed-giving-her-drugs-and-forcing-her-to-have-sex » ▫️D.A. Bragg: Michael Olson Pleads Guilty To Drugging, And Raping Teenage Girl For Months; Creating Child Sexual Abuse Material; Patronizing Multiple Children For Prostitution Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg today announced the guilty plea of MICHAEL OLSON, 56, to ten counts arising out of his criminal scheme to target teenage girls for sex by offering them money and gifts on social media platforms before drugging, raping and filming at least one such teenager. The guilty plea includes behavior for which OLSON was initially indicted in June 2023 after he was found to have targeted a 14-year-old girl on Instagram and gave her drugs and raped her in hotel rooms in Queens and Manhattan on a weekly basis. OLSON pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance to a Child, Rape in the Second Degree, Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree, Facilitating a Sex Offense with a Controlled Substance, Aggravated Patronizing a Minor of Prostitution, Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance as a Sexually Motivated Felony, and multiple counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He is expected to be sentenced on February 5, 2025 to the court’s promised sentence of 16 years in state prison. https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-michael-olson-pleads-guilty-to-drugging-and-raping-teenage-girl-for-months-creating-child-sexual-abuse-material-patronizing-multiple-children-for-prostitution/ ▫️Two South Carolina women plead guilty to human trafficking conspiracy COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two South Carolina women have pleaded guilty to human trafficking conspiracy in federal court. Monesha Tatayana Lapri Gary, 24, of Clinton, and Rebecca Melanie Perry, 30, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to human trafficking conspiracy in federal court in Columbia. According to evidence presented in court, from at least December 2022 through August 2023, Gary and Perry worked together with co-defendants Antonio Marquis Nicholson and Terrell Counts to exploit three minors in the commercial sex trade, despite several members of the conspiracy knowing they were minors. https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article297310169.html » https://www.wltx.com/article/news/crime/south-carolina-women-plead-guilty-human-trafficking-conspiracy/101-39087d00-dd7d-4ddc-9313-a75f200160d0 ▫️Ponoka man accused of human trafficking and sexual assault, scheduled for sentencing A Ponoka man accused of human trafficking and sexual assault is scheduled for sentencing on some of his matters next year. Christopher Becks, 38, is scheduled for sentencing in Edmonton Court of King’s Bench on March 5, 2025. His matters for sentencing include charges of trafficking of a person under the age of eighteen years, procuring person under 18 years, material benefit from sexual services provided by person under 18 years, advertise sexual services, and publication of intimate image without consent. https://rdnewsnow.com/2024/12/18/ponoka-man-accused-of-human-trafficking-and-sexual-assault-scheduled-for-sentencing/ ▫️South Florida coach, grandson of tennis legend Bobby Riggs charged in federal child porn case A Fort Lauderdale tennis coach who's the grandson of tennis legend Bobby Riggs has been arrested on federal child sex abuse charges, authorities said. Daniel James Riggs was arrested Tuesday on charges of enticement of a minor and production of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida. Riggs, 31, is the grandson of Bobby Riggs, the former No. 1 men's player in the world an member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame who died in 1995. According to court records, the allegations against Daniel Riggs surfaced in September, when the alleged victim came forward. The teen said Riggs became her coach in or around 2020, when she was 15, but their sexual relationship started around October 2021, an affidavit said. Riggs created multiple anonymous profiles and at times advised the minor victim to delete their communications to mask his identity, authorities said. » https://youtube.com/shorts/hzqlPup_7kU (VIDEO) » https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/fort-lauderdale-tennis-coach-grandson-of-bobby-riggs-arrested-in-child-sex-abuse-case/3497861/ (VIDEO) » https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/fort-lauderdale-tennis-coach-bobby-riggs-grandson-child-porn-charges/ (VIDEO) » https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/local-tennis-coach-charged-enticement-and-production-child-sexual-abuse-material ▫️Task force arrests Vermilion Co. man for child sex charges while on pretrial release FAIRBURY, Ill. — An Allerton man was arrested on child sex charges while on pretrial release for previous child sex charges. William G. Johnson was arrested in Forrest, Ill. on Dec. 13 by the Fairbury Police Department after an investigation into sexual crimes against a child. Fairbury PD is a member of the CHAOS Task Force, a multi-agency coalition that focuses on child trafficking and child exploitation cases. Johnson was previously arrested by the Paxton Police Department in 2023 on similar charges, but was granted pretrial release. https://www.wandtv.com/news/task-force-arrests-vermilion-co-man-for-child-sex-charges-while-on-pretrial-release/article_06f32b36-bcbf-11ef-92b8-fb0cba6c73d2.html ▫️Court records: Tallahassee lawyer facing criminal solicitation charge A prominent Tallahassee personal injury lawyer is facing a felony charge for alleged sexual misconduct. William D. Hall Jr., 71, was arrested last Friday on a criminal solicitation charge after an undercover operation involving police pretending to be a family with two children. The charge Hall was arrested on says it's illegal for someone to "solicit, lure, or entice, or attempt to solicit, lure, or entice a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child or a person believed to be a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child to consent to the participation of such child ... in any sexual conduct," which is a third-degree felony. Hall's name and mugshot were exempt from public disclosure — he once was a Florida assistant attorney general — but he appears in Leon County booking records uncovered by the Tallahassee Democrat. https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/local/2024/12/18/court-records-tallahassee-lawyer-facing-criminal-solicitation-charge/77029695007/ ▫️Wyoming man takes plea for child exploitation MICHIGAN — One of five West Michigan men arrested in a child exploitation sting took a plea deal Tuesday. Thomas Ramsey, a 66-year-old from Wyoming, was charged with child sexually abusive activity, accosting a minor and using a computer to communicate with another to commit a crime back in August. Tuesday, he pled to two counts, including child sexually abusive material and operating while intoxicated, which could add up to 25 years maximum jail time. No sentencing date has been set yet. https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/west-michigan-men-child-exploitation-sting-plea-deal/69-775b17cc-88e9-4a3a-a9b6-a0285e43f70c ▫️Registered sex offender sentenced to 35 years for possessing, distributing child sexual abuse material COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Columbus sex offender was sentenced to 35 years in prison Wednesday on child sexual abuse material charges, according to U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker. Parker's office said 38-year-old Jeremiah Morrison obtained images and videos depicting the torture, mutilation and murder of children on the dark web and traded them for child sexual abuse photos and videos. While executing a search warrant in June 2023, investigators discovered Morrison’s cell phone contained 3,000 images and 900 videos of child sexual abuse material. In addition to the child sexual abuse material recovered on the device, investigators also discovered numerous images and videos depicting the torture, mutilation and killing of children. He was sentenced to remain under court supervision for life after the completion of his prison sentence. He was also sentenced to pay restitution to victims of at least $3,000 per victim. The number of victims and actual restitution will be determined by the Court. » https://www.10tv.com/article/news/crime/jeremiah-morrison-columbus-sex-offender-sentenced/530-e18800c3-2193-4bd8-b9fe-32be83b3fec7 (VIDEO) » ▫️Man Sentenced 35 Years to Life for Sex Offenses With Teen at El Cajon Motel A 71-year-old registered sex offender who engaged in sex acts with a 16-year-old girl at an El Cajon motel was sentenced Wednesday to 35 years to life in state prison. Michael Inman was convicted by an El Cajon jury of four felony sex offenses, including sexual penetration of a person under 18 and possession of child pornography for the March 2023 encounter with the minor at a Montrose Ct. Motel 6. Police said the crime came was uncovered when an employee for homeless services provider People Assisting the Homeless reported that Lawrence Cantrell, Inman’s co-defendant, admitted during a phone call to engaging in sex acts with the girl. Cantrell, 36, pleaded guilty to charges that include unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and possession of child pornography. He was sentenced earlier this year to four years and eight months in state prison. Inman was convicted of assault with intent to commit rape in 1978 in Orange County and lewd acts on a child in 2005 in San Diego County. Cantrell was convicted of possession of child pornography in 2018 in San Diego County. https://timesofsandiego.com/crime/2024/12/18/man-sentenced-35-years-to-life-for-sex-offenses-with-teen-at-el-cajon-motel/ ▫️Rockford man sentenced for sexual assault of a child ROCKFORD, Ill. - A 39-year-old man faces prison time after pleading guilty to child sexual assault charges. Timothy Gulley Jr. of Rockford is sentenced to eleven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and three years of mandatory supervised release for predatory sexual assault of a child. On Jan. 26, 2020, Rockford police were called to a nearby hospital for a 13-year-old who reported Gulley sexually assaulted her multiple times. Detectives say the assaults took place throughout the entire year of 2019. » https://youtu.be/IH1iP135RIY (VIDEO) » https://www.wifr.com/2024/12/17/rockford-man-sentenced-sexual-assault-child/ ▫️Van Buren OnlyFans actor pleads guilty to human trafficking Michael Hall pleaded guilty to human trafficking, among other charges. » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZYckB07wrg (VIDEO) » https://t.me/ENDHUMANTRAFFICKING/17197 ▫️New Orleans priest sentenced to life in prison for rape conviction A judge sentenced a 93-year-old former Catholic priest Wednesday to spend the rest of his life behind bars for raping a teenage boy decades ago. Lawrence Hecker had pleaded guilty to charges including first-degree rape and aggravated kidnapping moments before jury selection was scheduled to begin in his trial this month. Another survivor, Aaron Hebert, has said Hecker abused him in the late 1960s when he was an eighth grader at a Catholic elementary school outside New Orleans. Hecker groped Hebert and several classmates while he claimed to demonstrate what a hernia examination entailed, Hebert has said. » https://youtu.be/IqY3nY9N9yc (VIDEO) » https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/former-new-orleans-priest-93-sentenced-life-prison-116915851 (VIDEO) » https://www.wdsu.com/article/new-orleans-priest-rape-life-sentence/63225719 » https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-14206979/Former-New-Orleans-priest-93-sentenced-life-prison-raping-boy-decades-ago.html » https://t.me/ENDHUMANTRAFFICKING/17255 ▫️AG report details abuse allegations against 52 priests, deacons in Diocese of Lansing Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released the fourth of seven reports Monday related to a years-long investigation into clergy sexual abuse within Michigan’s Catholic dioceses. The report indicated that the investigation into the Diocese of Lansing, which began in September 2018, found that 48 priests, three religious brothers, one apparent former religious brother and four deacons may have engaged in sexual misconduct since 1950. Of the 56 total, 42 were ordained or incardinated by the Diocese of Lansing. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/12/16/attorney-general-dana-nessel-48-catholic-priests-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-at-lansing-diocese/77025083007/ » https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/12/ag-report-details-abuse-allegations-against-52-priests-deacons-in-diocese-of-lansing/ ▫️Diocese of Orange reaches $3.5 Million settlement in sexual-abuse lawsuit SANTA ANA, Calif. - The Diocese of Orange has settled a sex abuse lawsuit involving a former vice principal of Mater Dei High School in 1978 for $3.5 million, a spokesman said Tuesday. The settlement was reached last month for a victim who alleged he was sexually abused by Michael Harris, a former priest and vice principal of the school. https://abc7.com/post/diocese-orange-reaches-35-million-settlement-sexual-abuse/15672913/ ▫️Mater Dei allegedly protected 13 sex predators, suit claims A new lawsuit taking aim at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana is alleging decades of sexual abuse in the wake of a multi-million-dollar settlement to a school official’s alleged victim. One day after an announced $3.5 million settlement with a man who alleged he was sexually abused by Michael Harris, a former priest and vice principal of the school, Mater Dei again faced allegations, this time from attorney Jeff Anderson. According to Anderson and his fellow attorneys, Mater Dei employed “13 known predators” who perpetrated “decades of child sexual abuse.” https://ktla.com/news/local-news/mater-dei-allegedly-protected-13-sex-predators-suit-claims/ (VIDEO) ▫️Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones from Human Trafficking – Tanana Chiefs Conference Human trafficking of Alaska Native women is a growing concern, especially as many are lured to large cities in search of better opportunities, only to face exploitation. These women often leave their rural communities for employment, education, or to escape poverty, but their isolation and limited resources make them vulnerable to traffickers. Traffickers exploit the dreams of these women by offering false promises of jobs in industries like hospitality or entertainment. Alaska Native women and girls face unique challenges, including limited access to social services in rural communities. When they arrive in cities, they often lack support systems and struggle to navigate unfamiliar environments, making it harder to seek help. https://www.tananachiefs.org/protect-yourself-your-loved-ones-from-human-trafficking/ ▫️17th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day - Hybrid Conference, Wed, Jan 22, 2025 at 9:30 AM | Orlando, FL Join us at the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management for this impactful event on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. We are excited to bring together subject matter experts, advocates, educators and community leaders to raise awareness about the growing issue of human trafficking. Our conference aims to educate, engage, and empower attendees to combat human trafficking. Through a combination of insightful workshops, the Red Sand project, and thought-provoking discussions, we will delve into various aspects of this global problem. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/17th-annual-human-trafficking-awareness-day-hybrid-conference-tickets-1117960823919 ▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Breakfast, Fri, Jan 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Wellesley, MA Hear from top leaders raising awareness for Human Trafficking Awareness Month https://www.eventbrite.com/e/human-trafficking-awareness-breakfast-tickets-1117970282209 ▫️Paddle Up to Protect on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day Charlotte - On January 11th, Sisters Rising Worldwide COO Kelly Mallon Young will be hosting a fun day of pickleball (with a twist!) for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The Paddle Up to Protect tournament will take place at Pickleball Charlotte’s Northlake location. https://srw.org/paddle-up-to-protect-on-national-human-trafficking-awareness-day/ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ More Arrest Updates: HSI/ICE Newsroom Child Exploitation (https://www.ice.gov/newsroom?field_news_release_topics_tag_target_id=All&field_field_location_administrative_area=All&field_published_date_value%5Bmin%5D=&field_published_date_value%5Bmax%5D=&combine=Child+Exploitation&field_field_location_country_code=All)FBI Arrests & Violent Crimes Against Children News (https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/vcac/violent-crimes-against-children-news)Department of Justice Press Room Human Trafficking News (https://www.justice.gov/humantrafficking/press-room)- - - -N-E-E-D- -H-E-L-P-?- - -US:- - - - - - - - - NCMEC Urgent victim help 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-843-5678 NCMEC Cybertiplines: https://report.cybertip.org/ HSI/ICE toll-free hotline: 1-866-DHS-2-ICE | Anonymous toll-free ICE Tip Line: (866) 347-2423 | Tip Form (https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form#wcm-survey-target-id) DHS: https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/identify-victim U.S. Marshals Service: USMS: Submit a Tip (https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip) If you believe your child is in the process of being abducted by a parent, legal guardian, or someone acting on their behalf, call : 1-888-407-4747. (U.S. Gov. Dept. of State) or https://www.projectdynamo.org/

During the Christmas season of 1951, the employees of B.F. Goodrich in DuBois made clothing for dolls which were given away to needy children.

Who's in the News? ▫️Operation Autumn Shield: TBI operation leads to ten arrests, IDs 19 online sexual child predators in TN, 5 rescued Ten people face felony charges after TBI's 'Operation Autumn Shield' identified more than a dozen victims targeted in online child exploitation and sextortion in Tennessee. Fourteen known child victims of sextortion in the state were identified and located thanks to this three-month-plus operation. Agents are still attempting to identify and locate an additional eight children who are victims of sextortion. Five of those 19 victims were able to be rescued as they were victims of new sexual exploitation content created by the offender and shared to various social media platforms. » https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/tbi-operation-autumn-shield/ (VIDEO) » https://www.local3news.com/local-news/tennessee/tbi-operation-leads-to-ten-arrests-identifies-19-online-sexual-child-predators-in-tn/article_706d88d4-bce4-11ef-85ba-330a5130ae12.html » https://tbinewsroom.com/2024/12/17/tbis-operation-autumn-shield-yields-ten-arrests-identifies-19-online-sexual-exploitation-sextortion-of-child-victims/ ▫️Tuscaloosa man charged with child solicitation in undercover operation TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala. — A Tuscaloosa man was arrested for child solicitation Tuesday. The West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force said 66-year-old James Gorman Houston III was charged with electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a minor for a sex act. » https://abc3340.com/news/local/tuscaloosa-county-west-alabama-human-trafficking-task-force-arrest-james-gorman-houston-iii-undercover-operation-conducted » https://www.cbs42.com/news/crime/west-alabama-human-trafficking-task-force-arrests-66-year-old-man/ » https://www.wbrc.com/2024/12/17/tuscaloosa-man-arrested-electronic-solicitation-child-after-undercover-operation/ ▫️New federal allegations paint Cincinnati-area doctor as 'serial sexual predator' Less than a week after federal agents arrested a Cincinnati-area doctor in connection to a 1989 rape cold case, new court documents claim the 66-year-old was not a one-time offender, preying on multiple women as a "serial sexual predator" for more than three decades. Frederick Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Ohio, Kansas and Colorado, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The FBI confirmed with WCPO that they believe there could be more victims. They're asking anyone with relevant information to come forward. https://www.wcpo.com/news/crime/serial-sexual-predator-new-allegations-filed-against-cincinnati-area-doctor-charged-in-1989-rape-cold-case (VIDEO) ▫️Kidnapping suspect arrested after pursuit through LA and Orange counties Police arrested a man from Los Angeles County on Monday night after he allegedly kidnapped at least two women, one of whom was severely beaten during her roughly two-week captivity. The Fullerton Police Department arrested Arturo Urbina, 30, after he crashed during a pursuit that ended in Torrance. Detectives said they started searching for him after he allegedly kidnapped a woman on Dec. 11. The victim said she was beaten and sexually assaulted while she was held captive. Fullerton police said he was armed with several firearms during this case. The LA County Sheriff's Department also said that he was wanted for another kidnapping where he allegedly kidnapped a woman and held her for a couple of weeks, according to an LASD detective. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact FPD Crimes Persons Detective M. Saenz at msaenz@fullertonpd.org or (714) 738-5361. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or visit their website at www.p3tips.com/913. » https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/kidnapping-suspect-arrested-after-pursuit-through-la-and-orange-counties/ » ▫️U.S. Marshals Seek Man Who Fled After Child Sex Assault Conviction The U.S. Marshals are looking for a man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a minor and then went on the run. They’ve been searching for him for nearly four years.The U.S. Marshal Service’s North Texas Fugitive Task Force has been searching without ceasing for 31-year-old Joe Tarin since 2021 Anyone who spots Tarin or has information about him is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals tip line at 202-307-9700 or usmarshals.gov. » https://youtu.be/CwTbyjxbkWY (VIDEO) » https://headtopics.com/us/u-s-marshals-seek-man-who-fled-after-child-sex-assault-63607620 ▫️Police search for additional victims of former South Albany High School teacher ALBANY Ore. - A former math teacher and wrestling coach at South Albany High School was arrested for allegedly having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, the Albany Police Department (APD) said. According to APD, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, a school resource officer at South Albany learned of an “inappropriate sexual relationship” between a former teacher and a student. On Dec. 13, the former teacher, Duece Keey Loi Phaly, 28, was arrested on 10 counts of second-degree sex abuse and one count of third-degree sex abuse. APD believes there may be additional victims and asks anyone with information to contact Officer Gina Bella at 541-791-0070. » https://youtu.be/jMpAYXbwrxA (VIDEO) » https://www.kptv.com/2024/12/16/police-search-additional-victims-former-south-albany-high-school-teacher/ (VIDEO) ▫️Nelson County teacher accused of sexually abusing 7-year-old family member DANVILLE, Ky. - A Nelson County school teacher is charged with one count of child sex abuse and is now in police custody. According to arrest documents, Richard Marzec, is charged with one count of abuse of a victim less than 12 years old. The citation says Marzec assaulted his seven-year-old family member in Danville back in 2018. Marzec allegedly assaulted the child in his basement on at least three separate occasions. » https://youtu.be/5B2Z3TPBap8 (VIDEO) » https://www.wave3.com/2024/12/13/nelson-county-teacher-accused-sexually-abusing-7-year-old-family-member/ (VIDEO) ▫️Two Colombian Human Smugglers Arrested on U.S. Charges Arrests Result from Joint Task Force Alpha’s Expanded Coordination with Colombian Law Enforcement On Dec. 13, Colombian authorities arrested two men charged with human smuggling conspiracy for moving migrants through Colombia en route to the United States. In the course of that conspiracy, the defendants are alleged to have put lives in jeopardy, including by placing some of the 40 migrants and two boat captains on a boat that disappeared on its way to Nicaragua after leaving San Andres Island on Oct. 21, 2023. Hernando Manuel de la Cruz Rivera Orjuela, 52, and Luis Enrique Linero Pinto, 40, both Colombian nationals, were arrested in Colombia at the request of the United States for their alleged roles in the transnational human smuggling operation, based on an indictment obtained on Oct. 23 from a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Texas. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-colombian-human-smugglers-arrested-us-charges ▫️HCSO fires Johnathan Allen, deputy arrested on charges of child porn HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) announced Tuesday the termination of deputy Johnathan Allen, arrested earlier this month on child porn charges. Under Civil Service Guidelines, Allen was entitled to due process and a pre-disciplinary hearing, which the Sheriff was required to follow. Allen was arrested on December 5, 2024 on warrants from South Carolina. He was charged with the following: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (3 counts); Criminal Solicitation of a Minor https://www.wdef.com/hcso-fires-johnathan-allen-deputy-arrested-on-charges-of-child-porn/ ▫️Officer fired, charged with possession of child porn: MI cops A Michigan probation officer is facing six felony charges after authorities said he was found with child sexual abuse material. Alexander Stachura, 38, of Williamston was charged with three counts of possession of child sexually abusive material and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime, according to a Dec. 13 news release from the Michigan State Police. Citing a probable cause statement, WLNS reported Stachura’s wife found the images on a thumb drive and reported it to authorities. https://www.kentucky.com/news/nation-world/national/article297236544.html ▫️Plainfield man arrested in Yorkville sting, charged with meeting a minor The Yorkville Police Department announced on Tuesday the arrest of 53-year-old Albert G. Pintoy Jr. of Plainfield last Friday. Pintoy is charged with traveling to meet a minor. The charge stems from an Illinois State Police operation conducted in the Yorkville area back in June. Police allege that Pintoy had been seeking to pay for sex on June 27. He was arrested without incident and taken to the Kendall County Jail in Yorkville. Three other men also face charges as a result of the operation and have already been arrested. https://www.wspynews.com/news/local/plainfield-man-arrested-in-yorkville-sting-charged-with-meeting-a-minor/article_1e8ac2be-bcaf-11ef-a761-c33d7b8ab13a.html ▫️‘Sexually violent predator’ in Harrisburg allegedly raped, sexually assaulted minor for years DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — A Harrisburg man is locked up in Dauphin County Prison Tuesday with bail denied after police say he allegedly raped and sexually assaulted a minor for three years. Timothy Miller, 34, is accused of raping the child while they were between the ages of six and nine at three different residences from 2021 to 2024, according to charging documents. Police said Miller was already in custody in Shippensburg for failing to register as a sex offender in November by the U.S. Marshals. It was noted by police that he is a sexually violent predator. It was noted by police in the charges that Miller is a threat to society, especially children. Miller faces felony charges of rape of a child, criminal attempt – involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of minors. He also faces misdemeanor charges of indecent exposure. https://www.abc27.com/local-news/harrisburg/sexually-violent-predator-in-harrisburg-allegedly-raped-sexually-assaulted-minor-for-years/ ▫️Police arrest kidnapping suspect who targeted child at Granite Bay bus stop A man was arrested after he allegedly tried to kidnap a child from a Granite Bay bus stop, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, PCSO responded to the area of Douglas Boulevard and Quail Oaks Drive for reports of an attempted kidnapping. A middle school student said they were waiting for the bus when a transient man approached and told the student that they had to leave with him. Deputies said they found an uncooperative suspect. He was arrested and booked into jail for several alleged charges including attempted kidnapping. https://fox40.com/news/local-news/placer-county/police-arrest-kidnapping-suspect-who-targeted-child-at-granite-bay-bus-stop/ (VIDEO) ▫️Staten Island man, 34, charged with attempted sexual assault of 12-year-old N.J. child STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A Staten Island man is facing multiple charges in New Jersey as prosecutors allege he exchanged explicit text messages and attempted to show up at the home of a 12-year-old child. Christopher J. Giglio, 34, who online records show to be a resident of New Springville, has been charged with attempted sexual assault, luring, child endangerment, production of child sexual abuse material and possession of child sexual abuse material, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. https://www.silive.com/crime-safety/2024/12/staten-island-man-34-charged-with-attempted-sexual-assault-of-12-year-old-nj-child.html ▫️Sparks man convicted of soliciting a child for prostitution A Sparks man has been convicted of multiple child sex abuse laws following an investigation that began back in 2022. 47-year old Keith Watkins was arrested by the Washoe County Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit and has been convicted of attempted sex trafficking of a child, attempted child abuse and soliciting a child for prostitution. In April 2022, Watkins was talking to someone he believed to be a 16-year old girl on social media - this was actually an undercover account for officials. Deputy DA Darcy Cameron presented evidence during trial that showed that Watkins had contacted a different undercover profile where a detective was posing as a child, and Watkins had tried to recruit that person as well. Sentencing for this case is scheduled for January 16, 2025. https://www.2news.com/news/local/sparks-man-convicted-of-soliciting-a-child-for-prostitution/article_d2c71b58-bcc6-11ef-a51c-c78aad1bbedf.html ▫️Two Washington men found guilty of producing and distributing child sexual abuse material SPOKANE– A jury returned a verdict in the trial of Tony J. Bolen, age 43, and Casey Allen Greer, age 47. Bolen and Greer were found guilty of Production of Child Pornography, Conspiracy to Produce Child Pornography, and Commission of a Felony Sex Offense by an Individual Required to Register as a Sex Offender. Greer was additionally found guilty of Distribution of Child Pornography, and Bolen was found guilty of one count each of Receipt and Transportation of Child Pornography. Based on court documents and evidence presented at trial, beginning in October 2021, and continuing to December 2021, Bolen and Greer worked together to produce child sexual abuse material of a young child that Greer had been sexually abusing since as early as May 2021. https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/local/two-washington-men-found-guilty-of-producing-and-distributing-child-sexual-abuse-material/article_6b097f36-bcbe-11ef-827c-2ba140026da7.html ▫️Number of people detained by police in Aurora grows after home invasion and kidnapping at Colorado apartments More than a dozen people were being questioned after two people – a man and a woman – were accosted and taken to an empty apartment against their will, where they were restrained and pistol-whipped before eventually being released after they promised to not call the police, Aurora Police said. Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said the incident began shortly before 9 p.m. Monday near a building at The Edge at Lowry Apartments on Dallas Street – a complex he's previously described as a "criminal nuisance." Police said Tuesday morning that 13 to 15 people were being questioned in connection with the investigation. By Tuesday evening, that number had increased to 19. » https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/number-detained-police-aurora-grows-home-invasion-kidnapping-colorado-apartments/ » ▫️Portland Police Arrest Alleged Child Predator A 35-year-old man has been arrested after attempting to meet up with a 14-year-old girl at a local park. On December 17, 2024, Portland’s Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) assisted PPB’s Child Abuse Team and their Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit in serving an arrest warrant and a search warrant in Northwest Portland. After chatting online for several weeks using a social media app, and then moving to texting, the suspect attempted to meet up with the 14-year-old girl at a local park, after which he intended to take her to his residence. Samuel Digiovanni was arrested on an indictment warrant and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He is charged with Luring a Minor, Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree, Attempted Rape in the Third Degree, Attempted Sodomy in the Third Degree, and Attempted Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct. Anyone with information about Digiovanni or this case is urged to contact Detective Angela Hollan at angela.hollan@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 24-802571. » https://1059thebrew.iheart.com/content/2024-12-17-police-arrest-alleged-child-predator/ » https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/read.cfm?id=533806 ▫️Augusta Man Pleads Guilty to Livestreaming Child Sexual Abuse Material Following Tip from Omegle to NCMEC A video from Nathaniel Gagne’s account showed toddler being sexually abused BANGOR, Maine: An Augusta man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material. According to court records, in April 2023, law enforcement officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Augusta Police Department began investigating the possible livestreaming of child sexual abuse material. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) had notified the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit (MSP CCU) that it had received a report through its CyberTipline that an Omegle user—later identified as Nathaniel Gagne, 35—had uploaded a video file containing suspected child sexual abuse material. https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/augusta-man-pleads-guilty-livestreaming-child-sexual-abuse-material-following-tip-omegle ▫️Clifton Park man gets 10 years in prison for sexually abusing children A Clifton Park man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually abusing children. Luke Margison was arrested in May 2023 after police said he abused multiple victims over numerous years. Margison had pleaded guilty to the charges in August. The prosecutor read powerful victim impact statements from his two victims, with who he was familiar. https://wnyt.com/top-stories/clifton-park-man-gets-10-years-in-prison-for-sexually-abusing-children/ ▫️Nebraska doctor loses license after court-martial for sexual abuse LINCOLN, Neb. — A doctor in Nebraska has had his license revoked after being found guilty of sex crimes. The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office said Tuesday that Dr. Troy Dillon lost his license due to immoral or dishonorable conduct. Dillon, an osteopathic physician, pleaded guilty in military court to sexual abuse of a child and indecent viewing, recording and broadcast. The attorney general’s office said he committed a lewd act against a child in Florida and Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue. He also recorded a woman without her consent. Dillon was court-martialed at an Air Force Base in Japan and sentenced to almost four years behind bars. » https://youtu.be/z7TPwub0gaY (VIDEO) » https://www.klkntv.com/nebraska-doctor-loses-license-after-court-martial-for-sexual-abuse/ ▫️Man on Trial for Pimping Teen, Women in OC A 36-year-old man spent months recruiting a 17-year-old girl from Northern California to join his “team” of three other prostitutes working for him in Orange County, a prosecutor told jurors Monday while the defendant’s attorney said her client did not force any of the women to participate in their “subculture.” Xavier Dashea Washington is charged with human trafficking of a minor, pimping a minor older than 16, pandering with a minor older than 16, human trafficking, three counts of pimping, four counts of pandering, a single count of possession of a gun by a felon, attempting to dissuade a witness from prosecuting, all felonies, and a misdemeanor count of contempt of court for ignoring a restraining order. He also faces sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a gun. https://mynewsla.com/crime/2024/12/16/trial-begins-for-man-charged-with-pimping-underage-teen-and-3-women-2/ ▫️Milford man, Scranton man both indicted on child sex crimes SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Kevin Eric Abbott, age 39, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Rashaad Khalid Che Taylor, age 28, of Milford, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury for multiple criminal charges related to child exploitation, including an overarching conspiracy to produce child pornography, online enticement, both distribution and possession of child pornography, and, with regard to Taylor, the commission of a felony sex offense by an individual required to register as a sex offender. The Indictment in this case alleges that the two men met and conspired, over the course of at least a year and a half, to entice children to produce of child pornography at their behest. https://riverreporter.com/stories/milford-man-scranton-man-both-indicted-on-child-sex-crimes,175844 ▫️US to pay nearly $116M to settle lawsuits over rampant sexual abuse at California women's prison The U.S. government will pay nearly $116 million to resolve lawsuits brought by more than 100 women who say they were abused or mistreated at a now-shuttered federal prison in California that was known as the "rape club" because of rampant staff-on-inmate sexual misconduct. Under settlements approved Tuesday, the Justice Department will pay an average of about $1.1 million to each of 103 women who sued the Bureau of Prisons over their treatment at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California. Tuesday's settlements cover an initial wave of lawsuits seeking monetary compensation from the Bureau of Prisons after former warden Ray Garcia and other employees at FCI Dublin went to prison for sexually abusing inmates. Subsequent lawsuits have yet to be resolved. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-14203051/US-pay-nearly-116M-settle-lawsuits-rampant-sexual-abuse-California-womens-prison.html ▫️Alexander brothers friend set to be arraigned in sex crimes case Morgan Rynor reports Ohad Fisherman is accused of taking part in the gang rape of a woman at a Miami Beach apartment in December 2016. » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmzcGynCTQo (VIDEO) » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54CiQ6YMrMQ (VIDEO) » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otf3sqmwE-Y (VIDEO) ▫️3 Texas Soldiers Charged in Human Smuggling Operation » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCoIJTAu3VQ (VIDEO) » https://t.me/ENDHUMANTRAFFICKING/17269 ▫️Man Arrested for Sex Trafficking Charges (UPDATE) Thomas Lee Thomas II, 58, a resident of Thomasville, N.C., was charged with several serious offenses related to sex trafficking. » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3bt93W0tV4 (VIDEO) » https://t.me/ENDHUMANTRAFFICKING/17400 ▫️Court documents give new information into the former deputy charged with sex trafficking (UPDATE) New details released on a former El Paso County deputy accused of sex trafficking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBMkSx6pv6A (VIDEO) ▫️Man charged in 104-count indictment for sexually assaulting, trafficking boy, 16, in Upper Manhattan NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 31-year-old man was charged in a 104-count indictment for sexually assaulting and trafficking a teen boy over five months in Upper Manhattan, prosecutors announced Tuesday. Matthew Halstead was charged with sex trafficking, sex trafficking of a child, use of a child in a sexual performance, promoting and possessing a sexual performance by a child, criminal obstruction of breathing and endangering the welfare of a child, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. https://www.audacy.com/1010wins/news/local/man-charged-for-sexually-assaulting-trafficking-boy-16 ▫️Minnesota Parents Jailed For Locking Children in Cages A couple has been jailed after keeping their four children locked up in cages. Benjamin Taylor Cotton, 42, and Christina Ann Cotton, 40, will now spend four years behind bars themselves after pleading guilty to child torture in Red Wing, Minnesota. The pair, whose children were aged between two and nine at the time, were sentenced on Friday. The Cottons were charged in June 2023 on 16 counts, ranging from child torture and endangerment to neglect and malicious punishment. However, as part of a plea deal earlier this year, the pair pleaded guilty to one count each of child torture, while the other 15 charges were dismissed. The couple are accused of keeping their children regularly locked up in cages for around four years. » https://youtu.be/Jwf0kXo3fJU (VIDEO) » https://www.newsweek.com/parents-jailed-child-abuse-cages-2001992 ▫️Man kills roommate over pedophile accusations, AZ cops say A 34-year-old man called 911 to report he had killed his roommate “because he thought he was a pedophile,” Arizona police said. Adam Tucker contacted authorities at about 12;10 a.m. Dec. 11, the Prescott Police Department said in a news release. Police said they detained Tucker and found his 73-year-old roommate unresponsive on the floor of their apartment. Before his death, Tucker told police he asked his roommate if he was “sexually attracted to children,” authorities said. Tucker said the man then acted “weird” about letting another roommate borrow his phone, police said. Because of this, Tucker said he went into man’s room where he was lying in bed and put him in a chokehold until he died, police said. » https://www.bradenton.com/news/nation-world/national/article297227969.html » https://www.facebook.com/PrescottPD/posts/pfbid02qqqnSr2LxrebRqadgjAi6WDgVxaZtBRouxo9AYNUrnLAKe4CiSSXhDpX5uboSYMgl ▫️New SafeWatch app designed to make it easier to report human trafficking A new website and app is set to launch in January that is expected to make it easier for people to report suspected human trafficking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffkba5O_pAo (VIDEO) ▫️Human Trafficking Film Screening - Kristi House Children's Advocacy Center | January 8, 2025 Two trusted names in South Florida have partnered to raise awareness about human trafficking among children and educate on the stages of grooming that lead to trafficking. Kristi House and Goya Cares are pleased to offer this program. It combines feature film-quality cinematic drama and hands-on, interactive teaching while the story unfolds of how youth are often tricked, lured and forced in sex trafficking. Narrated by mixed martial arts champion Maycee Barber, the “LIGHT: Block Traffik” video is part of Goya’s global initiative and Kristi House’s local mission to combat child sex trafficking. The video, interactive activities and discussion are facilitated by expert educators from Kristi House. https://kristihouse.org/event/human-trafficking-awareness-day-film-screening/ ▫️National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2025: January 11th each year National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed annually on January 11th to shine a light on the global issue of human trafficking. It’s a day to raise awareness about the prevalence of modern-day slavery, advocate for the rights of survivors, and work towards eradicating human trafficking in all its forms. What is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2025? National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2025 is a day dedicated to acknowledging the existence of human trafficking and taking action to combat this grave violation of human rights. It serves as a reminder that human trafficking is a pressing concern worldwide and that everyone has a role to play in its prevention and elimination. It marks the beginning of a month-long campaign to raise awareness and engage communities in the fight against human trafficking. https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/national-human-trafficking-awareness-day-2025/ ▫️Human Trafficking Awareness Month Panel Discussion, Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 12;30 PM | Online Please join us on Wednesday January 8th from 12;30 to 1;30 CST to learn more about human trafficking and its impacts across Minnesota. A panel of expert service providers from across the state will share on Human Trafficking Awareness Month, how the issue impacts people in Minnesota, how providers can coordinate to meet the needs of survivors, and what we can do to prevent this crime from happening. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask their own questions as well. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/human-trafficking-awareness-month-panel-discussion-tickets-1116858266139 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ More Arrest Updates: HSI/ICE Newsroom Child Exploitation (https://www.ice.gov/newsroom?field_news_release_topics_tag_target_id=All&field_field_location_administrative_area=All&field_published_date_value%5Bmin%5D=&field_published_date_value%5Bmax%5D=&combine=Child+Exploitation&field_field_location_country_code=All)FBI Arrests & Violent Crimes Against Children News (https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/vcac/violent-crimes-against-children-news)Department of Justice Press Room Human Trafficking News (https://www.justice.gov/humantrafficking/press-room)- - - -N-E-E-D- -H-E-L-P-?- - -US:- - - - - - - - - NCMEC Urgent victim help 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-843-5678 NCMEC Cybertiplines: https://report.cybertip.org/ HSI/ICE toll-free hotline: 1-866-DHS-2-ICE | Anonymous toll-free ICE Tip Line: (866) 347-2423 | Tip Form (https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form#wcm-survey-target-id) DHS: https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/identify-victim U.S. Marshals Service: USMS: Submit a Tip (https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip) If you believe your child is in the process of being abducted by a parent, legal guardian, or someone acting on their behalf, call : 1-888-407-4747. (U.S. Gov. Dept. of State) or https://www.projectdynamo.org/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Phebe Smith Krouse, 93, died Thursday, December 12, 2024 at The Fountains in DuBois, Pennsylvania. Born June 7, 1931 in Punxsutawney, PA, she was the daughter of Pierre L. Smith and Winette Dillman Smith. Phebe attended Punxsutawney High School where she authored the Punxsutawney Centennial History as a sophomore when the supervising teacher was unable to complete the project. She was accepted to Duke University the same year and offered a full scholarship to graduate school, but upon graduation in 1949, chose Goucher College in Maryland, from which she earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Education in 1953 and served as president of her class. She returned to Punxsutawney High School as a teacher for six years. Phebe married Charles O. Krouse June 13, 1959. They were married until Chuck's death, two weeks before their 60th anniversary. With marriage and children, Phebe became a homemaker. Wherever they lived, she was always active in the arts and community as a volunteer, board member, performer and more. Phebe served in Session and as an Elder at the Brockway Presbyterian and First Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, Illinois. She shared her musical talents and lovely alto voice to church choirs and other performing groups wherever she lived. In addition to being a dedicated member of the Brockway Presbyterian Church Choir, she directed the Junior Choir and led the church's Girl Scout troop. Amazingly, the umbrella stands created by the Girl Scout troop she led remain in place decades later. She performed with multiple groups, including the DuBois Choral Society, a "Beauty Shop" quartet and other groups. Phebe was in several United Funds charity musicals, including The Sound of Music, Here's Love, and others. Her performance as Vera Charles to Esther Hawkins' Mame achieved local legend. Over the years, Phebe participated in other shows to raise charity funds as a producer, director, emcee, and model. Phebe served on the board of the Salvation Army of DuBois. She and Chuck volunteered for years in food distribution and as enthusiastic bell ringers at Christmas. She was one of the founders and served on the board of the Reitz Theater in DuBois and served on the board of Circle Hill Cemetery in Punxsutawney. Like her father and grandfather, she took joy in writing original poems including historic events and prices, all done without benefit of the internet. Of course, she was a life-long ambassador of all things groundhog. Surviving are two sons, Pierre "Pete" Smith Krouse, (Dorothy Mundy-Krouse) of Dallas Texas, Andrew Philip Krouse of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania; daughter Colby Suzanne Krouse of Chicago, Illinois; two grandchildren; Jessica Erin Krouse of Battle Creek Michigan, David Charles Krouse of Charlotte, North Carolina; niece Barbara Kish; nephews, Daniel and Thomas Krouse and sister-in-law Ann Krouse. She was preceded in death by her sister, Suzanne Smith of Casa Grande, Arizona, in-laws Glenn and Nancy Krouse, brother-in-law George Krouse and niece Susan Krouse. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 30, 2024 at 11 AM EST at Brockway Presbyterian Church, 817 Main Street, Brockway, Pennsylvania 15824. The service will be streamed at www.youtube.com/@brockwaypc for those unable to attend in person. Later interment will be at Circle Hill Cemetery in Punxsutawney. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Brockway Presbyterian Church https://www.brockwaypc.com/ The local libraries in Brockway http://menglelibrary.org | DuBois https://www.duboispubliclibrary.org/ or Punxsutawney https://www.punxsutawneylibrary.org/donate.html Salvation Army of DuBois https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/western-pennsylvania/dubois/ Arrangements are under the direction of the Baronick Funeral Home and Crematorium, Inc. Online condolences can be sent to https://www.baronickfuneralhome.com/condolence

Michael W. Welsch, age 66 of DuBois, PA died Monday, December 16, 2024 at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital. Born on August 14, 1958 in DuBois, PA, he was the son of the late Jerome and Lillian (Shannon) Welsch, Sr. Michael had a successful career in telecommunications and retired after 20 years of service. He loved film and photography. His humor was woven into all that he did. Above all, his children and family were the center of his life. He will be remembered by his children for the gifts he so generously gave to others: understanding, counsel, patience and laughter. Michael is survived by his two children (Michael Welsch and his wife Christina Yoon of Medford, MA and Meredith Welsch of Wilmington, DE), and their mother (Elizabeth Welsch), one sister (Kathryn Ishler and her husband Larry of Erie, PA), and three brothers (Jerome Welsch, Jr. and his wife Debra of Hamburg, NY, John W. Welsch and his partner Hollie Nelson of DuBois, PA and James E. Welsch of Falls Creek, PA). He was preceded in death by one sister (Mary Sue). There will be no public visitation. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 11 AM from the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc. with Msgr. Richard Siefer officiating. Burial will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Reitz Theater, PO Box 958, DuBois, PA 15801. Online condolences can be sent to https://www.baronickfuneralhome.com/condolence

Every single Congress person who votes for this should be recorded with this information and then have that info pushed out to the public............or have a promise like this made to them beforehand and also to the public. Let them boil in the pot of oil they create for themselves.