Tag: Human Trafficking

Nine Arrested in Federal Crackdown on L.A.’s Sex-Trafficking Corridor

Posted on by Leave a comment
FBI and ATF agents outside a suburban house with police vehicles and flashing lights

Federal agents on Wednesday raided a section of Los Angeles that has become one of the country’s most notorious child sex-trafficking corridors, arresting nine people on charges related to selling girls as young as 14 for sex. The operation took place near a 3.5-mile stretch of Figueroa Street known as “the Blade,” where girls go from car to car in stilettos, soliciting customers for sex to reach their traffickers’ nightly quotas. The girls can be seen wearing hair bows and dangling condoms from Hello Kitty lingerie, their faces tattooed with their traffickers’ monikers. A federal indictment unsealed on Wednesday listed more than 50 victims, and officials identified an additional five during the sweep. “We really don’t know how many victims are out there,” Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, said in an interview on Wednesday.

“The more of these arrests we do, we get more information, we get more evidence, we get into their phones, we discover more and more victims.” Six of the defendants were identified by officials as members of the Hoover Criminal Gang, which formed in the late 1960s and claimed its territory in a swath of south Los Angeles that includes the Figueroa corridor. For years, the gang has controlled much of the sex trafficking there, and many of its motels. Among those arrested was the manager of a local motel, the Stadium Inn & Spas, where prosecutors said victims were held and exploited. An additional arrest on Monday was linked to the case. The operation on Wednesday came nine months after The New York Times published an examination into the city’s sex trafficking crisis, drawing widespread outrage and national attention to the abuse many of the girls face on Figueroa Street.

Court documents described how the traffickers worked together to recruit and control their victims, including by branding the girls’ faces, necks and buttocks with tattoos of their street names and logos. The authorities said Cameron Lockett, 23, beat one of his victims on her back and ribs, bit off a chunk of her cheek and then pressured her to lie when she was taken to the hospital for stitches. Officials said Caleed Mouton, 26, ordered one of the girls to get an abortion. Hours after the procedure, he required her to continue having sex with customers, according to the indictment. Prosecutors also accused Jorge Melendez, 23, of punching a 14-year-old victim in the face at least five times and dragging her by her hair because she did not meet her quota. “The whole thing, from top down, is just absolutely disgusting and horrific,” Mr. Essayli said. “When it comes to victims, these are among the most vulnerable victims that we see in the work that we do.”

The names of the lawyers representing Mr. Lockett, Mr. Mouton and Mr. Melendez were not available. Many of the girls on the Figueroa corridor have been recruited out of the Los Angeles County foster care system; others have run away from home and were in need of financial and emotional security when they were befriended by traffickers on social media. Several of the defendants arrested on Wednesday had promised girls luxurious lifestyles before turning violent, according to the indictment, hooking them on amphetamines and oxycodone to create addictions they could exploit. Editors’ Picks Years After High School, Their Love Story Began Is a ‘Frictionless’ Society a Trap? How Do I Stop Guests From Bringing Their Children to My Parties? SKIP ADVERTISEMENT Wednesday’s operation, which was part of a joint federal and local investigation known as Operation Broken Blade, involved Homeland Security Investigations, I.R.S. Criminal Investigation and the Los Angeles Police Department.

Prosecutors are using a federal racketeering statute that was originally aimed at fighting organized crime, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO. In January, city and county officials announced renewed efforts to combat sex trafficking in the area, saying they would push for state lawmakers to pursue stricter penalties for both traffickers and buyers. “Let me affirm our clear commitment to everyone: The L.A.P.D. will protect the victims, will hold the traffickers accountable, and will restore dignity and safety along this corridor,” Jim McDonnell, the police chief, told reporters as he stood on Figueroa Street. If convicted, some of the defendants who were arrested on Wednesday face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, and a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison.

Source: Nine Arrested in Federal Crackdown on L.A.’s Sex-Trafficking Corridor – The New York Times

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

Reclaiming Attention From Distractions

Pip: Drink of Jesus has been asking a question your phone’s algorithm would really prefer you not think about: what if the thing eating your attention is the distraction? Mara: That’s the thread…

Keep reading

Hope in the dark

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like it’s happening right now,…

Keep reading

God as Your Ever-Present Help

You don’t have to carry this alone, He is your safe place and your help in every moment of need.  Bible Verse:God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a…

Keep reading

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

10 arrested in Fort Worth undercover sting targeting online child predators, authorities say

Posted on by Leave a comment
low angle shot of parked police car

Ten people have been arrested, with nine additional suspects still under investigation, following a Fort Worth Police Department‑led, multi‑agency sting targeting child predators. The three‑day undercover operation, held April 1-3, focused on adults who investigators say were attempting to solicit minors online, authorities said Wednesday. Investigators used multiple online platforms to identify suspects seeking sexual contact with children under 17.

Participating agencies included the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Crowley Police Department, Carrollton Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, and the FBI. Names of arrested suspects listed Among those arrested, according to a Fort Worth police social media post, are the following:

  • Jose Montalvan, 41
  • Stephen Milliken, 30
  • Humberto Aldana Caballer, 23
  • James Klump, 61
  • Jordan Kammerer, 26
  • Joel Stroud, 33
  • Santiago Luque-Calix, 28
  • Jose Morales-Puentes, 25
  • Michael Schweitzer, 48
  • William Johnson, 19

Source: 10 arrested in Fort Worth undercover sting targeting online child predators, authorities say – CBS Texas

For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’
Acts 17:28

North Texas woman arrested in widening prostitution, racketeering investigation, authorities say

Posted on by Leave a comment
a person with black handcuffs

A North Texas woman accused of taking part in a years‑long prostitution scheme and an effort to gather intelligence on local public officials has been arrested, authorities said. Ashley Ketcherside, 41, of Godley, was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with racketeering. No bond has been set. The District Attorney’s Office for Johnson & Somervell Counties said the investigation centers on ongoing criminal activity involving Ashley Ketcherside, her husband, Michael, 52, and former members of the Godley Police Department. Michael Ketcherside had previously been arrested on charges of continuous promotion and solicitation of prostitution. Ashley Ketcherside, 41   Johnson County Jail Alleged decade‑long operation According to authorities, the couple allegedly ran a prostitution and racketeering operation that investigators describe as a pattern spanning nearly 10 years. The activity allegedly included promoting and facilitating prostitution.

Source: North Texas woman arrested in widening prostitution, racketeering investigation, authorities say – CBS Texas

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Matthew 28:5-6

Human trafficking a rising problem in Cameroon

Posted on by Leave a comment
news

Human trafficking in Cameroon has been impeded by social stigma, inadequate financial resources, as well as lack of clarity in the laws.

During a workshop on human trafficking organized by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Kumbo Diocese Christopher Bello said Cameroon is a source, transit and destination for human trafficking, noting this modern slavery has spiked as a result of the separatist conflict in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions.

Source: Human trafficking a rising problem in Cameroon, Catholic Church says | Crux

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2

1.3 million Ram trucks recalled over improperly installed seat belt anchors

Chrysler is recalling more than 1.27 million Ram 1500 pickup trucks because the second-row seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall affects Ram 1500 trucks from the 2019 through 2026 model years. NHTSA said the anchors fail to meet federal safety standards. An…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Arson arrest in one of the Spokane area wildfires that have left some residents with nothing – CBS News

A 37-year-old man was arrested Monday for allegedly starting the largest of the three devastating Spokane, Washington-area wildfires that are leaving some residents with nothing. Aaron Farinacci, a Spokane resident who has a prior manslaughter conviction, was booked on suspicion of first degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire and was being held…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Stockton church hosts fundraiser to reopen local school

The City of Stockton has been working to revitalize Main Street. To help, a local church hosted a bazaar to raise funds that go directly into the community. “It’s a small community, but a really hardworking one,” Saint Gertrude Summer Festival organizer Monica Mercado said. This all happened Sunday in the courtyard of Saint Gertrude’s…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Beloved Westmoreland County roller rink rolling toward a comeback

If you grew up around Delmont over the past 80 years, chances are you made a few memories at the Rock Springs Roller Rink. After sitting empty for more than a decade, those memories are getting a new chapter thanks to new owner and local entrepreneur, Greg Ventrice. “I originally kind of bought it for…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

21-year-old kills man with hammer, leaves note: Florida cops

A 21-year-old woman used a hammer to kill a 41-year-old man she accused of grooming her as a child, then she left an accusatory note on his chest, Florida authorities said. Journee McGrew is now charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in a killing described by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as a “domestic…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Feds nab another Syrian national connected to SIA smuggling in New Mexico; Human Trafficking

Posted on by Leave a comment
a person in black shirt wearing handcuffs

Federal agents arrested another Syrian national involved in border crimes, this time in New Mexico and west Texas.

The arrest stems from a 1.5-year-long investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations-El Paso. HSI El Paso is part of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso Sector, which includes two west Texas counties and all of New Mexico. 

Source: Feds nab another Syrian national connected to SIA smuggling in New Mexico

As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, In judgment and abundant justice; He does not oppress.
Job 37:23

Trump announces Gaza breakthrough but uncertainty remains

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced what he described as a historic agreement to secure the disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza – months after he first announced a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. “Today, the Board of Peace reached a HISTORIC agreement for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Johnson & Johnson offers $5.5 billion to settle talc lawsuits

Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson has offered $5.5 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming its baby powder and other talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, the company said Monday. The proposed landmark settlement aims to end a long-standing legal battle that has weighed on the New Jersey-based company for years. J&J said…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Isolated storms could impact metro Atlanta counties, forecasters say

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the Atlanta metro area this evening.  At 6:48 p.m., meteorologists reported a severe thunderstorm over Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, approximately eight miles northwest of Jonesboro, moving south at 10 miles per hour Communities expected to be impacted include Atlanta, Jonesboro,…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

OVER THE HILL GANG CAR SHOW, TAKE OVER!

Stew Leonard’s car show coverage over 400 classic cars, hot rods and custom builds completely packed out the lot as Stew Leonards in Newington, Connecticut, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. This venue was co-hosted by the Over The Hill Gang, Eastern Chapter. this massive turnout, celebrating the iconic, hot riding and cruising Heritage of the…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Subscribe

Enter your email below to receive updates.