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Crimes Against Children

Crimes Against Children

Police Fight for Crimes Against Children

Child abuse or crimes done to children is absolutely disgusting. In my opinion it’s one of the worse forms of abuse. This is probably why the abusers doesn’t last long in prison.

According to the Woonsocket Police, on Friday they were able to arrest a man who was accused of crimes against children.

The police said that they found twenty-nine year old, Rodolfo Ortiz Rivera. He was hiding out in Springfield, Massachusetts. The police found him just a day after they requested public assistance in finding him.

He must be a real piece of work because he had a warrant out of his arrest for first degree child molestation, second degree child abuse, as well as solicitation of a six year old girl.

Women Charged for Child Abuse

Being a woman and a mother, you would think that a woman wouldn’t want to harm any child. What happened to their motherly instincts? Just because a child has something wrong with them medically doesn’t mean that your love for them stops or your care.

Two women are now being charged for their part in a 2016 case where the five year old little boy suffered seizures and broken bones after he was hit with a hammer. The women enter “please of no contest to all charges”. This is happening in Muskogee County.

Just because they plea no contest doesn’t mean they are guilty or that they are innocent. They just mean that they aren’t admitting to the guilt but have no defense for themselves. So pretty much they’re guilty but don’t want to admit it.

Twenty-six year old Kayla Jones and twenty-nine year old Rachel Stevens were both sentenced to twenty years in jail. They are allowed a one year judicial review.

Both of the young women were charged with one count of child abuse by injury as well as one count of child neglect.

Another Example of Children Being Abused

Boys fight. When a son turns teenager, the father and son are bound to butt heads. But taking a clothes hanger and choking a five year old is a little over the top. No child, no matter how old deserves that.

A Mesa man is accused of choking his five year old son with a clothes hanger. According to the reports from the Mesa police on September 12th they were contacted by the school officials. According to the school a five year old little boy showed up to school with marks on his little chest as well as his neck.

The nurse documented the “cuts and scratches on the child’s head, chest, and marks on his arms”.

Crimes Against Children in Arizona

The little boy told the authorities that his father had choked him with a white clothes hanger and cut his little arm with a  knife. His father is thirty year old, Patrick Lamont Smith.

The police went to the home near Lindsey and Broadway roads where they found some heartbreaking evidence. There were other children in the home and agreed with the victims story. They even told the police that the little boy was “the only one abused that day”. How sad. How long have these poor children had to suffer through this with that man?

The suspect, told the police that yes he does have a white clothes hanger. He uses it to threaten the children when they misbehave.

He did admit to grabbing and yelling at the poor child. However, he denied choking him. He did tell the police that he grabbed the little boy by the back of his neck. Which is horrible in itself.

According to reports, Smith has been charged with aggravated assault as well as child abuse.

 

Criminal Defense Cases

If you are suspected of murder, aggravated assault or another violent crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can secure your rights. A skilled lawyer will not only look for ways to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed but will also focus on developing an effective criminal defense trial strategy. At Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we have a substantial background defending clients accused of violent crimes in the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Our lead criminal defense attorney, Daniel Perlman, is a former prosecutor who previously pursued charges against individuals suspected of violent crimes. Mr. Perlman and the entire Perlman Law Group offer a comprehensive view of the criminal justice system and know the right steps to take in developing a defense strategy while seeking to mitigate any potential damage.

Our ability to work with the facts in plea negotiations can turn a weak defense into a strong one. In our experience, a creative approach to your defense strategy can result in a sentence of probation or work release, even on a felony plea.

Effective Defensive Strategy for Violent Crimes

As a starting point for an effective defense strategy, we will evaluate the police report, witness statements and any physical evidence. Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC takes its approach a step further through identifying creative solutions by focusing on the actual risk of punishment you are currently facing. The threat of prison will probably be based as much on your prior record as it will be on the facts of the current criminal charges.

Our firm handles cases involving all types of Violent Crime allegations, including:

  • Assault and Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Murder, Attempted Murder and Manslaughter
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Armed Robbery
  • Kidnapping and False Imprisonment
  • Criminal Threats
  • Gang-Related Crimes
  • Resisting Arrest and Assault on an Officer
  • Domestic Violence

If weaknesses in the government’s case mean that you stand a good chance of success at trial, we will aggressively represent your interests before a jury. If the evidence against you makes a trial too risky, we will advise you and work with all parties — including prosecutors, probation officers, court services and community agencies — to show that you are an excellent candidate for favorable treatment.

Schedule a Free Consultation –  Phoenix Violent Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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Felony Hit and Run in Phoenix

Felony Hit and Run in Phoenix

Felony Hit and Run in Phoenix

A felony hit and run are sadly pretty common. The Phoenix police say that they actually saw an impaired driver that might have been involved in a hit and run crash on early Saturday morning.

According to Sgt. Mercedes Fortune, The crash happened at the intersection of 27th Street and Indian School Road close to two o’clock in the morning.

Fortune said a witness reported the man was crossing a intersection when he was suddenly hit by a small red vehicle. The injured man had to be taken to the local hospital and luckily his injuries weren’t life threatening.

Luckily the officers were able to find a similar vehicle that matched the witnesses’ description, it was found near 42nd Street and Thomas Road. The driver had to be taken into custody.

The driver was arrested because there might have been an “impairment” involved in the crash.

Crash in Phoenix

Phoenix stays pretty busy. Now there was a hit and run crash near 5th Avenue and Beardsley Road. This was in Phoenix and left a motorcyclist badly injured. The police are now looking for the driver of the vehicle.

The police say that the crash happened on July 24th, when a purple BMW hit the victim. The victim, Max was riding his motorcycle. There were no witnesses to come forward about the crash and the BMW hasn’t been identified at this time.

Police are going to continue to investigate the crash and are asking for the public’s help in finding the suspect. If you have any information about the hit and run then please call your local police or Silent Witness.

Phoenix Hit And Run Lawyer

Felony and Misdemeanor Hit and Run Cases

Hit and run violations happen, and often they are the result of the physically and emotionally jarring aftermath of being involved in a car accident with another vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian. It is common knowledge that in such circumstances the proper protocol is to stop, exchange information and report the situation to law enforcement, but often in the moment such procedure becomes confused in the overwhelming chaos of the moments following a collision. Despite knowing the proper protocol and the fact that leaving the scene of a car accident is considered to be a serious criminal offense within the state of Arizona, the fear of negative legal repercussions often outweigh sound reason. If you or someone you know has been involved in a misdemeanor or felony hit-and-run accident within the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix area, the expert Criminal Defense Attorneys at the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC will actively defend your rights and assist you in reaching a favorable outcome.

Hit and Run Examples

There are multiple variations of hit-and-run offenses that may result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction. They may include:

  • When a driver collides with another vehicle, causing property damage, injury or death
  • When a driver collides with a pedestrian or jogger, causing serious injury or even death
  • When a driver collides with objects, causing property damage
  • When a driver collides with an unattended, parked car causing property damage
  • When a driver collides with a cyclist, causing property damage, minor to serious injury or death

It is important to fully understand the nature of your hit-and-run offense to determine the severity of the criminal charge. Your level of offense will be decided based on how serious the results of your hit-and-run collision were. A collision that results in limited injuries will most like be charged as misdemeanors, whereas in a more serious injury accident that results in a lengthy rehabilitation period or even wrongful death, you may face felony hit-and-run charges.

Leaving the Scene of the Accident

Fear around secondary convictions for other offenses is often the motivating factor for why drivers leave the scene of an accident, hoping to avoid multiple charges that may include:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
  • Driving a stolen vehicle
  • Driving with a stolen license
  • Driving under the influence of narcotics
  • Driving while transporting narcotics
  • Driving without insurance or registration
  • Driving with a warrant for your arrest

At the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Attorneys – our expertise and aggressive litigation practices result in regular favorable results for our clients facing hit-and-run misdemeanor and felony offenses.  It is essential that you contact a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to protecting your record. Consultation with a criminal defense attorney is always advisable before speaking to law enforcement or insurance companies, regardless of fault.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Hit and Run Lawyer

With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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Different Stabbing Cases in San Diego

Murder Charges and Investigation

Argument Turns into Violent Stabbing

Stabbings are something quite scary and ultimately life threatening. Nothing good can come from a stabbing incident.

There was an argument that broke out and turned violent quickly in the Ocean Beach area. During the argument, four people were stabbed.

According to the reports, the stabbing took place at Brighton and Bacon and happened just after midnight. There was also a trail of blood on the sidewalk.

According to the San Diego Police two women and a man got into an argument of some sorts with two men who were walking towards them. The officers also said that someone had taken a knife out and stabbed two of the men and both of the women.

Police said that they think that the man that was walking with the two women is the one who used the knife in self defense.

One of the victims had to be rushed to the hospital, once there he had to go into surgery. Police say that two of the victims were under the influence and weren’t able to provide any information about the stabbing suspect.

Luckily, the injuries the victims are suffering from were non-life threatening. At this time, there has been no arrests made.

 

Woman Jailed for Stabbing Her Wife to Death

In another type of stabbing case, is more of a domestic dispute type. Which are sadly more common that what you think.

According to the reports, a San Diego woman was accused of stabbing her wife to deah inside of their San Carlos apartment. She tried to escape her capture for almost twenty days. On Friday, she was sentence to twenty years to life in prison. The court officials confirmed that Tiffany Nowden’s prison bound faith was decided just one day before her forty-first birthday. Nowden was also ordered to pay restitution.

Tiffany Nowden pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the deadly stabbing of wife, Russina Vale who was thirty-eight years old.

On June 5, 2014 Russina Vale’s body was found, completely naked and was inside of an apartment at the Vila De Flores complex. The complex is located in the 7700 block of Mission Gorge Road.

 

Stabbing Victim Woman’s Body Found

According to the San Diego Police Department investigators, Russina’s body was found in her bed. Russina suffered from two stab wounds. The wounds were to her stomach and to her upper right arm as well as her chest. The chest wound proved to be what ultimately ended her life.

After the police found Russina’s body, her wife couldn’t be found anywhere. Since she was missing she was instantly a murder suspect in the homicide of her wife.

Tiffany was on the run for almost twenty days. Tiffany hid from the police who only wanted to question her about her wife’s murder. Her not wanting to  be captured seemingly proved her guilty.

Luckily the U.S. Marshals officials tracked down Tiffany Nowden in late June 2014. She was caught in home on Market Street in San Diego. She was later arrested and then booked into the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility. She has since been in their custody.

At the time of the murder, the police interrogated the neighbors, searching for clues. The neighbors said that the couple lived in the apartment complex together. However, they had recently been fighting and recently broke up. According to the neighbors, when they were happier, the women could often be seen walking their dogs together.

According to the searching, the Prosecutors confirmed that the couple had gotten into a heated argument at Nowden’s place of employment. Nowden worked at the Barona Casino. This happened just shortly before Vale’s stabbing.

According tot he prosecutor’s finding, Vale had sent emails to her family and friends telling them that her relationship with her wife was over. She was planning to seek a divorce from her.

 

At the pre-trial fro Nowden which was in October 2014, her aunt, Zanetta Moloi from San Bernardino testified that she was asked to pick up Nowden in San Diego, this was after Vale’s murder. She claimed that Nowden had to be picked up because she was in trouble.

Her aunt, Moloi also said that Nowden appeared very stressed when she had picked her up in San Diego. Moloi also said that her niece was in a hurry to call an attorney, however she had decided to not meet the attorney. Nowden of course cleaned herself up at her aunt’s house and then quickly left. She didn’t even say where she was going. Moloi also said that she didn’t know what had happened to her niece’s wife until several days after she had seen Nowden.

Nowden’s aunt wasn’t the only family member to appear in court to testify, two of her sisters also spoke in court. The court also heard from one of Vale’s loved ones.

 

Man Gets Involved in Stabbing by Being A Good Samaritan

A man tries to be a good guy and ends up in a stabbing incident. According to the San Diego police, a man was trying to do a good deed and intervene in a dispute between a man and a woman and was sadly stabbed over the weekend.

According to the stabbing victim, he saw a male suspect harassing a woman in the parking lot of a local 7-Eleven at the University Avenue and Texas Street. Which is probably a pretty busy street.

According to the reports, when the stabbing victim tried to separate the fighting couple, the suspect then pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim on time in the chest. Talk about hardcore, just for a little argument.

Of course the victim was immediately taken to a local hospital by a family member.  According to the victim, the suspect was last seen riding north on a BMX bicycle. Must be a real tough guy. There was no available description of the woman.

The police are going to continue to investigate this stabbing case. Hopefully they find the suspect soon.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
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Serious Child Abuse Cases in Phoenix

Domestic Child Abuse Cases

Arizona Woman Convicted for Child Abuse

So as a child everyone remembers the fun of playing in a plastic container or cardboard box. However, for one innocent child, it didn’t turn out so fun.

An Arizona woman is being convicted of first degree murder for the death of her ten year old cousin. Her ten year old little cousin was locked in a small plastic storage box, in deadly hot heat.

Twenty-eight year old, Sammantha Allen has been accused and convicted of helping her husband, lock he cousin, Ame Deal in a box. The box was left outside overnight. This was used as a sick punishment against the poor child.

The bin only had small air holes near the handles. The prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the woman. The penalty part of the trial will begin next week.

According to reports, the young child was suffocated and found dead the next day. The temperatures had surpassed 100 degrees.

Child Abuse

The female was also found guilty of three counts of child abuse as well as conspiracy to commit child abuse. As if this isn’t one of the saddest things you’ve ever heard, wait until you hear why the child was being punished. The child was put in the burning box because she stole and ate a popsicle.

When the young girls body was found, they family said that she had “hidden” in there as they were playing a late night game of hide and seek.

According to reports, this was a form of punishment that was done regularly done by the request of the legal guardian of the girl, Cynthia Stoltzmann.

Apparently the child had a long life of child abuse in her short life. Not just by one relative either, apparently several. The young girl has lived with at least ten adults and children.

Three other relatives have also been convicted of abusing the little girl. They are already serving time in prison.

The girl’s father, David Deal had previously pleaded guilty for attempted child abused and was sentenced to jailed. Stoltzmann was also sentenced to twenty-five years in prison for attempted child abuse.

In 2011 there were reports that the little girl had lived in a house of “horrors”. Police reported that the adults that were supposed to take care of her were actually making her sleep on the floor of the shower stall! They even put hot sauce in her mouth when she lied. They sadly locked in her in an airtight chest as a punishment. What kind of sick family did this little girl live with? So sad that they couldn’t help her.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Trent Crump’s Statement:

I don’t think that a crime could be more unspeakable.

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

The highly skilled Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC advise and represent people facing criminal charges for domestic violence often described as Spousal Abuse, Spousal Battery or Domestic Dispute, such charges do not always reflect a case between married people, but include those living in the same location (cohabitation), or sometimes just engaged in a domestic (dating) relationship.  Such cases can also lead to violation of a restraining order or protective orders.  They are NOT the same as a Domestic Violence Restraining Order however.

 

With a team of former prosecutors, Phoenix based Criminal Defense Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC offer a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. They understand the necessary steps to take in developing an aggressive defense strategy focused on securing a dismissal or minimizing any potential penalties associated with a conviction.

 

Domestic Violence cases have become extremely political and are regularly treated as “guilty until proven innocent.”   Even with minor cases, that do not involve a documented injury, proactive and rapid action by a caring defense attorney may be they key to not only avoiding a damaging no contact order, but may play a significant role in custody issues and an eventual resolution in the case that does not result in a life-time ban on the possession of firearms, tragic orders separating you from your family and other consequences that can interfere with work, school and life.

 

At the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we are committed to helping you achieve a resolution to your immediate problems, while seeking opportunities to improve the troubled family dynamics that might be underlying factors.

 

In domestic violence cases, the district attorney and the judge will be especially interested in what you’re willing to do to improve relationships, conflict resolution skills, and anger management. Your demonstration toward positive change will often make the difference in the outcome of your case. We work closely with people charged with domestic assault or battery to obtain a dismissal, diversion to community treatment or deferred entry of judgment prior to eventually achieving a dismissal.

 

 

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Our creative approach to difficult criminal defense problems can help you avoid the consequences of a conviction in situations such as the following scenarios:

 

  • Violence or assault between spouses, unmarried parents, or cohabiting adults
  • Elder Abuse
  • Child Abuse, Cruelty to a Child, or Child Endangerment
  • Restraining Order Violations
  • Criminal Threats
  • Harassment or Stalking

 

Our ability to connect you with the programs and services that are right for your circumstances can give you an extra layer of legal protection. At the same time, we work hard to help you get the most out of the presumption of innocence that stands between you and a conviction.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Domestic Violence, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

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Police Investigate Phoenix Stabbings

Police Investigate Phoenix Stabbings

Phoenix Stabbings

Phoenix has been overran by shootings and stabbings lately. Police have definitely stayed pretty busy. According to details recently released, there was a murder in north Phoenix. The body was found by a person passing by.

The police report shows that on June 3rd a person passing by saw a man who was unresponsive. This was in a parking lot near Pinnacle Peak and Cave Creek roads.  Can’t imagine how scary that would have been for the person just innocently passing by.

The victim was later identified as, Evin Ibrahim Paulos. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident. According to the police, Paulos had around 30 stab wounds. Talk about a horrible ending to his life.

The police has been able to identify a suspect in this case, however they are not releasing his name due to investigative purposes.

Investigating Stabbings

The Phoenix Police investigated the scene. Their report says that the suspect and the victim knew each other since the suspect moved to Arizona. Apparently he was a part of a drug and gang culture. He came to Arizona to try to get away from it. The suspect was described as “inappropriate and aggressive”.

Local witnesses say that the victim and suspect had had their differences before and had “sought to fight it out”.  Apparently on June 2nd, the two did actually fight. They fought by the lights from the headlights. The suspect even had the fight recorded on video. After the fight, the victim had went home and told his family that they had worked things out and were still friends.

Police found out that the next day the suspect went over to Paulos’ home in the morning. Paulos was going to take a trip with the suspect. That was the last time that Paulos was seen alive.

A family member contacted the suspect, he told them that the Paulos had jumped out of the vehicle, just down the street from his home and he kept driving. Crazy story, why would Paulos jump out of a vehicle if the two were on good terms?

The suspect is being hunted by the fugitive task force. He or she has already been charged with second degree murder.

Fatal Stabbing Kills a Woman

Sadly, domestic violence can lead to death. When things get bad enough for the cops to be called, it’s probably time to go your separate ways for the health of all of those involved. Sometimes, on very rare occasion, the victim in a domestic dispute gets away from their vindictive life and has a great new start, however that wasn’t the case when a woman was fatally stabbed.

In south Phoenix a woman sadly got stabbed during a domestic dispute. Police said that they responded to a report of a family fight around eleven o’clock in the morning. The home was located near 43rd Avenue and Baseline Road.

Police Identified Stabbing Victim

The police were able to find and identify a sixty year old woman named Mercy Gomez. Gomez was stabbed and later died at a nearby hospital.

Olanzo Gomez is forty-two years old and is accused of stabbing his mother to death. How tragic is it that a son stabbed the woman who gave him life?

Olanzo was detained and will face one count of first degree murder, as well as three counts of aggravated assault.

Phoenix Battery Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

A verbal altercation in a bar or at your own home could be misconstrued as an assault charge. If you are accused of starting a bar fight or engaging in domestic violence, secure experienced legal help immediately. Understandably, you may feel tempted to explain your side of the story to law enforcement. But, any details you provide could be used against you.

 

Battery Defense Strategy

At the Law Offices of Daniel R. Perlman, we will act quickly to develop an effective defense strategy against battery and assault charges. Our Phoenix-based team of Criminal Defense Attorneys is comprised of former prosecutors with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. They know firsthand how prosecutors develop cases against individuals suspected of criminal assault and are prepared to stay ahead of the prosecution through identifying any procedural errors, contradictory evidence or violations of your civil rights.

 

Types of Battery Cases

The highly skilled attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC provide a substantial background defending individuals across Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area accused of offenses ranging from simple assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. These offenses may include:

 

  • Domestic violence
  • Spousal abuse
  • Child abuse
  • Sexual assault
  • Assault and battery
  • Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

 

Our Attorneys at the Phoenix-based Perlman Law Group will devote the right resources to develop an effective defense strategy against the damaging charges. We will meet with any eyewitnesses to understand the series of events before the alleged criminal activity occurred and are prepared to craft a strategy around self-defense, if you were in fear of your life.

 

We will also seek to illustrate any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence or contradictory statements from the plaintiff. When appropriate, we work with psychologists to illustrate the plaintiff’s state of mind and tendency to exaggerate or lie as well as analyzing the case from every angle possible. If your civil rights were violated or procedural errors were made, we will fight for an acquittal.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Battery Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Battery, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

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Human Trafficking in Phoenix

Human Trafficking in Phoenix

Sex Trafficking in The United States

Sex Trafficking is sacredly becoming more and more common. Children and women need to be cautious with even every day errand to the store. Women and children can be abducted anywhere and anytime.

There were twenty-one alleged members of an international sex trafficking ring. They have been charged within the United States for forcing hundreds of Thai women to travel to the United States so that they could be “modern sex slaves”. How disgusting can people be? Those poor girls.

They will be joining another 17 members that were charged last October. Three of those 17 have already pleaded guilty.

According to reports, the details is of a scheme that went all the way back to 2009. Women were sadly denied their freedom until payment of “bondage debts” . Some of the debts the some of the women owed were as high as $60,000.

Sex Trafficking Numbers Rise

US Attorney, Gregory Brooker said that the defendants include: 10 Thai nationals and 11 United States citizens. They were all arrested at different locations in Los Angeles, San Diego, Dallas, Austin, Houston, as well as Chicago. One of the defendants are still being searched for.

County Sheriff, Thomas Dart’s Statement:

The complexities of this organization represent the lengths to which criminals will go to profit off of human beings. This is an important reminder that sex trafficking and the associated buying, are not victimless crimes — this organization preyed and profited on vulnerable women.
The operation lasted from early 2009 – May 2017. Talk about a long run. The criminal organization trafficked hundreds of women from Bangkok, Thailand to also various cities across the United States. Some of those places include: Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, Washington, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Seattle, as well as Austin. Quite a wide spread.
 There was an indictment of eight different counts, including: bulk cash smuggling and money laundering offenses, detailing “funnel accounts” to route cash from several cities across the United States to money launderers in L.A.
 The criminal ring moved tens of millions of dollars from the United States to Thailand as well as other places. The criminals used a “hawala-based system”. This was so that trusted family members and others could carry large amounts of money on the person. Some cash was hidden in clothing as well as dolls.
The women who were brought to the Untied States for sex purposes were also forced to open their own bank accounts that were controlled by “members of the organization for coordinated deposits”.

IRS Criminal Investigator, Charge Shea Jones’s Statement:

The special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation are committed to taking the profit away from these human traffickers.  As all financial transactions leave a trail, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents used their accounting expertise to analyze the complex financial transactions made by these criminals.
Criminal positions ranged from traffickers who also held the bondage debt of the victim to house bosses. House bosses owned the houses of prostitution. There were also money launderers and facilitators, their duties included transportation of women to different houses of prostitution, travel costs that had to be added to the “victims bondage debt”.
Attorney Brooker said that the investigation has taken years to complete. They were finally able to dismantle the criminal organization from all angles.  Thank goodness, hopefully this is just one step closer to ending trafficking.

Human Trafficking Suspect Arrested

The District Attorney’s Office said that a twenty-five year old young man was arrested and sentenced to thirty years in prison for human trafficking and sexual assault. Sad that a young man has wasted his life on such a horrible act.

In 2016, Donald Pierre Whiteside, traveled with two young females aging at 18 and 22 years old. They traveled through Colorado, Phoenix and up and down the West Coast. He forced the women into acts of prostitution.

The man forced the women to post advertisement for prostitution then set prices to be charged and then even drove them to their appointments and then took all of their money.

He physically, sexually, and emotionally abused the girls. He did this so that he could have the upper hand and gain “compliance”. The sicko also forced the girls to get tattoos of his “pimp moniker”.

The man pleaded guilty to human trafficking for sexual servitude and attempted sexual assault. After he is released from prison he will have to register as a sex offender.

Coffee Shop Helps Fight Against Human Trafficking

A Local coffee shop helps in changing lives.

President of NRG, Elizabeth Killinger’s Statement:

A 2nd Cup, you are the $100,000 winner from Reliant Gives.

Talk about an amazing thing.

Erica Raggett’s Statement:

I feel like my mind just kind of went blank, like ‘waaa.’ I can’t believe this is happening.

According to Raggett, the journey started around six and a half years ago. She was a Houston teacher when she had watched a presentation on human trafficking at her church.

Erica Raggett’s Statement:

My mind was blown and I was horrified and outraged and … I heard stats, like the average age of entry into sex trafficking is 12 to 14 years old. I was, ‘Those are the kids that I’m teaching. I want to do something. I want to be part of the solution.

So after that she founded ” A 2nd Cup”.

She started as just a pop up coffee shop on the street, later her shop found a more permanent spot 2015. It’s helpped to attract others who has the same passion to help, such as Alyse Bordelon.

Alyse Bordelon’s Statement:

A lot of people come in here not knowing that it’s a nonprofit, not knowing that all of their resources go towards fighting human trafficking. They think it’s just a coffee shop.

Alyse, like most thought that it was just a regular coffee shop, but now she knows the truth and volunteers at the shop at least once a week. She was the one who nominated A 2nd Cup to receive the $100,000 grant. The money is to help launch their nonprofit coffee shop. This will also go to help in the culinary training program for survivors.

Bordelon’s Statement:

I’m very excited to support those survivors in getting jobs that they get to keep that are going to lift them into independence.

Raggett said that the logo is a phoenix because they really believe that they can rise and do something beautiful. How hopeful!

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

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