STOLEN: A Year-long Investigation Into Child Sex Trafficking & Exploitation | NBC 7 San Diego

NBC 7 San Diego・2 minutes read

Inmate John from San Diego Central Jail recounts James Gary's exploitation of young girls for bail money, highlighting the psychological manipulation used in relationships. The investigation reveals human trafficking as a prevalent issue in San Diego, with a focus on targeting the demand for sex buyers to combat the criminal enterprise.

Insights

Human trafficking in San Diego involves exploitation starting as early as 12 years old, with traffickers using mental manipulation rather than physical force to control victims.
Initiatives in San Diego focus on targeting the demand for sex buyers to combat the criminal enterprise, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention efforts to address the prevalent issue of human trafficking.

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Recent questions

What is human trafficking?
The commercial exploitation of individuals for sex or labor.
How do traffickers control victims?
Traffickers use mental manipulation rather than physical force.
What are the warning signs of human trafficking?
Various warning signs include kids with two cell phones, unexplained cash, new clothes, and using multiple dating apps.
How do law enforcement combat human trafficking?
By targeting the demand for sex buyers to combat the criminal enterprise.
What is the role of the community in preventing human trafficking?
The community plays a crucial role in prevention and support by engaging in conversations with children about trafficking.

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Summary

00:00

San Diego Jail Call Exposes Trafficking Tactics

Inmate John from San Diego Central Jail makes a recorded call seeking help to get out of jail.
John recounts James Gary's actions at 19, making calls from jail to young girls for bail money.
James persuaded the girls to post bail money by taking suggestive photos and posting them online.
John discusses the psychological manipulation involved in making decisions out of fear in relationships.
The investigation into sex trafficking in San Diego reveals exploitation starting as early as 12 years old.
Traffickers use mental manipulation rather than physical force to control victims.
Human trafficking is a prevalent issue in San Diego, with victims often being citizens of the area.
The grooming process by traffickers often starts before the age of 12, targeting vulnerable youth.
The commercial exploitation of individuals for sex or labor is defined as human trafficking.
Immunity granted to wealthy individuals involved in sex trafficking highlights legal loopholes in prosecuting such crimes.

18:53

Sex Trafficking: Conviction, Immunity, and Advocacy

James Gary knew a wealthy older man known for paying young girls for sex.
Ron Posner agreed to talk with investigators and admitted to having sex with underage girls.
Posner received immunity in exchange for testifying against James Gary.
James Gary was convicted of sex trafficking minors and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Gary accepted responsibility for his actions while in prison.
District attorneys highlighted the lack of severe penalties for sex buyers.
Posner claimed he was manipulated by young women for money.
A sex trafficking survivor turned advocate, Jamie Johnson, shared her experiences.
National City, California, is known for prostitution, with young girls involved.
Charisma De Los Reyes and Marsha Harrison work to combat child sexual exploitation in schools.

37:24

Sex trafficking awareness and prevention initiatives discussed.

Big events increase tourism and demand for commercial sex in the city and county.
Focus on targeting the demand for sex buyers to combat the criminal enterprise.
Undercover officers communicate with a suspect for a potential arrest in Claremont.
Officers stationed around a park await a potential arrest of a sex buyer.
Despite efforts, the sex buyer does not show up in Claremont.
Law enforcement recognizes boys as victims of sex trafficking, not just girls.
Kyler Doherty shares his harrowing experience of exploitation and abuse.
Human trafficking task force conducts operations daily, facing overwhelming caseloads.
A father shares his daughter's involvement in sex trafficking, emphasizing the need for awareness.
Initiatives like Instagram crawlers and educational apps aim to prevent online grooming and trafficking.

54:18

San Diego's Fight Against Sex Trafficking

Trafficking in San Diego is a prevalent issue with various warning signs, including kids with two cell phones, unexplained cash, new clothes, and using multiple dating apps.
A father, Dan de Sager, who works with sex trafficking survivors, is relieved when the alleged trafficker is arrested.
The daughter of the alleged trafficker refuses help from sex trafficking Survivor Services and sets up a Facebook fundraiser for his bail money.
The suspected trafficker is the daughter's boyfriend, and her relationship with her controlling father is strained.
Despite being named as the victim, the daughter supports the alleged trafficker and sets up a fundraiser for his bail.
A prostitution Impact Panel organized by the San Diego City attorney's office aims to educate convicted sex buyers about the impact of their actions.
Kathy Hardy, a former prostitute, helps develop programs to assist survivors and raise awareness about the issue.
Former traffickers like Armond King and Paul acknowledge their past mistakes and aim to be part of the solution.
Artists like Drew Shirley and Namus use their platforms to raise awareness and advocate for change in society's perception of human trafficking.
San Diego County is recognized for its efforts in combating sex trafficking, but there is a critical lack of shelter beds for victims, especially children.

01:12:00

"San Diego County educates students on trafficking"

San Diego County opened its doors in 2020, implementing sex trafficking education programs for over 238,000 students.
Students witness real-life simulations by student actors, aiming to raise awareness and empower them to make a difference.
Encouragement is given to engage in conversations with children about trafficking, emphasizing the community's role in prevention and support.

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