Items written by Riley Crouthamel

• A Wake-Up Call: What the Sean Combs Verdict Reveals About Sex Trafficking in the US

  Date: July 14, 2025

  On July 2, 2025, Sean Combs was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but acquitted on two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and one count of racketeering conspiracy. More than a … Read more about A Wake-Up Call: What the Sean Combs Verdict Reveals About Sex Trafficking in the US »

• Scranton Police Charge Victim in Prostitution Investigation

  Date: July 2, 2025

  On May 19, Scranton police arrested a Wyoming County woman for allegedly engaging in prostitution. According to the criminal complaint, the Scranton Police Street Crimes Unit had launched an investigation into suspected prostitution activities. The investigation followed activity on a … Read more about Scranton Police Charge Victim in Prostitution Investigation »

• York County Doctor Charged with Rape and Other Offenses Tied to His Medical Practice

  Date: June 29, 2025

  On April 30, 2025, Christopher Davis, a York County Doctor, was charged with over ninety crimes relating to the rape and sexual assault of at least four patients during his time as a physician. Davis served as the medical director … Read more about York County Doctor Charged with Rape and Other Offenses Tied to His Medical Practice »

• Operation Impact Demand XI: 7 men arrested in Cumberland County

  Date: June 10, 2025

  On May 14, 2025, the Cumberland County Human Trafficking Task Force, the East Pennsboro Township Police Department, and the Silver Spring Township Police Department conducted “Operation Impact Demand XI.” The sting resulted in the arrest of seven men for allegedly … Read more about Operation Impact Demand XI: 7 men arrested in Cumberland County »

• Glamorizing the Hustle: The Normalization of Exploitation in Hustlers

  Date: June 1, 2025

  The 2019 film Hustlers, inspired by a true story, and headlined by a top-tier cast, was widely praised for its depiction of “female empowerment” and solidarity. However, behind the glamorous facade, the film romanticizes the commercial sex trade and overlooks the … Read more about Glamorizing the Hustle: The Normalization of Exploitation in Hustlers »

• Three Men Arrested for Sex Trafficking Minor Girl in Bucks County

  Date: May 12, 2025

  In April 2025, three men were charged for their roles in exploiting a 13-year-old girl in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Zachary McCauley, 29, of Louisville, Kentucky is being held in his home state awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania after the Bucks County … Read more about Three Men Arrested for Sex Trafficking Minor Girl in Bucks County »

• Response to The New York Times Ethicist Comment

  Date: May 12, 2025

  In the anti-trafficking space, language is one of the most imperative aspects of advocacy. On February 4, 2025, The New York Times (NYT) published a newsletter, “Should My Husband Make Amends for Being a Sugar Daddy?” In the article, author … Read more about Response to The New York Times Ethicist Comment »

• A Damaging Distortion of Human Trafficking: Sound of Freedom

  Date: May 7, 2025

  When Sound of Freedom was released in July of 2023, the film earned nearly $20 million its first week in theaters. It has since grossed over $250 million worldwide.  Sound of Freedom tells the “true” story of former US Special … Read more about A Damaging Distortion of Human Trafficking: Sound of Freedom »

• A Fairy Tale or False Hope?: the Romanticization of Commercial Sex in Pretty Woman

  Date: May 5, 2025

  Released in 1990, the movie Pretty Woman is widely regarded as a classic romantic comedy that portrays the unlikely love story between a woman in prostitution and a wealthy businessman. Earning over $400 million in box office sales worldwide, it … Read more about A Fairy Tale or False Hope?: the Romanticization of Commercial Sex in Pretty Woman »

• New York Man Arrested by Throop Police for Prostitution Charges

  Date: May 1, 2025

  On April 4, David Hartman, 56, of Rochester, was arrested after allegedly attempting to exchange money and drugs for sex. As a result, Hartman was charged with manufacturing, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, criminal use of … Read more about New York Man Arrested by Throop Police for Prostitution Charges »