Items written by Shea Rhodes

• Ghislaine Maxwell Arrested in Connection with Epstein Trafficking Enterprise

  Date: July 13, 2020

  Ghislaine Maxwell, ex-girlfriend to Jeffrey Epstein, has been arrested by federal law enforcement alleging Maxwell aided Epstein in recruiting and grooming children for commercial sex. Although Maxwell has been accused of recruiting and grooming children for Epstein by survivors in … Read more about Ghislaine Maxwell Arrested in Connection with Epstein Trafficking Enterprise »

• Community Concern Results in Criminal Charges in Dauphin County

  Date: July 9, 2020

  The Pennsylvania State Police Organized Crime Unit worked alongside the Highspire Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations to conduct a joint investigation into an alleged illicit massage business located in Dauphin County. The investigation followed alleged complaints from concerned citizens … Read more about Community Concern Results in Criminal Charges in Dauphin County »

• Epstein Documentary Reveals Familiar Pattern of Abuse, Entitlement

  Date: July 8, 2020

  Jeffrey Epstein’s life has been examined by documentaries, articles and podcasts alike. His wealth, success and powerful network of affluent friends and acquaintances created the illusion that he was a financial genius; a larger than life figure who was charismatic … Read more about Epstein Documentary Reveals Familiar Pattern of Abuse, Entitlement »

• Pennsylvania Makes Important Step Forward in Criminal Justice Reform

  Date: June 26, 2020

  Earlier this week, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 637 the “Occupational Licensure Reform” bill. This bill modifies occupational licensing requirements by removing draconian criminal record restrictions for occupations regulated by boards and commissions within the Bureau of Professional and … Read more about Pennsylvania Makes Important Step Forward in Criminal Justice Reform »

• Website Proclaimed to Replace Backpage.com Shut Down

  Date: June 25, 2020

  Wilhan Martono, the owner and operator of several websites known to facilitate commercial sex across the globe, was arrested on June 17 in Fremont, California by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Secret Service. Martono was indicted on June … Read more about Website Proclaimed to Replace Backpage.com Shut Down »

• Prostituted Woman Sent to Jail During Pandemic in Luzerne County

  Date: June 24, 2020

  Over six months ago on December 10th, 2019, Pennsylvania’s State Trooper Organized Crime Unit conducted a prostitution investigation, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old woman. Troopers originally obtained the woman’s phone number from Skipthegames.com, a website that openly facilitates … Read more about Prostituted Woman Sent to Jail During Pandemic in Luzerne County »

• Federal Agents Take Advantage of Sex Trafficking Victims

  Date: June 2, 2020

  While investigating a sex trafficking ring in Arizona, federal agents engaged in sexual conduct with victims.  The initial investigation began in 2016 after allegations of commercial sex taking place in illicit massage businesses were brought to the attention of authorities. … Read more about Federal Agents Take Advantage of Sex Trafficking Victims »

• Shame on Pornhub: Taking Advantage of a Crisis for Commercial Sexual Exploitation

  Date: May 30, 2020

  The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way in which the world operates. While we are still grappling with the effects the pandemic has had on those who are sold for sex, we know the inequalities at the heart of commercial … Read more about Shame on Pornhub: Taking Advantage of a Crisis for Commercial Sexual Exploitation »

• Shifting Online & Growing Opportunities for Commercial Sexual Exploitation in the Era of COVID-19

  Date: May 29, 2020

  The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way in which the world operates. While we are still grappling with the effects the pandemic has had on those who are sold for sex, we know the inequalities at the heart of commercial … Read more about Shifting Online & Growing Opportunities for Commercial Sexual Exploitation in the Era of COVID-19 »

• Making Ends Meet: The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Victimization by Sex Traffickers and Sex Buyers

  Date: May 27, 2020

  The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way in which the world operates. While we are still grappling with the effects the pandemic has had on those who are sold for sex, we know the inequalities at the heart of commercial … Read more about Making Ends Meet: The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Victimization by Sex Traffickers and Sex Buyers »