News
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Jul 18
Dauphin County Man Sentenced to Up to 30 Years for Attempting to Buy Sex from a Minor
On July 1, Jeffrey Pettinato, 62, was sentenced to up to 30 years of incarceration for his attempt to arrange a sexual encounter with who he believed to be a 15-year-old girl in Dauphin County. Pettinato’s sentence was imposed following … Read more about Dauphin County Man Sentenced to Up to 30 Years for Attempting to Buy Sex from a Minor »
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Jul 11
Man Sentenced in First Blair County Human Trafficking Jury Trial
On June 28, 2024, Donald Hetrick, 40, of Alexandria, PA, was sentenced to a total of 21 to 47 years of incarceration following his conviction at Blair County’s first human trafficking jury trial. Hetrick was sentenced to 10 to 20 … Read more about Man Sentenced in First Blair County Human Trafficking Jury Trial »
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Jul 11
Reading Police Arrest Three Women in “Prostitution Sting”
On June 19, 2024, the Reading police arrested three women in an undercover “prostitution detail” in downtown Reading. The women’s ages range from 27 to 40, and all are from Berks County or a surrounding county. Each woman was separately … Read more about Reading Police Arrest Three Women in “Prostitution Sting” »
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Jun 22
Cumberland County Men Pleaded Guilty in Separate Sex Buying Incidents
Earlier this month, two men pleaded guilty to charges related to separate sex buying/human trafficking incidents in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. On June 5, William Stum, 62, of Enola, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal attempt to patronize prostitutes. Two … Read more about Cumberland County Men Pleaded Guilty in Separate Sex Buying Incidents »
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Jun 12
Former Montgomery County Substitute Teacher Arrested for Child Sex Trafficking and Related Charges
On June 1, the Springfield Township Police Department arrested Tyler Degiacomo of Oreland for his alleged role in the trafficking of minors and sexual abuse of children. Degiacomo, 33, was a former substitute teacher, a school volunteer, PIAA umpire, and … Read more about Former Montgomery County Substitute Teacher Arrested for Child Sex Trafficking and Related Charges »
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May 17
Where to Draw the Line: Strip Clubs and the Commercial Sex Trade
Flashing lights and bright signage unapologetically detail the “adult entertainment” provided inside strip clubs. Services are offered in public spaces through table dances, or in isolated parts of the clubs through private dances- which generate more money. Some clubs even … Read more about Where to Draw the Line: Strip Clubs and the Commercial Sex Trade »
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May 07
Student Blog Series: How Credit and the Financial Institutions that Drive the Industry are Becoming an Insurmountable Obstacle in a Survivors’ Path to Freedom
Recruitment into prostitution takes many forms; victims can be recruited from schools, the streets, by friends, or by romantic partners. While traffickers often target those with vulnerabilities or individuals coming from abusive backgrounds, some traffickers are focused on something else … Read more about Student Blog Series: How Credit and the Financial Institutions that Drive the Industry are Becoming an Insurmountable Obstacle in a Survivors’ Path to Freedom »
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May 07
Student Blog Series: The Dark Truth of Exploitation in Children’s Television
Children’s television is supposed to provide opportunities for those with passion and talent at a young age. It is meant to give children a safe space to explore the world of acting and what they can bring to it. However, … Read more about Student Blog Series: The Dark Truth of Exploitation in Children’s Television »
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Apr 24
State Representatives and Senators Announce Plans to Introduce New Legislation Eliminating the Felony Penalty for People with HIV Charged with Prostitution
On March 20, 2024, PA State Representative Ben Waxman, State Representative Malcom Kenyatta, and State Senator Vince Hughes announced plans to introduce legislation eliminating the felony penalty for people with HIV charged with prostitution. In announcing the legislation, Senator Hughes … Read more about State Representatives and Senators Announce Plans to Introduce New Legislation Eliminating the Felony Penalty for People with HIV Charged with Prostitution »
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Apr 22
Student Blog Series: Sean “Diddy” Combs and How Fame and Influence can Foster Exploitation
In recent months, Sean “Diddy” Combs, famously known as “P. Diddy” or “Puff Daddy,” has become the subject of several sexual assault cases. A prominent figure in the music industry, Combs is accused of various acts of sexual harassment and … Read more about Student Blog Series: Sean “Diddy” Combs and How Fame and Influence can Foster Exploitation »