South Florida Sun Sentinel

Human trafficking bill a milestone – but also missing something – Orlando Sentinel
|

Human trafficking bill a milestone – but also missing something – Orlando Sentinel

Editor’s note: PBJ Learning does not support “abolition,” per se. That said, we welcome all the groups that are working to make a difference, and you should make up your own mind as to how you decide to get involved. I’ve been on the frontlines of the fight against human trafficking in Florida for nearly…

Proposed sex trafficking legislation could harm victims, advocates warn
|

Proposed sex trafficking legislation could harm victims, advocates warn

A flurry of bills filed in the Florida legislature aimed at combatting sex trafficking and assisting victims are facing a backlash from advocates who say they were written hastily, without input and with language that could do more harm than good. With the 2023 session looming, state legislators have filed at least 16 bills related…

After Sun Sentinel investigation, Florida's Democrats in Congress call on state leaders to …
|

After Sun Sentinel investigation, Florida's Democrats in Congress call on state leaders to …

Florida’s eight Democratic members of Congress called on Gov. Ron DeSantis and state legislative leaders Wednesday to reform state laws to protect children from sex trafficking, citing a South Florida Sun Sentinel investigation, Innocence Sold, published late last year. In a letter, the delegation asked for “immediate action,” saying they were writing to “express our…

New legislation proposes fund to help human trafficking victims with legal costs
|

New legislation proposes fund to help human trafficking victims with legal costs

New legislation would provide legal help for human trafficking victims who have been accused of committing crimes while being exploited. Two linked bills filed this week by state Sen. Rosalind Osgood, a Democrat whose district covers central Broward County, would create a special trust fund for survivors, with provisions that would allow it to be…

Innocence Sold: ‘Kidnapping, human trafficking, murder.’ What happened to missing teen Sophie Reeder?
|

Innocence Sold: ‘Kidnapping, human trafficking, murder.’ What happened to missing teen Sophie Reeder?

Third of four parts. It was after midnight, and her father was asleep. Fifteen-year-old Sophie Reeder slipped out of her Fort Lauderdale home wearing a short black skirt, high-top sneakers, a leopard-print coat and headphones. Her hair was neatly twisted into side buns. She took nothing with her. In her bedroom, she left a stack…

Innocence Sold: Despite law, sex trade flourishes at hotels – Sun Sentinel
|

Innocence Sold: Despite law, sex trade flourishes at hotels – Sun Sentinel

First of four parts. The assault spilled into the fifth-floor hallway of the Plaza Hotel on State Road 7 in Fort Lauderdale. Angry that a 17-year-old girl refused to turn over the full $200 take from two sexual encounters with men, Damion Miller allegedly struck her and choked her. She fled the room and ran…