a disciple, Glenpool (10/23/2009 5:08:56 AM)

I appreciate Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans for raising awareness of this abuse of children. If state or federal legislators happen to see this story, I urge them to write legislation that would hold those who fascilitate these crimes accountable. Internet sites are often involved in advertising "erotice services" or "adult services" that provide opportunities for these kinds of crimes against children. These companies are growing rich at the expense of children's safety and innocence and freedom. It's a terrible injustice that should be stopped.

Skeptic, Tulsa (10/23/2009 8:56:35 AM)

"Oklahoma was the only state with children found in all three major FBI sting operations..." - TW

Another fun fact about Oklahoma living not found in the state's Welcome Centers. This article should not be buried in the Religion Section. This is front page news that should have been given better coverage.

dork74, Broken Arrow (10/23/2009 10:09:08 AM)

Parents take note, many of the young girls are lured into this horrible business though the internet. More and more police are finding that the "pimps" are using social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook to recruit new girls. This is just another example of why you should monitor your kids activities online, and don't forget cell phones. Most teenagers can use their cell phone to use those sites as well.

Citizen M, Bartlesville (10/23/2009 11:22:36 AM)

I have a really hard time believing this woman's story. 25 years? And her parents never knew that something was up while this was going on? Difficult to believe.

Thunder196, Tulsa (10/23/2009 11:30:41 AM)

These sex slave organizations thrive because people refuse to believe it can happen and does here.

Skeptic, Tulsa (10/23/2009 11:43:35 AM)

Thanks TW for giving us this horrific story.

Yes, Citizen M, it's hard to believe this woman endured this in silence for 25 years. Shame and terror do crazy things to peoples' minds. Think of the Viet Nam Vets whose lives have been unalterably diminished as a result of what they saw and were required to do and were treated when they returned to civilian life. Times are different now than 25 years ago and we have more readily available help. However, human nature is the same and in the absence of any conflicting evidence, it's up to us to offer support when people are being victimized by those more powerful.

queequeg, (10/23/2009 12:23:07 PM)

Agreed, there's something strange about this story. It would be more believable if she was raped once and was too ashamed to tell anyone. But to endure "sex slavery" over a period of time is another matter. At some point, it seems that horror and desperation to make this stop would trump shame.

ACE, Tulsa (10/23/2009 12:27:32 PM)

Citizen M, the actual time period of the abuse was 2 years, but she kept silent about it and never spoke up for 25 years. I remember reading about this elsewhere. Sad story, and scary, since I have 2 young daughters.

Cooldaddy, Broken Arrow (10/23/2009 12:42:38 PM)

Glad she was able to get out of that sex slave horror.

forkandknife, Tulsa (10/23/2009 1:04:42 PM)

I was supposed to go on the march in Jenks. But, I didn't. I feel horrible. Ugh!

lucky girl, mine (10/23/2009 1:19:28 PM)

Citizen M, you would not believe the secrets that people can keep. I'm sure her parents knew something was up, but do you really think they had any idea about it?

But, I do find it odd that she was forced into it and yet they let her go home every night, seems she could/should have done something about it.

Not blaming her, but wondering why that's all

Jolie2, (10/23/2009 1:24:58 PM)

The article states they threatened her every day. If we would read her book, we would know more details of what happened to her and why she felt she couldn't tell anyone what was happening to her. Just like molested children who are threatened not to tell or something might happen to them or their family, I would think that is what happened to this woman when she was a young teenager.

I'm glad she was able to survive her ordeal and uses her experience to help others.

Human beings can be wonderful, but all too often, our species angers and offends me by it horrible behaviors.

Mr. Brown, Could be anywhere (10/23/2009 2:05:47 PM)

This story has me scratching my head.
Sex slavery, to me, is when you get lured to an overseas job, your prospective employer uncerimoniously confiscates your passport, and beats you until you submit to paid sex with strangers(never to see your family again).
This lady left the comfort of her own home, had unwanted sex, turned over the money, and went back home, and remained quiet? This sounds like a load of crap to me.

ProudOKLiberal, BA (10/23/2009 2:55:11 PM)

Mr. Brown,

She was also a young teenager when this was going on. They probably told her they would kill her or her family if she told anyone. As a 16 year old girl I'm sure she believed it. Police are rarely able to provide protection to the victims, especially 25 years ago. As we've all read here restraining orders don't do much good. Not to mention the fears of a young girl that she would be blamed for what happened, looked down upon by her church as a sinner, the fear of losing respect from her family and peers, etc. It's amazing what threats and emotional and mental abuse can do to a person. Especially young women. The first step is to take away their sense of self worth and make them feel like what is happening to them is their fault. It happens all the time. There is a documentary that was made to bring awareness to this trade called Very Young Girls. We all think that this is something that goes on in 3rd world countries, but it happens here in this country to thousands of girls a day.

former tulsan 808, kailua kona (10/23/2009 3:41:08 PM)

if it didn't happen to her why is she devoting her life to this cause? i don't think she's going to make enough off of her book to retire independently wealthy.

Bud Green, No (10/23/2009 3:52:50 PM)

ProudOKLiberal,

Good comment; well stated.

ThisGirlBanks, (10/23/2009 3:54:54 PM)

Even at 16, as much as I detested my parents at that age and avoided speaking to them unless absolutely necessary, I'm pretty sure I would have mentioned being forced into prostitution over the dinner table at some point. Ya know, as a conversation starter.

Not that there's anything ok about what this woman went through, it's detestable, but when compared to the some of the stories that come out of SE Asia of being sold into sex slavery at age 6 and being burned and physically tortured and having your body parts mutilated until you submit to sex with sex tourists and having a dozen forced abortions by the time you're 17... that just seems like "sex slavery" to me. We have so many more resources in this country (I'm thinking police, phones, 911, a justice system that gets it right at least half the time) I just don't see how someone who NEEDS HELP doesn't get it.

Mr. Brown, Could be anywhere (10/23/2009 4:37:01 PM)

ProudOkLiberal
You can't get a kid that age to wash dishes against their will with no complaining, so it's hard for me to believe that she went out, performing God knows
what kind of sex act on strangers every day AGAINST HER WILL, and sat right there and let a powerful business executive stay in the dark about it. Rich kids go to their parents over parking tickets, and the police were protecting the rich and well connected long before 25 years ago. I'm not buying it.

fld11, (10/23/2009 5:20:06 PM)

Ridiculous what someone will do for a little fame.

aint missbehavin, no thanks (10/23/2009 5:32:02 PM)

7 out of 10,sounds like somethin to be proud of,ya know.Must be outsiders doin this cause here in Oklahoma we love and care for our children,we have faith in Jesus and believe in God,although most got enough comman sense to know we live in a free country with LOTS OF COMMAN SENSE,and others dont have that kind of brain span where somethin like this might could happen to them.I find her story hard to believe.Not about the first rape,that could have happened,but the other makes me believe she just wanted money and did what she thought she had to do to get it,and it sounds like she just found another way to move about and do her stuff.Sorry but I have little sympathy.If ya dont know that its a free country than I suppose this could possibly happen.People will do anything for money it seems,even sell their soul.

Bud Green, No (10/23/2009 6:00:32 PM)

lynette,

Thanks; you took the words right out of my typing fingers.

TeaTimer, Tulsa Area (10/23/2009 7:32:17 PM)

WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD SOMEONE MAKE A STORY LIKE THIS UP?

I know I was yelling but for God's sake listen to this woman's story. I can believe it. I am not sure whether young girls back them would feel free to tell their parents. They would be so ashamed they would keep silent. WHY DO YOU QUESTION THE FACTS?

scooter2, (10/23/2009 10:02:52 PM)

Many of the comments on here are the reason no one wants to open up and try to help others. She made a huge step to go public with her story in an effort to help others and this is what she gets. Tried, Judged and Convicted. Now we're ready for sentencing.. I don't think you'd bring these kind of skeletons out of your closet to gain fame. It makes more sense she brought out something painful in order to help others. Very Commendable and God Bless your efforts.

okie ridgerunner, Small Country Town State Line (10/23/2009 11:43:23 PM)

People better begin to believe a lot more than they do.remember all people do not think the same. all people do not have the same frame of mind or strength or will power or common sense as others do.remember all children do not have the same kind or type of parents or raising as others do.
All are not raised the same or taught the same or think and feel the same.

aint missbehavin, no thanks (10/24/2009 12:30:10 AM)

YA KNOW,I dont think Oklahoma is doin this.I dont think the people of Oklahoma have anything to do with this.Now maybe Im wrong and theres a comspiracy to steal people and sell them into slavery.How rediculious.lynette,ya need to go somewhere else and take this hob nob crap with ya.Say..out of my state.Hows that workin for ya?