In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host Tony Brueski and former prosecutor Laurie Gilbertson shed light on the daunting atmosphere created by former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke that prevented sex workers from reporting crimes due to his own involvement in the industry. Gilbertson remarked, "People like this, like [Rex] Heuermann and sex workers and all that, they don't live in a bubble. This goes on all over the country."

 

 The conversation delved into the terrifying reality that there might be numerous Rex Heuermanns lurking around the nation, creating an environment where the police dismiss crimes reported by sex workers. Gilbertson expressed her dismay, saying, "It's pretty disheartening. And horrifying and sad...there were people who had Heuerman's description down to a T and they gave it away 10 years ago, but nothing was done."

 

 The situation is far from unusual, as many crime shows and real-life incidents underscore the reluctance of the police to believe and protect sex workers, who are not considered "victims" in the traditional sense. However, Gilbertson emphasized the need for a different mindset, starting from the ground up with education and training for law enforcement officers, to change this perception and ensure justice for all victims, regardless of their background or involvement in illegal activities.

 

 Gilbertson shared her experience working in the Special Victims Bureau in New York, where victims of sex crimes were treated with the respect they deserved, regardless of their background. This approach made a significant difference in prosecuting crimes and encouraging victims to testify without fear of repercussions.

 

 The discussion also touched on the alarming statistic that approximately 90% of people involved in sex work are not there by choice, but rather due to trafficking or coercion. Gilbertson pointed out that investigating deeper into the networks of pimps and traffickers could unearth the "queen bees" of trafficking rings, which would be instrumental in dismantling these criminal organizations.

 

 Using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, originally intended for organized crime, to prosecute conspiracies among many people involved in trafficking could be one way to address the issue. Gilbertson emphasized the need to target the heads of these organizations, who carefully choose their victims based on their vulnerability and susceptibility to coercion.

 

 Rex Heuermann, for instance, targeted women who he knew would mostly not be missed or attract much attention from law enforcement, thereby enabling him to evade capture for an extended period. Gilbertson stressed the importance of acknowledging the reasons individuals end up in sex work and treating them as victims rather than criminals.

 

 The conversation underscored the need for a holistic approach to addressing the issue, as many victims are too frightened to cooperate with law enforcement due to their past experiences. Gilbertson shared her own experience of being robbed in New York City and the challenges she faced in navigating the legal process, despite working in the industry.

 

 In conclusion, the episode of "Hidden Killers" highlighted the urgent need for a change in mindset and approach towards sex workers and victims of sex crimes. Treating all victims with respect, regardless of their background, and digging deeper into the networks of traffickers and pimps are crucial steps towards ensuring justice for all and dismantling the criminal organizations that perpetuate these crimes.

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