Human Trafficking: Helping Victims and Cracking Down on Demand (pt.2) - Justice Journal Episode 25

Description: A discussion on the issue of human trafficking – where it happens, how it happens, who are the victims – and what is being done to prosecute traffickers, help victims, educate the community and prevent future victims.  Guests are Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney Danielle Abildgaard, Investigator Annette Fucles, Victim Advocate Beatrice (Bea) Lavrov and Sacramento Police Detective Jason Collins.

Show Notes:  Danielle explains the difference between human trafficking, pimping and pandering – how human trafficking is defined.  Bea and Annette explain how that is different from smuggling. 

Jason clarifies that human trafficking isn’t the way it’s portrayed in movies – victims are usually kept local vs. being kidnapped and transported far away.  Human trafficking does not need to involve a form of travel, transportation, or movement across state or national borders.

They talk about some red flags and indicators that signify a possible human trafficking situation.  They discuss where human trafficking occurs, how victims are targeted and recruited and who the victims are – some common traits.  They explain why victims of trafficking don’t run away to escape or ask for help.  Most victims of human trafficking do not self-identify as a victim of a crime and do not ask for help immediately.  There is a special collaborative court designed to provide wrap-around services and programs to help victims get out of the life.  There is also a similar collaborative court for children victims of sex trafficking, specialized to help with trauma and other unique needs.

The conversation also addresses labor trafficking and the difference in how those victims are targeted and kept in trafficking situations.

The group shares what is being done to prevent human trafficking and help victims through the Sacramento Together Anti-Human Trafficking coalition.  Efforts include cracking down on the demand side while reaching out to victims and offering them services.  The coalition also helps build stronger cases and make connections to other cases in other jurisdictions.  The coalition also works to raise awareness among the public.

The group then talks about the unique needs of the human trafficking victims and the important role of the victim advocate working closely with Annette and law enforcement.  Bea talks about the challenges and rewards working with human trafficking victims, and how it is important to provide the victim with continuity and build trust with them. 

If someone believes they are witnessing a trafficking situation, call 911.  If someone wants to report a non-emergency possible human trafficking situation or suspected victim/trafficker – call the human trafficking hotline at 888.373.7888.

Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and find us on YouTube.

Tags - District Attorney, Justice Journal Podcast, Human Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking, Pimping, Pandering, Victim Advocate

Description: A discussion on the issue of human trafficking – where it happens, how it happens, who are the victims – and what is being done to prosecute traffickers, help victims, educate the community and prevent future victims.  Guests are Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney Danielle Abildgaard, Investigator Annette Fucles, Victim Advocate Beatrice (Bea) Lavrov and Sacramento Police Detective Jason Collins.

Show Notes:  Danielle explains the difference between human trafficking, pimping and pandering – how human trafficking is defined.  Bea and Annette explain how that is different from smuggling. 

Jason clarifies that human trafficking isn’t the way it’s portrayed in movies – victims are usually kept local vs. being kidnapped and transported far away.  Human trafficking does not need to involve a form of travel, transportation, or movement across state or national borders.

They talk about some red flags and indicators that signify a possible human trafficking situation.  They discuss where human trafficking occurs, how victims are targeted and recruited and who the victims are – some common traits.  They explain why victims of trafficking don’t run away to escape or ask for help.  Most victims of human trafficking do not self-identify as a victim of a crime and do not ask for help immediately.  There is a special collaborative court designed to provide wrap-around services and programs to help victims get out of the life.  There is also a similar collaborative court for children victims of sex trafficking, specialized to help with trauma and other unique needs.

The conversation also addresses labor trafficking and the difference in how those victims are targeted and kept in trafficking situations.

The group shares what is being done to prevent human trafficking and help victims through the Sacramento Together Anti-Human Trafficking coalition.  Efforts include cracking down on the demand side while reaching out to victims and offering them services.  The coalition also helps build stronger cases and make connections to other cases in other jurisdictions.  The coalition also works to raise awareness among the public.

The group then talks about the unique needs of the human trafficking victims and the important role of the victim advocate working closely with Annette and law enforcement.  Bea talks about the challenges and rewards working with human trafficking victims, and how it is important to provide the victim with continuity and build trust with them. 

If someone believes they are witnessing a trafficking situation, call 911.  If someone wants to report a non-emergency possible human trafficking situation or suspected victim/trafficker – call the human trafficking hotline at 888.373.7888.

Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and find us on YouTube.

Tags - District Attorney, Justice Journal Podcast, Human Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking, Pimping, Pandering, Victim Advocate

Description: A discussion on the current state of hate crimes, the challenge with underreporting, the impact on victims and the targeted groups and what is being done today to protect the community against these crimes.  Guests are US Attorney McGregor Scott, District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp, Supervising Deputy DA Thien Ho, President of the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region Deborah Gonzalez and SALAM Islamic Center Chairman Waseem Bawa.

Show Notes:  The conversation starts with the difference between a hate activity vs. a hate crime.  If people are not sure if something is a hate crime, they should still report it and let law enforcement make that determination.

The group discusses the state of hate crimes today.  Faith leaders talk about and security measures that are now needed at houses of worship and faith-based events, and the pursuit of grants to fund additional security.

The topic turns to the impact hate crimes has on its specific victims and the targeted groups that are attacked – which is unique to hate crimes.  It’s a very personal crime against who a person is, a part of their identity. 

The Hate Crimes Task Force is working to bring law enforcement and community groups together to share information and protect the region from organized and individual (lone) hate crime attacks.   Several examples are given of how law enforcement is informing and protecting the faith community and the direct, two-way open communication the Task Force has with faith and other community organizations. 

The US Attorney’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office have specialized Hate Crimes Units.  Some Sacramento County stats and a fully adjudicated hate crimes case example was shared.

The group talks about the most significant challenge with hate crimes – underreporting.  Everyone agrees many hate crimes are not reported for various reasons.  They believe the key to overcoming this issue is educational outreach among faith and other community groups.

The US Attorney’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and Sacramento FBI Office all have community programs that help to educate the community about their constitutional rights and protections as well as their responsibility as a community member.  

Resource Links:

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca

http://www.sacda.org/

https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/sacramento

https://www.salamcenter.org/

http://jewishsac.org/

Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and find us on YouTube.

Tags - District Attorney, Anne Marie Schubert, Justice Journal Podcast, Hate Crimes, US Attorney, McGregor Scott, Federal Bureau of Investigations, FBI, Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region, SALAM Islamic Center, Hate Crimes Task Force

Description: DA Anne Marie Schubert, Sacramento County Board of Education Trustee Karina Talamantes, Dr. Tiffany Heckendorn from UC Davis Health, Dr. Virginia Barrow, and Dr. Clarisse Glen from Kaiser Permanente and local high school students discuss the issue of youth vaping from each of their perspectives.

Show Notes:  Anne Marie opens with why she felt it was so important to talk about this issue and the current laws on youth vaping. 

Guests talk about why they think vaping is so appealing and widespread among youth, and the reaction to this crisis among public safety officials, school administrators, health care professionals and students. 

The discussion includes how students can vape on school campuses without detection and how school districts are working to address the issue.   There is a large focus on the alarming health impacts of vaping on youth.  Doctors from UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente share their medical expertise and insight on how and why youth are so severely affected by vaping.  They also share their concerns and challenges of youth vaping as well as what they have seen and experienced in their health care systems.  The series ends with three local high school students sharing their experiences and insight into why their peers vape.

Each episode ends with guests sharing what they think can and should be done to get youth to stop vaping and prevent new vapers as well as closing messages.

Resources: 

Kaiser Permanente’s “Don’t Buy the Lie” campaign is a yearly program that partners with high schools to have students come up with marketing materials for Kaiser’s teen focused anti-smoking campaigns. For more information, visit: https://kpdbtl.com/.  #StoptheVape

Tags: Justice Journal, Anne Marie Schubert, District Attorney, Sacramento County Board of Education, UC David Health, Kaiser Permanente, THC

Description: DA Anne Marie Schubert, Sacramento County Board of Education Trustee Karina Talamantes, Dr. Tiffany Heckendorn from UC Davis Health, Dr. Virginia Barrow, and Dr. Clarisse Glen from Kaiser Permanente and local high school students discuss the issue of youth vaping from each of their perspectives.

Show Notes:  Anne Marie opens with why she felt it was so important to talk about this issue and the current laws on youth vaping. 

Guests talk about why they think vaping is so appealing and widespread among youth, and the reaction to this crisis among public safety officials, school administrators, health care professionals and students. 

The discussion includes how students can vape on school campuses without detection and how school districts are working to address the issue.   There is a large focus on the alarming health impacts of vaping on youth.  Doctors from UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente share their medical expertise and insight on how and why youth are so severely affected by vaping.  They also share their concerns and challenges of youth vaping as well as what they have seen and experienced in their health care systems.  The series ends with three local high school students sharing their experiences and insight into why their peers vape.

Each episode ends with guests sharing what they think can and should be done to get youth to stop vaping and prevent new vapers as well as closing messages.

Resources: 

Kaiser Permanente’s “Don’t Buy the Lie” campaign is a yearly program that partners with high schools to have students come up with marketing materials for Kaiser’s teen focused anti-smoking campaigns. For more information, visit: https://kpdbtl.com/.  #StoptheVape

Tags: Justice Journal, Anne Marie Schubert, District Attorney, Sacramento County Board of Education, UC David Health, Kaiser Permanente, THC

Description: DA Anne Marie Schubert, Sacramento County Board of Education Trustee Karina Talamantes, Dr. Tiffany Heckendorn from UC Davis Health, Dr. Virginia Barrow, and Dr. Clarisse Glen from Kaiser Permanente and local high school students discuss the issue of youth vaping from each of their perspectives.

Show Notes:  Anne Marie opens with why she felt it was so important to talk about this issue and the current laws on youth vaping. 

Guests talk about why they think vaping is so appealing and widespread among youth, and the reaction to this crisis among public safety officials, school administrators, health care professionals and students. 

The discussion includes how students can vape on school campuses without detection and how school districts are working to address the issue.   There is a large focus on the alarming health impacts of vaping on youth.  Doctors from UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente share their medical expertise and insight on how and why youth are so severely affected by vaping.  They also share their concerns and challenges of youth vaping as well as what they have seen and experienced in their health care systems.  The series ends with three local high school students sharing their experiences and insight into why their peers vape.

Each episode ends with guests sharing what they think can and should be done to get youth to stop vaping and prevent new vapers as well as closing messages.

Resources: 

Kaiser Permanente’s “Don’t Buy the Lie” campaign is a yearly program that partners with high schools to have students come up with marketing materials for Kaiser’s teen focused anti-smoking campaigns. For more information, visit: https://kpdbtl.com/.  #StoptheVape

Tags: Justice Journal, Anne Marie Schubert, District Attorney, Sacramento County Board of Education, UC David Health, Kaiser Permanente, THC

Description: An examination of the unsolved 2011 double-murder of two Sikh grandfathers in Elk Grove, suspected to be a hate crime.  Guests are DA Anne Marie Schubert, DA Investigator Kevin Papineau, who was the lead detective on the case while at the Elk Grove Police Department, and Elk Grove Unified School District Board Member Bobbie Singh Allen.

Show Notes:  Guests begin by talking about Elk Grove – what kind of town is it and was historically. Kevin then talks about what happened the day of the murders - one shot and killed and one wounded, who died later in the hospital.  The shooting occurred on a Friday afternoon, during rush hour next to a busy freeway.   

Kevin and Bobbie talk about the victims – two Sikh grandfathers Gurmej Singh Atwal and Surinder Singh who were walking buddies. The guests explain the initial impact the murders had on the Sikh community and the entire community as well as region as a whole.

Kevin talks about the initial investigation - what was known initially, were there initial suspects, did they suspect the hate crime motive, were there witnesses, what evidence was found, etc.  He also explains the challenges in the investigation – lack of eyewitnesses and credible tips.

At close to the one-year mark after the murders, Kevin describes the media event that was held to keep the case I the public mind and possibly bring in new leads.  A reward is being offered at $55,000 or as high as $60,000 at this point for tips leading to an arrest.  The discussion turns to what the victims’ family and community felt as the investigation continued without an arrest.

In the meantime, a new park has been built in Elk Grove in honor of Gurmej Singh Atwal and Surinder Singh.  Bobbie talks about the significance of the City of Elk Grove dedicating this park to Atwal and Singh and what it means for the community.

The guests remain hopeful there will be an arrest made one day and the families will receive justice.  They all believe the key to a break in the case is someone who knows something will finally say something…  Kevin also believes someone who knows about the truck described as being at the scene of the shooting will also be central to identifying the shooter.

The conversation closes with encouraging anyone who wants to find out more information about this case, or anyone who has information they want to report to contact the Elk Grove Police Department. 

Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and find us on YouTube.

Tags - District Attorney, Anne Marie Schubert, Justice Journal Podcast, Hate Crimes, Sikh Faith, Elk Grove, Gurmej Singh Atwal, Surinder Singh, DA Investigator Kevin Papineau, Elk Grove Unified School District Board Member Bobbie Singh Allen, Unsolved Murders

Description: An examination of the 1999 hate crimes spree by the Williams Brothers with arson attacks on three Sacramento area Synagogues, the arson of a Sacramento abortion clinic and a double-murder in Shasta County. Guests talk through how these crimes were all linked and how the cases unfolded.  Guests are US Attorney McGregor Scott, DA Anne Marie Schubert, Judge Steven Lapham Supervising Criminalist Faye Springer, Retired ATF Agent Nina Delgadillo.

Show Notes:  Judge Lapham, Faye and Nina start by explaining the series of 1999 arsons, starting with the first incident including the locations and timeline.  There were three arsons at Sacramento area Synagogues. There was also a Sacramento abortion clinic that was fire bombed about two weeks after those arsons.

They move on to the initial investigation and what was found at the arson crime scenes.   They talk about what was immediately known or suspected when the crimes occurred.  Faye gets into the evidence preserved at the crime scene and some of the forensic evidence and analysis involved in this case and how it contributed to the investigation of the arsons.

US Attorney Scott then talks about the murders of a Shasta County couple, and the group discusses how the investigation into those murders started to connect with the Sacramento-area arson cases.

The group explains how and when the Williams brothers were initially arrested and on what charges to the building of the murder and arson charges/cases.  They talk about what they learned about the Williams brothers over the course of the investigation into the murders and arsons.

They move on to talk about how and when the Shasta County double-murder case and the Sacramento County arson cases proceeded - from charged filed to final resolution of both cases.

The discussion closes with final thoughts and reflection about the Williams brother hate crime spree, and about the current and ongoing threat of hate crimes in our communities.

Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and find us on YouTube.

Tags - District Attorney, Anne Marie Schubert, Justice Journal Podcast, US Attorney for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California McGregor Scott, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Stephen Lapham, Retired ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) Agent Nina Delgadillo, Hate Crimes, Summer of Terror, Summer of Hate, Benjamin Matthew Williams, James Tyler Williams, Arson, Fire Bombing, B'nai Israel, Congregation Beth Shalom and Kenesset Israel Torah Center, Synagogue, Choice Medial Group Abortion Clinic, Gary Matson, Winfield Mowder.

Description: An examination of the 1999 hate crimes spree by the Williams Brothers with arson attacks on three Sacramento area Synagogues, the arson of a Sacramento abortion clinic and a double-murder in Shasta County. Guests talk through how these crimes were all linked and how the cases unfolded.  Guests are US Attorney McGregor Scott, DA Anne Marie Schubert, Judge Steven Lapham Supervising Criminalist Faye Springer, Retired ATF Agent Nina Delgadillo.

Show Notes:  Judge Lapham, Faye and Nina start by explaining the series of 1999 arsons, starting with the first incident including the locations and timeline.  There were three arsons at Sacramento area Synagogues. There was also a Sacramento abortion clinic that was fire bombed about two weeks after those arsons.

They move on to the initial investigation and what was found at the arson crime scenes.   They talk about what was immediately known or suspected when the crimes occurred.  Faye gets into the evidence preserved at the crime scene and some of the forensic evidence and analysis involved in this case and how it contributed to the investigation of the arsons.

US Attorney Scott then talks about the murders of a Shasta County couple, and the group discusses how the investigation into those murders started to connect with the Sacramento-area arson cases.

The group explains how and when the Williams brothers were initially arrested and on what charges to the building of the murder and arson charges/cases.  They talk about what they learned about the Williams brothers over the course of the investigation into the murders and arsons.

They move on to talk about how and when the Shasta County double-murder case and the Sacramento County arson cases proceeded - from charged filed to final resolution of both cases.

The discussion closes with final thoughts and reflection about the Williams brother hate crime spree, and about the current and ongoing threat of hate crimes in our communities.

Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and find us on YouTube.

Tags - District Attorney, Anne Marie Schubert, Justice Journal Podcast, US Attorney for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California McGregor Scott, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Stephen Lapham, Retired ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) Agent Nina Delgadillo, Hate Crimes, Summer of Terror, Summer of Hate, Benjamin Matthew Williams, James Tyler Williams, Arson, Fire Bombing, B'nai Israel, Congregation Beth Shalom and Kenesset Israel Torah Center, Synagogue, Choice Medial Group Abortion Clinic, Gary Matson, Winfield Mowder.

Description: Brother to Brother Co-Founder Mervin Brookins along with District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert and Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn talk about the trust and partnership they have developed, and how they are working together to address public safety challenges, improve the lives of individuals and create healthier, safer neighborhoods throughout Sacramento.

Show Notes: Mervin starts by telling listeners about himself and Brother to Brother, including his background as well as how Brother to Brother helps to restore lives, rebuild neighborhoods and bring the community together.

Chief Hahn and Anne Marie discuss how they got to know Mervin and how their relationship with Mervin developed into one of mutual trust and respect.  They give examples of how Mervin works with the DA’s Office and the Sacramento Police Department to support each other’s efforts to re-build and improve the lives of individuals, and improve the safety and well-being of everyone in the Sacramento community.  The three then discuss how their partnership between Brother to Brother and the DA/law enforcement impacts their role and goals in serving the community, and how important these kinds of relationships are to both Mervin and public safety agencies. 

The conversation continues to discuss challenges each organization has faced and success stories of how their partnership allowed them to address the challenges and keep moving forward.   The key is they work with each other versus against each other for the greater good, especially those who are at-risk or underserved. 

Mervin talks about how he informs the community about Brother to Brother and the work they do, which is primarily by word-of-mouth within the community. 

Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and find us on YouTube.

Tags - District Attorney, Anne Marie Schubert, Justice Journal, Sacramento Police Department, Chief Daniel Hahn, Mervin Brookins, Brother to Brother, Neighborhood Wellness Foundation