BishopAccountability.org

Local human trafficking expert says recent high-profile case not surprising

By Lisa Smith
ABC 22
February 01, 2016

http://abc22now.com/news/local/local-human-trafficking-expert-says-recent-high-profile-case-not-surprising

[with video]

DAYTON -- An unbelievable case of alleged international human trafficking with ties to Ohio. Joel Wright, a former seminary student in Columbus, was in federal court Monday, on charges related to an attempt to adopt a baby in Mexico for sex. Experts on human trafficking here in the Miami Valley say it's the reality and we shouldn't be surprised.

"No. It's not hard to believe," said Diane Ream, program director for Oasis House in Dayton. "It's really the world we live in because you can purchase anything on Craigslist, and so, to sell a human being is not unthinkable," said Ream.

Oasis House is a local organization that helps women get on their feet after escaping human trafficking. Their walls are decorated with drawings by former human trafficking victims. It shows the pain of years of abuse.

"Most people think it only happens in third world countries, but it actually happens here," said Ream. "A lot of the women that we work with have gone through that life, growing up in that life."

Ream said the easy access to the interstate highways creates numerous hot spots around the Dayton area where human trafficking takes place. She said children and young girls are targeted by predators through secret gifts.

"Buy them cell phones or iPads or get their hair done or their nails done. But, don't tell anyone that I'm doing this for you," she said.

Ream said people can help by speaking up. She says if you see a child in trouble, call police.




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