Exploitation

Florida Governor Signs Legislation to Protect Children from Exploitation and Combat Domestic Violence, Inspired by Gabby Petito’s Tragic Story

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ST. PETERSBURG, Florida — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a series of bills on Wednesday aimed at protecting children from exploitation and online predators, as well as a domestic violence bill inspired by the tragic killing of Gabby Petito. During a news conference in St. Petersburg, DeSantis signed five pieces of legislation. One of the bills, referred to as the “Gabby Petito Act” or SB 1224, requires law enforcement officers investigating domestic violence incidents to administer a lethality assessment under certain circumstances. The assessment involves asking a series of questions to determine if the victim … Read more

Hailey Man Faces Jury Trial for Felony Charges of Child Exploitation and Possession of Child Pornography

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Hailey, Idaho – A Hailey man is set to face a jury trial in Blaine County on charges of sexually exploiting children and possessing child pornography. David Sebastian Hanks III, 21, was apprehended in Boise on May 15, 2023, by a special agent collaborating with the FBI, as per federal court records. If convicted of all three charges, Hanks could potentially be sentenced to 80 years in federal prison, in addition to a maximum fine of $750,000. The indictments, filed on May 9, 2023, by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra J. McGrady, allege that Hanks coerced … Read more

Cracking Down on Online Exploitation: Law Enforcement’s Tireless Battle to Safeguard Minors

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Bakersfield, California – Law enforcement in Bakersfield has intensified efforts to safeguard minors from the dangers of online exploitation. With the rapid growth of internet usage among young people, the need to combat this issue and protect vulnerable individuals has become paramount. Online exploitation poses a significant threat to minors, as predators and criminals leverage digital platforms to target and exploit them. Recognizing this concern, law enforcement agencies in Bakersfield are working tirelessly to stay ahead of these online offenders. Efforts to combat online exploitation involve multiple tactics. Law enforcement has increased monitoring of social … Read more

Controversial New Bill in Kentucky Abolishes Child Labor Laws and Sparks Debate on Child Welfare and Exploitation

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Frankfort, Kentucky – The Kentucky House passed a bill last week that would eliminate the state’s child labor laws and replace them with more lenient federal standards. The legislation, which was supported mostly by Republicans, also aims to increase the number of hours that 16- and 17-year-olds can work on school days and during the school year. While proponents argue that these changes provide opportunities for young people, critics express concerns about the exploitation of children and the potential dangers they may face. The Kentucky bill, passed with relative ease despite opposition from some Republican … Read more