Epstein case underscores the vulnerability of exploited girls

The dramatic arrest and indictment of wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein for allegedly trafficking dozens of underage girls, as young as 14, underscores the fundamental truth that there is no such thing as a “child prostitute.” And the Epstein case does something else. It exposes the “pipeline of vulnerability” that spans our nation, entrapping youth in sex trafficking, due to circumstances beyond their control: homelessness, weak foster care systems, domestic violence, discrimination based on race and sexual orientation, and other societal problems. read more »

Deutsche Bank reportedly flagged Jeffrey Epstein’s overseas transactions to US watchdog

Deutsche Bank has notified U.S. financial watchdogs about suspicious transactions by accused child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein —  a customer of the bank — according to a new report.

The transactions, which involved Epstein moving money out of the United States, were flagged after Deutsche Bank began looking for indications that the wealthy financier was using his money for sex trafficking, The New York Times reported.

Epstein had been a client of Deutsche Bank’s private banking division since at least 2013, five years after the former friend of Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton pleaded guilty to prostitution-related charges involving a teenage girl. read more »

Ohio State sued by 30 more former students over Strauss sexual abuse

An additional 30 former Ohio State University students have filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging that university officials knew about sexual abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss but failed to address it.

Most of the plaintiffs in the suit filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Columbus are former student-athletes from a number of sports, including about a dozen former football players. They are all listed as anonymous John Does. read more »

Kansas agency starts 74 investigations into clergy sexual abuse in 33 counties

The criminal investigative arm of the state of Kansas has initiated 74 investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse committed by Catholic clergy members.

The investigations come after the state agency received more than 100 reports from victims and are underway in 33 of Kansas’ 105 counties, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday.

Asking victims to report abuse, the KBI in February announced it had opened an investigation into reports of sexual abuse in the four Catholic dioceses in Kansas, convening an internal task force of six special agents. read more »