GIRL, 14, SEX TRAFFICKED FROM MUSEUM TOUR?
Digest
This episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace delves into the unsettling disappearance of 14-year-old Crystal, who vanished from a museum tour while under the supervision of Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The episode highlights the alarming prevalence of child sex trafficking in public venues, with experts like Lynn Shaw, founder of Lynn's Warriors, and Dawn Schiller, a former trafficking victim, emphasizing the vulnerability of children in crowded environments. The episode also raises serious questions about DCFS's accountability and lack of transparency in the case, with Nancy Grace expressing frustration over the limited information released by authorities. The episode further explores the dangers of unsupervised children in public spaces, citing previous cases like the disappearance of Serenity Denard from a children's home and the murder of Josh Powell's children while under DCFS supervision. The episode concludes with a call for action, urging viewers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from exploitation.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, focusing on the disappearance of 14-year-old Crystal from a museum tour in New Orleans. The episode highlights the alarming prevalence of child sex trafficking in public venues and raises concerns about the lack of oversight and transparency from authorities.
The Disappearance of Crystal
This Chapter delves into the details of Crystal's disappearance, revealing that she was on a group tour with other children from Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The episode highlights the alarming possibility of Crystal being sex trafficked from a public venue and raises questions about DCFS's accountability and lack of transparency in the case.
Expert Perspectives on Child Sex Trafficking
This Chapter features interviews with experts on child sex trafficking, including Lynn Shaw, founder of Lynn's Warriors, and Dawn Schiller, a former trafficking victim. They discuss the vulnerability of children in crowded environments and the importance of public awareness and vigilance in preventing exploitation.
The Role of DCFS and Law Enforcement
This Chapter examines the role of DCFS and law enforcement in protecting children, highlighting the lack of transparency and accountability in Crystal's case. The episode cites previous cases of child disappearances and abuse under DCFS supervision, raising concerns about the agency's effectiveness and the need for systemic reform.
Call to Action
This Chapter concludes the episode with a call to action, urging viewers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The episode emphasizes the importance of protecting children from exploitation and the need for greater public awareness and support for victims.
Keywords
Child Sex Trafficking
The illegal exploitation of children for sexual purposes, often involving forced prostitution, pornography, or other forms of sexual abuse. It is a serious crime with devastating consequences for victims, and it often occurs in public venues where children are vulnerable.
Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
A state agency in Louisiana responsible for the safety and well-being of children, including those in foster care. The episode raises concerns about DCFS's oversight and accountability in the case of Crystal's disappearance, highlighting the need for greater transparency and effectiveness in protecting children under their care.
New Orleans
A city in Louisiana known for its vibrant culture and history. The episode focuses on the disappearance of Crystal from a museum tour in New Orleans, highlighting the city's vulnerability to child sex trafficking and the importance of community awareness and vigilance in protecting children.
Museum
A public institution that houses and displays collections of artifacts, artworks, or other objects of historical, scientific, or cultural significance. The episode highlights the dangers of child sex trafficking in public venues, specifically museums, where children may be vulnerable to exploitation.
Serenity Denard
A young girl who disappeared from the Black Hills Children's Home in South Dakota. Her case is cited in the episode as an example of the dangers of unsupervised children in public spaces and the need for greater accountability from child welfare agencies.
Josh Powell
A man who murdered his two young sons while under the supervision of DCFS. His case is cited in the episode as an example of the failures of child welfare agencies and the need for systemic reform.
Harmony Montgomery
A young girl who disappeared from the care of her father, Adam Montgomery, in Massachusetts. Her case is cited in the episode as an example of the dangers of child exploitation and the need for greater vigilance and support for victims.
Shana Burns
A mother whose daughter, Haley, was kidnapped and held captive, sexually assaulted, and starved. Her story is cited in the episode as a warning about the dangers of child exploitation and the need for greater awareness and action to protect children.
Raven CEO
The Chief Executive Officer of Raven, a company that specializes in combating internet crimes against children. The episode features an interview with John Pizzoro, Raven CEO, who discusses the role of the internet in child sex trafficking and the importance of technology in identifying and rescuing victims.
Forensic Psychology
A branch of psychology that applies psychological principles to legal issues, including criminal investigations, forensic evaluations, and expert testimony. The episode features an interview with Dr. John Delatory, a forensic psychologist, who discusses the psychology of child sex offenders and the importance of understanding their motivations and behaviors.
Q&A
What happened to Crystal, the 14-year-old girl who disappeared from a museum tour in New Orleans?
Crystal was on a group tour with other children from Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) when she vanished. Authorities are investigating the possibility that she was sex trafficked from the museum, but they have not released much information about the case.
Why is there so much concern about child sex trafficking in public venues?
Experts like Lynn Shaw and Dawn Schiller emphasize that crowded environments like museums, malls, and stadiums can provide opportunities for predators to exploit vulnerable children. They highlight the importance of public awareness and vigilance in preventing these crimes.
What are the concerns about DCFS's role in Crystal's disappearance?
The episode raises questions about DCFS's oversight and accountability, particularly given the lack of transparency and information released by the agency. The episode also cites previous cases of child disappearances and abuse under DCFS supervision, highlighting the need for greater effectiveness and reform within the agency.
What are some examples of previous cases that highlight the dangers of unsupervised children in public spaces?
The episode cites the cases of Serenity Denard, who disappeared from a children's home, and Josh Powell, who murdered his two sons while under DCFS supervision. These cases underscore the importance of vigilance and accountability in protecting children from exploitation.
What is the call to action at the end of the episode?
The episode urges viewers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from exploitation. It also highlights the need for greater public awareness and support for victims of child sex trafficking.
How does the internet play a role in child sex trafficking?
John Pizzoro, Raven CEO, explains that the internet provides easy access for predators to groom and target children. He emphasizes the importance of technology in identifying and rescuing victims.
What are some of the psychological factors that contribute to child sex trafficking?
Dr. John Delatory, a forensic psychologist, discusses the motivations and behaviors of child sex offenders, highlighting the importance of understanding their psychology in preventing and addressing these crimes.
What are some of the challenges in investigating child sex trafficking cases?
The episode highlights the difficulty in obtaining information from authorities, particularly in cases involving DCFS. It also emphasizes the need for greater transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies.
What are some steps that can be taken to protect children from sex trafficking?
The episode emphasizes the importance of public awareness, vigilance, and reporting suspicious activity. It also highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability from child welfare agencies and law enforcement.
What is the overall message of the episode?
The episode underscores the alarming prevalence of child sex trafficking and the need for greater vigilance, awareness, and action to protect children from exploitation. It also highlights the importance of holding child welfare agencies and law enforcement accountable for their role in protecting children.
Show Notes
New Orleans PD desperately searching for a missing child, Kristhal Chinchilla-Canizales, just 14. Kristhal is 5’2”, has black hair with blonde tips, and brown eyes. Last seen wearing a blue yoga jumpsuit with a black Harley pullover layered on top.
Louisiana’s Orleans Parish Department of Children and Family Services plans a day trip for foster children to a New Orleans Museum, May 22nd. Kristhal, enjoys the day out with her friends, smiling, and making silly faces for a group photo, but later, during a headcount, DCFS agents realize Kristhal is gone. No child or adult knows when Kristhal disappeared.
New Orleans PD canvass the museum’s campus and surrounding city blocks, but no sign of the teen. Investigators now say they fear Kristhal has been trafficked for sex. NOPD has not yet released information explaining the theory, but trafficking is not uncommon in the city, with 1500 new trafficking cases reported in 2023.
New Orleans PD will not confirm from which museum Kristhal disappeared, but have confirmed she was last seen in the Central Business District, a neighborhood that spans approximately 12 blocks, bordered by I-10 and the mighty Mississippi river.
Joining Nancy Today:
- Dr. John Delatorre - licensed psychologist and mediator, specializing in forensic psychology, psychological consultant to Project Absentis: a non profit organization that searches for missing persons, resolutionfcs.com, Twitter, IG, and TikTok - @drjohndelatorre
- Dawn Schiller - Training Director, LA County Project: Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking, Former trafficking victim, Lived Experience Expert Consultant: US Department of State, Office for Victims of Crime, & US Office on Trafficking in Persons //Author: "The Road Through Wonderland: Surviving John Holmes" Website: www.dawn-schiller.com www.dawn-schiller.com/shop FB dawn.schiller.9/ FB AuthorDawnSchiller/ INSTA: @dawnschiller55 X: @Dawn Schiller
- Lynn Shaw - Founder and Executive Director of Lynn's Warriors - an organization committed to ending human trafficking and sexual exploitation
- John Pizzuro - Raven’s CEO, Fmr. New Jersey State Police Commander of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Fmr. New Jersey State Police
- Elaine Aradillas - Senior Crime Reporter at the Messenger, Twitter: @elaineja, Instagram: @the_elaineja
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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