Child Sex Tourism: Brazilian Teens Testify About Being Lured into Minor Prostitution for American Tourists

A U.S. Department of State photo showing a young Thai girl and her "child sex tourist" client. Photo credit: www.Renewamerica.us

Warning: Extremely disturbing graphic content.

Editor's Note: This is the third of three articles related to how 19 members of the Royal Order of Jesters were called as to testify for the defense in a federal lawsuit about their alleged firsthand knowledge of minor prostitution while on a fishing trip, apparently one of many, to Brazil. The Royal Order of Jesters is a non profit group made up of 24,000 invited Shrine leaders, who must first be Master Masons. Included in the court documents are statements from five Brazilian Indian girls who allege they were "victims of sexual abuse perpetuated by a group of foreign tourists, North Americans." The girls' statements are available to the public through the federal court information system, PACER. There is no direct link between these girls and the Jesters. Let me repeat that. There is no direct link between these girls and the Jesters, however two Brazilian fishing tour guides testified in their depositions in the same case that they saw "Masons" having sex with teen prostitutes. Additionally, all the girls testified that they were recruited every year by the same man, an American named "Richard," during the same time of year that he took the Jesters on their fishing trips to Brazil. Creative liberties were taken to tell this story through the eyes of the girls.

The Associated Press reported last Friday, May 30, 2008, that:

"A retired Marine captain was convicted Thursday of having sex with pre-teen girls while working as a teacher in Cambodia. A federal jury found Michael Joseph Pepe guilty of seven counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. The federal law targets people who go overseas for so-called child sex tourism. During trial, six girls who were between 9 and 12 at the time of the abuse testified that Pepe drugged, bound, beat and raped them. Pepe was arrested in Phnom Penh in 2006 by Cambodian police investigating the sexual abuse allegations. Pepe, 54, of Oxnard, faces up to 210 years in prison when he is sentenced in September."

Unfortunately, child sex tourism is in the news.

Here are details of how it works, from those alleging they have been so victimized.

Imagine that you are a poor 13 year old Brazilian girl living with your poor family on your poor people's land; the Indigenous Area AKA your reservation. A North American illegally enters the Indigenous Area, asking for your help on his tourist fishing boat, namely sweeping, laundry and cooking. You agree because your family needs the money. Your mother and step-father are scared because they have heard the stories about what has happened to "the others." Against all hope, they wave and watch as you and nine other girls go off with this American stranger.

When you get to the boat, you learn that your real job is to drink whiskey and beer and have sex with the foreigners who are in your country on a fishing trip. After the foreigners have sex with you and go back home, you are left pregnant, not knowing who fathered your baby.

Three years later, you find yourself sitting in the office of the Regional Superintendent of the Federal Police of the State of Amazonas with your mother, a federal police transcriber, an attorney hired to represent you and the Federal Police Chief, who is asking you to tell him what happened. The police want to know because they are investigating that minor Indian and other girls living near the rivers in the regions of Autazes became victims of sexual exploitation by North-American foreign tourists.

This girl's deposition and the depositions of four others were taken by the Brazilian Federal Police on June 13, 2007. The Police Chief also hears the others tell him how the same stranger went to the same village every year, luring girls to help him with housekeeping and cooking on his boat .

Instead, the American hires the under-age girls during the tourist's fishing season. The girls are not paid what was promised for "programs" that consist of oral sex, strip and dance contests on the boat with the American fishermen. The girls allege in their depositions that they were told they'd be paid one rate, but were paid much less of what had been promised.

The second girl tells the Federal Police Chief that she is coming forward "spontaneously" to report that she was the victim of sexual abuse perpetuated by a group of foreigner tourists, North Americans, who, when she was 14, in August of 2005, came to her village to entice her to provide her cleaning services on a boat. She said yes because she needed the money.

When she boarded the vessel with her 16 year old sister and other girls, she learned that she would have to have sex with the foreigners, besides having to pose nude in pictures. She spent a week on the boat, having sex with two foreign tourists, who also paid her for sex. She tells the Federal Police Chief that every year, the same American takes the same tourists to those prostitution programs because many other girls have also been taken to such programs. Every year during the tourist's fishing season, in August and September, the boat enters the indigenous Area and that the Americans hire the girls, always promising that it is for domestic labor.

The third girl is 18. She is also sitting in the office of the Regional Superintendent of the Federal Police of the State of Amazonas. Also present are her attorney, the Federal Police Chief and transcriber. She has an incomplete elementary education, is of indigenous culture and is a member of an ethnic tribe. She is also reporting that she was the victim of sexual abuse perpetuated by a group of foreigners, North Americans, who, when she was 16, in September, 2005, enticed her to participate in sexual programs.

At the time she was spending her week in school, she was asked to provide domestic services on a boat of tourists. After she gets there, the foreigners take pictures of her and the other girls and invited them to work on the boat, promising to pay two hundred or three hundred Reais for two to three days of work. This translates to about $120 - $180, USD. She accepted the offer because her mother was very ill and needed the money for health treatment in the city of Manaus.

Like the others, when she boarded the vessel, she learned she would have sex and to drink whiskey and beer with the foreigners. The first time she spent two days and two nights on the boat, she had to have sex with three foreigners. On the second time, she spent two days and one night with one foreigner.

She tells the Police Chief how there were about fifteen to eighteen other girls taken on board for the sexual programs. She also describes how the same American and his boat comes every year during August and September during the tourists' fishing season to the Indigenous Area and that the Americans hire the girls, always promising that it is for domestic labor. She supposes that some of the girls know that the program is about sex and some other girls don't. Last year, in 2006, she was called by the same American but refused to work those programs.

The fourth girl is in the same office with the same people on the same day to answer questions asked by the same federal police. She says she is appearing spontaneously to report that she was also a victim of sexual abuse perpetuated by a group of foreign tourists. At the time, she was 16 and was accompanied by her sister who was 14 years old. Like the others, she testifies that she was hired to perform domestic labor but after boarding the boat, learned that in reality she would have to have sex with the foreigners.

On that occasion, she spent two days on the boat, she had to have sex with one foreign tourist who went by the nickname "CARECA" (bald). She was promised to be paid $100 Reais, but received only $35 Reais. Translated, she was promised about $60 USD but was paid only $20. She says that approximately ten girls were taken on board for sexual programs and that every year, the same American, takes the same tourists to those prostitution programs, because she knows that many other girls have also been taken to such programs. As far as she knows, the same boat enters the Indigenous Area and that the Americans hire the girls, always promising that it is for domestic activities during the months of August and September, during tourism fishing season.

The fifth girl testifies that she was first contacted in the year 2000 by the same American who organizes tourist excursions inside the indigenous areas of Autazes and from that year on, she began to participate in the sexual programs with foreign tourists, always on the same American's boat. She said that the same American appeared every year in the region to conduct his excursions and, consequently, the prostitution programs.

This girl then explained how the same American used her to contact other girls of the villages as well as from the city of Autazes. She said he promised to pay her one amount, not only for having sex with the foreigners, but pay her based on the number of girls she recruited, but he never paid what he promised. She stated that in 2006, she again participated in "Richard's" programs but that she only spent one night on board because she had a problem with him because "he was drunk and could not perform sexually" with her.

When she demanded that she be paid, he locked her in his cabin. After much crying, "Richard" paid her half of the $100 Reais he promised. This translates to being promised $60 USD but only being paid about $30 USD. She also stated that sometimes "Richard" rents the bar and fast-food venue "Dois Irmaos," which means "Two Brothers," in the city of Autazes, where she works, to take the girls there to perform striptease.

This is the end of the girls' depositions, which can be found here.

"The Facts About Child Sex Tourism" is available from the U.S. Department of State here.

"Child Sex Tourism" is available from the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice here.

A group fighting the commercial sexual exploitation of children, ECPAT, has a website here. This site also provides information on the third World Congress Against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents, to be held November 25, 28 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

According to the conference organizers:

"The sexual exploitation of children and adolescents is a global reality and the problem is growing. Eliminating this horrific practice, and protecting children and adolescents from it, is a challenge all countries in the world must meet together. Following Stockholm 1996 and Yokohama 2001, Brazil will host the World Congress III Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in Rio de Janeiro...Over the last decades ECPAT International has been a lead partner in mobilising and supporting the processes and follow up action of the previous two World Congresses, ensuring that these events served as a mechanism to secure commitment and strengthen global action against the violation of children's rights."

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1.9

{"commentId":1877917,"authorDomain":"caroaber"}

caroaber

Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam, the Dominican Republic and Haiti-- all these countries and others (including some African nations where peacekeepers are deployed) are being targeted by pedophiles who know that they are unlikely to face prosecution. The British rock star Gary Glitter was recently freed from jail after serving a short sentence for his child sex abuse. The western nations must prosecute the "tourism" rings that are arranging these illicit encounters.

Thanks for putting the time and effort into exposing this problem in the Brazilian indigenous areas.

{"commentId":1877917,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"caroaber"}

4 votes

#1 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 6:30 PM EDT

{"commentId":1893450,"authorDomain":"acidreflux"}

AdipicAcid

I agree, but these prosecutions can be devilishly hard to bring to a successful conclusion, as an American has the right to face his accuser in a court of law. Finding the child prostitutes and convincing them to testify can be a real problem: particularly since the procurers of these children have a reputation for playing hardball with peoples' families. This isn't a Nevada brothel situation, after all. It's sexual slavery, and the slavers are every bit as ruthless as the slavers of old.

{"commentId":1893450,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"acidreflux"}

2 votes

#1.1 - Wed Jun 4, 2008 3:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":1878013,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Caroaber,
Thank you for your comments. When I began this investigation, the main questions I had were "Why are the Shriners trying to intimidate, silence and sue those who ask questions like 'Where does all the money go?' and 'Why are your tax returns so messed up?'" I had no idea I'd be writing about this horrific scenario and asking questions like "Why are members of the Royal Order of Jesters linked to these alleged crimes of prostitution and child sex tourism?"
I agree that the western nations must prosecute these "tourism" rings.
If what I've found can help expose and prosecute these predators, then so be it.
Or as you referred to them as, pedophiles.
Thanks again,
Sandy

{"commentId":1878013,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

4 votes

#2 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 6:45 PM EDT

{"commentId":1878634,"authorDomain":"Nycam"}

Nycam

posted to whoreticulture group.
An amazing story.

{"commentId":1878634,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"Nycam"}

6 votes

#3 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 8:41 PM EDT

{"commentId":1879732,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Thank you, Nycam.
It's horrible that these things exist but at least, as a journalist, I can let you readers know what these girls told the Brazilian police.
I'll do my best to keep you informed as things progress, OK?
Sandy

{"commentId":1879732,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

6 votes

#3.1 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 12:18 AM EDT

{"commentId":1878811,"authorDomain":"greenguy"}

greenguy

Right. But why wouldn't said people be prosecuted? Its illegal here, its illegal there, its illegal everywhere. So the question is on the most effective way to find the perpetrators. But everyone agrees that they must be found - Westerners don't have a right to break these laws..

{"commentId":1878811,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"greenguy"}

2 votes

#4 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 9:18 PM EDT

{"commentId":1879783,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Well, greenguy,
Thank you for your comments.
Prosecuting a case like this can be very expensive. Before anyone is hauled in for questioning or before a Grand Jury, the investigators have got to know they have a provable and/or winnable case before they get the ball rolling.
They need irrefutable evidence or proof of the crime so they can convince a jury that the defendant/s guilty. Like what just happened in the Los Angeles case where a jury convicted a retired Marine of child sex tourism in Cambodia, I think.
If the U.S. Attorney can't convict, I don't think we'll ever hear of anyone prosecuting anyone.
You can bet that those Jesters who were called as defense witnesses have worked out a story or orchestrated a cover up or whatever, to probably include destruction of evidence. In other words, if they had these pictures on their computers, such as the ones submitted as evidence but were sealed, they have been erased.
Plus this is an election year. Say a congressional committee has evidence of this stuff but is scared to do anything because it's so volatile.
I don't think that a politician would take on anything this controversial unless he or she knew that the public would support them. Or should that be "voters" would support them. This is just one part of a very large and complex "picture" of what I call a "culture of corruption." This goes hand in hand with what I've uncovered about the Shriners. This is just one of their "dirty little secrets."
Thanks again,
Sandy

{"commentId":1879783,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

3 votes

#4.1 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 12:29 AM EDT

{"commentId":1883693,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Let me make this one quick point.
The girls provided this testimony as part of an ongoing investigation in Brazil. The fishing guides provided the same thing. This is because the net was closing in on these people. The fishing guides talked about how planes were flying over the rivers to see if the girls were on the fishing boats and what was going on between the men and the girls. I will try to contact those who might know if any arrests were made or if this matter has been referred to the United States for further investigation.
Thanks,
Sandy

{"commentId":1883693,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

1 vote

#4.2 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 3:02 PM EDT

{"commentId":1879101,"authorDomain":"ginzo4life"}

Joe M Ben

I remember 2 years ago a cab company in st. bernards parish was taking johns on rides with 14 and 15 year old teen's from the neighborhood looking for extra cash, and in some cases were pimped out by their mothers.This stuff is not only happening overseas.This story was washed out when Katrina hit NOLA. I've been to Thailand and the only Paedophilia I heard about in the thai papers and on T.V was queers with young boys.I guess being that Gays are so politically correct that angle will never make a good story, anyway in my travels if I see anyone abusing a child he better run to the police before I get my hands on him....

{"commentId":1879101,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"ginzo4life"}

4 votes

#5 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 10:11 PM EDT

{"commentId":1879722,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

There is something really icky about this that makes me feel the same way.
If/when anyone is caught doing this, our laws state that they can be sentenced up to 30 years in prison.
If they care caught doing it again, they can get the death sentence.
It has been very hard for me to not just go off, I must admit. This is why I stick to the depositions; not much room for editorializing.
And what the girls say and how they say it is the story here, not the circumstances surrounding it. I hope that the Brazilian authorities who took these statements, Brazilian law enforcement, are working with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement people or someone to see if they can interest a U.S. Attorney who can maybe call a Grand Jury to gather evidence to see if any crimes have been committed. Anyway, thanks for your interesting comments.
Sandy

{"commentId":1879722,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

3 votes

#5.1 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 12:16 AM EDT

{"commentId":1879114,"authorDomain":"keruxx"}

Meeguk

Israel - Tel Aviv - is well known as world's capital of illegal trade of under aged girls and female sex slaves - from places like the former Soviet bloc countries and Russia. Why don't we ever see any articles exposing that fact? Why is it always everywhere but there?

{"commentId":1879114,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"keruxx"}

2 votes

#6 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 10:13 PM EDT

{"commentId":1879695,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Thank you, Meeguk, for your comments.
Why, indeed?
Sandy

{"commentId":1879695,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

2 votes

#6.1 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 12:07 AM EDT

{"commentId":1879283,"authorDomain":"PrimarySources"}

Synthesis

Careful, Sandy...you're really gonna get the sockpuppets riled up, now...

(Keep up the great work!)

{"commentId":1879283,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"PrimarySources"}

2 votes

#7 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 10:45 PM EDT

{"commentId":1879343,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Well, you know what they say.
"Truth does not fear investigation."
I always wonder what these guys have to hide? Why do they sign up as Newsvine columnists if all they want to do is just to harass and attempt to censor my articles?
Poor little sockpuppets. I mean, what else do they have to do but log on here to defend these guys, huh? Or maybe, defend themselves??
Thanks, Synthesis.
Sandy

{"commentId":1879343,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

3 votes

#7.1 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 10:55 PM EDT

{"commentId":1879357,"authorDomain":"PrimarySources"}

Synthesis

My pleasure, Sandy.

: )

{"commentId":1879357,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"PrimarySources"}

2 votes

#7.2 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 10:58 PM EDT

{"commentId":1879293,"authorDomain":"klaasklever7"}

Klaas

You use the term "Americans" as if Brazilians weren't Americans too... when will US-Americans finally learn they're not alone in America?

{"commentId":1879293,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"klaasklever7"}

3 votes

#8 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 10:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":1879358,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Klass,
Thank you for your observations.
You make a very good point.
However, if you click through to the depositions and read them, I reported what the girls told the Brazilian Federal Police, according to their own words.
Thank you,
Sandy

{"commentId":1879358,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

2 votes

#9 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 10:58 PM EDT

{"commentId":1879841,"authorDomain":"JOHNNY123"}

JOHNNY TELASON

First I want to say that having sex with a under age girl is one of the worst things a grown man can do. These men should be arrested and sent to jail.

A few points I would like to make, first these girls all stated that they were hired to clean and cook. which is a lie. They all know full well that they are being hired to have sex with these men. Many of them look forward to this time of year to be able to go on these trips.

most of these young ladies have already had sex many times, and not all with strangers, but with their own family members. Some of these same parents are the ones bringing these ladies down to be picked for the boat and know full well what it is for and what they will have to do to be paid.

You will never stop this kind of thing from happening over and over. Not only do you need to arrest the men who do this, but also the girl who sells herself as well as her parents if they have knowledge of it. You know full well that everyone knew what went on, on this boat the first time it happen, but yet said nothing and were waiting for the next time the boat came to put their children on it again.

If you don't arrest the girls and their parents then these men will go to jail and these girls will be sent out to do this all over again. The sword should cut both ways and then maybe with all parties having something to loose then it might slow it down a lot.

{"commentId":1879841,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"JOHNNY123"}

2 votes

#10 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 12:44 AM EDT

{"commentId":1880415,"authorDomain":"ecodramawes"}

Wes S

Excellent comment Johnny.
I live in Brazil and can see that abuse starts at home. Many underage prostitutes have been raped at home by their fathers, uncles or even brothers, before the went into the prostitution. I heard one story of a 14 year old prostitute. When she was arrested by the police, she said "I was raped by my father and now everyone in the neighborhood expects to have sex with me for free. At least on the streets I make money". That's unfortunately is a reality in many places.
The sex trade is not always enforced nor organized. Unfortunately there are too many young girls and women that see sex as "easy money". It is a socioeconomic issue, not only a criminal one.
In Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, local politicians and officials were involved in the child sex abuses. Until now no-one was punished. Very sad indeed.

{"commentId":1880415,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"ecodramawes"}

1 vote

#10.1 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 6:15 AM EDT

{"commentId":1881999,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Johnny,
Thank you for your comments and providing another point of view that was not made available through the girls' depositions.
You make an interesting point. Thanks again,
Sandy

{"commentId":1881999,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

1 vote

#10.2 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 11:44 AM EDT

{"commentId":1992948,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

#10 - Mon Jun 2, 2008 10:58 PM EDT
JOHNNY TELASON
First I want to say that having sex with a under age girl is one of the worst things a grown man can do. These men should be arrested and sent to jail.

A few points I would like to make, first these girls all stated that they were hired to clean and cook. which is a lie. They all know full well that they are being hired to have sex with these men. Many of them look forward to this time of year to be able to go on these trips. most of these young ladies have already had sex many times, and not all with strangers, but with their own family members. Some of these same parents are the ones bringing these ladies down to be picked for the boat and know full well what it is for and what they will have to do to be paid.

Johnny, on what are you basing this ?
This sounds to me a bit like blaming the victim

{"commentId":1992948,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

1 vote

#10.3 - Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:49 AM EDT

{"commentId":1995813,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

First I want to say that having sex with a under age girl is one of the worst things a grown man can do. These men should be arrested and sent to jail.

What do you mean by underage? If an eighteen-year-old man has sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old woman, is that a serious travesty? Or are you taking about pre-pubescent pedophilia (which is redundant, but most people don't understand the definition of pedophile)?

{"commentId":1995813,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

2 votes

#10.4 - Wed Jun 18, 2008 2:12 PM EDT

{"commentId":2002144,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Are you asking me or the other John?

{"commentId":2002144,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

1 vote

#10.5 - Thu Jun 19, 2008 10:25 AM EDT

{"commentId":2002513,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

The other. I'm sort of late to the game, I know, but that statement caught my eye.

{"commentId":2002513,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

2 votes

#10.6 - Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:04 AM EDT

{"commentId":2004268,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

What caught my eye was the suggestion that these girls aren't victims.

That said,
I don't get your comments either. Are you really going to play semantics with the underage issue. Is it acceptable for men to travel to another country to have sex with girls underage regardlesso of whether they are 12 or 17?

{"commentId":2004268,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

1 vote

#10.7 - Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:22 PM EDT

{"commentId":2005016,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

Oh, I think the girls are absolutely victims.

But I think making a overarching statement like Johnny did is a kneejerk reaction. What if men were traveling to another country to have sex with girls who are 18? Is that acceptable?

{"commentId":2005016,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

1 vote

#10.8 - Thu Jun 19, 2008 3:45 PM EDT

{"commentId":2005919,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

About the laws? Here is a link to a DOJ site that discusses sex tourism.
There is an international group called ECPAT that fights child sex tourism. From their site:

"2.1g Federal legislation prohibiting child prostitution The primary federal law that makes child prostitution a federal offense is the Mann Act from 1910, which restricts transportation of minors. Under the act, the transportation in 'interstate or foreign commerce' of an individual younger than 18 years old (amended in 1986 to included both males and females) with the intent that individual engage in any sexual activity is prohibited. The federal statutes also prohibit nationals and permanent residents from traveling abroad, or conspiring to do so, for the purpose of engaging in a sexual act with a person younger than 18 years of age. Under a separate federal immigration law, the importing or harboring of any alien for prostitution or other 'immoral purposes' is also illegal. The penalties for crimes involving sexual acts with children were increased under the Child Protection and Sexual Predator Punishment Act of 1998; offenders can now be subject to fines and imprisonment for up to 15 years. These penalties may increase to life in prison or even the death penalty if the child is under 14 and dies as a result of the crime. Under the Immigration law, the penalties include fines and up to 10 years imprisonment. Violations of the Mann Act are listed among the crimes under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). RICO makes it a federal offense to participate in an 'enterprise' involving 'interstate commerce' and a 'pattern of racketeering activity.' RICO provides for strict penalties and allows prosecution of those who only indirectly control or participate in an interstate prostitution ring."

Since the one Jester, retired police captain John Trowbridge, pleaded guilty to one felony count of violating the Mann Act and 19 other Jesters may be involved with minor prostitution and child sex tourism, I am intrigued at the possibility that there might be a case for the Feds to investigate the Jesters under the RICO statutes? You know. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck... Sandy

{"commentId":2005919,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

1 vote

#10.9 - Thu Jun 19, 2008 5:32 PM EDT

{"commentId":2007092,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

I'm just wondering if there's any real difference between sex tourism with a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old. Both wrong in my opinion. But Johnny's original statement seemed to be too broad.

{"commentId":2007092,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

2 votes

#10.10 - Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:19 PM EDT

{"commentId":2009761,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Thanks for explaining.

BTW, an interview with Sandy about all of this was just published here.

{"commentId":2009761,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

1 vote

#10.11 - Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:51 AM EDT

{"commentId":1880647,"authorDomain":"leogodin"}

I remember that there was some progress made on issues like this when John Ashcroft was the Attorney General. Does anyone know if there has been any international cooperation since then? These crimes are horrific and make me wonder if vigilante justice isn't a bad idea in these cases.

The problem is that these crimes are symptomatic of other problems. It seems to me that the value of human life and children's rights diminish greatly in poverty stricken areas. When there are several generations growing up in poverty people lose hope and a hopeless society is a dark society. Now, couple that with predatory dirtbags who were probably abused when they were children and it is a volatile mix.

I think we need an international treaty signed by individual governments agreeing to cooperate on issues like this. Each country would share information and countries like the US could prosecute in their own countries for crimes committed in the poorer nations. For instance, if police in Brazil have evidence of the crime committed by a US citizen they can give the information to the US. The US can prosecute (I don't know if this is technically legal). This would prevent the cost of prosecution from preventing prosecution.

{"commentId":1880647,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"leogodin"}

2 votes

#11 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 8:10 AM EDT

{"commentId":1882201,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

leogodin,
Thank you for your comments.
If you follow the links I provided at the end of this article, you may find that the sites linked might provide the answers you are looking for.
There are treaties and agreements. If you go here, you can read more about the upcoming conference that is being held to address situations such as this.
Thanks again,
Sandy

{"commentId":1882201,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

2 votes

#11.1 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 12:10 PM EDT

{"commentId":1880872,"authorDomain":"docsavage09t"}

azreal

whats funny(not really in anything involving the abuse of children) is that Jester's, who are FREEMASONS, take oaths to follow the laws of their own country, to be moral and upstanding.

When I took my oath to be a mason on a bible, I thought the men around me were of like mind.
Moral, straight, faithful and interested in finding truth.
Not , when is the next fishing trip to the south so I can get off on a child?

The Jester's claim to be FREEMASONS, instead they are elitists needing an outlet for their viagra intake, since their 70 year old wives want nothing to do with them, go get a young girl out of the country for that!

JESTER's(not all, but if you are one, you facilitate these happenings then by not internally stopping it) are sick individuals and hypocites to the Nth degree!
Cut off their genitals
lay down with dogs, get up with fleas!
guilt by association.
check your brothers, brothers!

{"commentId":1880872,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"docsavage09t"}

2 votes

#12 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 9:05 AM EDT

{"commentId":1882944,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

azreal,
Thank you for your comments.
It is my understanding that before one can be a Jester, one must be a Shriner. Then, to be a Shriner, one must be a Master Mason.
Part of the Shrine Law per "the Imperial bylaws" states:

Section 101.3(l) of the Imperial Bylaws defines Shrine Law as follows: "Shrine law
means the articles of incorporation of the Imperial Council, these bylaws and any general or
special orders at the time in effect, but it does not include the law of the land."

In other words, a Shriner is not bound, by virtue of his membership in the Shrine, to the laws of the land.

I have approached this investigation using the metrics of non profit accountability, transparency and disclosure. I'm not sure that IRS law states that a non profit group and the members there of have the right to act as if they are above the law, though their bylaws state otherwise.

If this information was not provided to the IRS either in the original application for non profit status or was not provided to the IRS as an answer to question 77, Part VI of the "Other Information" section of the 990 exempt organization tax return, then the IRS needs to pay attention and find out if this might be true.

The question asks:

"Were any changes made in the organizing or governing documents but not reported to the IRS? If yes, attach a conformed copy of the changes."

If it is found that the Shriners failed to disclose this change to their bylaws, it might not be the first time they failed to disclose other such changes to the IRS.

On Thursday, July 6, 2006, I published "Disclosure and Watchdogs: Shriners Part 5," found here. It included:

Discrepancy 4) Part VI, question 77 on the 2000 990 tax return reads:

"Were there any changes made in the organizing or governing documents but not reported to the IRS?"

On October 17, 2000, a Resolution was filed with the Clerk of Polk County, Florida, which is due east of Hillsborough County, where both Shriners groups are head quartered. The paraphrased resolution reads:

"Be it resolved that any one of the following officers; the Chairman of the Board of Directors; the President; the First Vice President; the Second Vice President; the Secretary; the Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer, is authorized, on behalf of the Shriners Hospitals for Children...The next section conveys broader powers of buying and selling to various combinations of two of the above mentioned officers and directors. The third section gives similar individual powers of buying and selling to the General Counsel, the Managing Attorney and the Second Vice President. This resolution offers no accounting, GAAP review or other oversight mechanisms.

The answer to the question 77 is marked "No." The Shriners did not report this change in governing documents to the IRS or to the Colorado Secretary of State.

Most people don't know that both the current Imperial Potentate and Chairman of the Board of Trustees that oversees the hospitals and their $10 + billion in assets are both members of the Royal Order of Jesters. If any type of coverup is being orchestrated, chances are good that, as in Watergate, it may go all the way to the top.

Did I write coverup?

One of the articles included in my SPJ award entry was "Treasurers Meeting Minutes Vanish, Gambling Proceeds Unaccounted For? Shriners: Part 15," published on April 21, 2007. In my award announcement, I wrote:

"The Shriners Treasurer's meeting minutes were taken offline after it was reported that they revealed how ongoing crime was openly discussed at these meetings, but not reported to law enforcement because of the 'bad press.'"

The bottom line, as far as I am concerned, is that others need to pick up on this trail and follow the documents, especially the tax returns.

Aside from the facts that members of the Royal Order of Jesters were caught in a FBI prostitution sting and have been called as defense witnesses in a federal lawsuit to testify about "minor prostitution," there is also the possibility of tax fraud.

How?

What if any Jesters made "charitable contributions" to their Jesters' court, the name for their little secret clubs, and those tax deductible contributions were used to reserve or pay for prostitutes' rooms at the hotel used during one of their "Book of the Play" weekends? What if those guys who went on those fishing trips to Brazil did the same thing? What if these guys deducted these charitable contributions on their tax returns?

Tax fraud.

Again.

So, there is a glimpse of some of the billions of thoughts that whirl around in my head as I think about this stuff.

Lucky you!!

Thanks again,

Sandy

{"commentId":1882944,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

1 vote

#12.1 - Tue Jun 3, 2008 1:41 PM EDT

{"commentId":1881723,"authorDomain":"blitzpow"}

Propaganda AlertDeleted

{"commentId":1883809,"authorDomain":"cartoonmohammed"}

cartoonmohammedDeleted

{"commentId":1909551,"authorDomain":"carefulcommentator"}

Careful Commentator

Sandy,

After reviewing your various articles on this subject, I have done some of my own research regarding this topic. It concerns me that so many of the statements that you publish publicly are unvalidated and obviously out of context.

Just a little bit of research would have given light to the fact that the 2 guides that testified in this matter were paid to do so by the main competitor of Richard's company. That isn't the least bit peculiar to you? In fact, these 2 testimonies were under such scrutiny for perjury that they probably won't be used in the case... did you know that???

If someone is spoon-feeding you information, you might want to think about that source's motivation for broadcasting this information. The entire point of having this UNPROVEN information publicized is to damage Richard's company. Any idea who would want to do that?

{"commentId":1909551,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"carefulcommentator"}

#15 - Fri Jun 6, 2008 1:12 PM EDT

{"commentId":1920640,"authorDomain":"leogodin"}

I'd take these comments more seriously if they came from someone who has previously commented on the vine. A quick look at http://carefulcommentator.newsvine.com/ shows that this is the only comment this user has ever made on the vine.

{"commentId":1920640,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"leogodin"}

2 votes

#15.1 - Sun Jun 8, 2008 11:46 AM EDT

{"commentId":1920943,"authorDomain":"PrimarySources"}

Synthesis

Another sockpuppet.

{"commentId":1920943,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"PrimarySources"}

1 vote

#15.2 - Sun Jun 8, 2008 1:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":1922686,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Either a standard issue sockpuppet, one each, or an attorney for "Richard." And, yes, he does appear to be part of the "shoot the messenger" campaign of those who create Newsvine accounts just to harass and insult me, this time by accusing me of being "spoon-fed." As if.
I was not going to dignify his comment with a reply as I'm not sure how ethical or sound it is for an attorney to hide behind an anonymous online identity to advocate against those who testified to the Brazilian federal police that they were allegedly lured into minor prostitution aka "child sex tourism" by his client. Or to advocate against those fishing guides also went to the Brazilian federal police and the U.S. embassy to let the authorities know what they allegedly saw. If you read the depositions I linked to, one of the fishing guides alleged that he picked up marijuana by the kilo for "Richard" and that "Richard" asked him to kill or find someone to kill the defendant. You can find this on pages 38, 39 and 60 of the depositions. No wonder he wants to have the depositions stricken from the court records, huh? Oh, FYI, if you search the PACER system for this case, you will find a motion to have the witness list and these depositions stricken from the court records. On page 4, I am named as the attorney wrote "The Frost report actually has links to the Defendants' filed witness list in this case." Footnote 4 indicates that this attorney tried to have one of these articles censored offline by contacting "the owner of the website which contains the Frost report" to have the article "Jesters to Testify About Illegal Drugs, Prostitution?" removed. The attorney didn't have the courage to even write the correct headline, as if to hide the part about "Minor Prostitution" from the judge.
When people try to have my stuff censored offline, I just have to wonder "What are these guys trying to hide?"
Oh well.
So many sockpuppets, so little time.
Thanks you guys,
Sandy

{"commentId":1922686,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

2 votes

#15.3 - Sun Jun 8, 2008 8:13 PM EDT

{"commentId":1923149,"authorDomain":"acidreflux"}

AdipicAcid

Well, the fact that he came into the thread, took a dump, and then left without cleaning up his mess does make his behavior rather Shriner like, in my opinion.

{"commentId":1923149,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"acidreflux"}

3 votes

#15.4 - Sun Jun 8, 2008 10:18 PM EDT

{"commentId":1926022,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Sadly, this does seem to be the case.
Thanks AA,
Sandy

{"commentId":1926022,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

1 vote

#15.5 - Mon Jun 9, 2008 1:50 PM EDT

{"commentId":2065154,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

Just be careful who we label a sockpuppet. Users may register with the sole purpose of commenting on one article, and while there are those who would do so simply to undermine a valid point for personal purposes, there's also a good chance that those people are sources outside the vine who may have valid points.

If we take the stance of ignoring opposing opinions of those we do not know, choosing instead to write them off as flashes in the Newsvine pan with invalid or self-serving points, we run the risk of closing the doors of our otherwise open community and labeling ourselves as elitist.

This is not to say he's right, or you're misinformed, but a simple warning. I'd like him to come back and continue the conversation.

{"commentId":2065154,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

3 votes

#15.6 - Fri Jun 27, 2008 11:17 AM EDT

{"commentId":2070333,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Well, John.
Since this is not your column, I'd say for you to start your own column and continue this discussion there and not hijack mine.
Thank you,
Sandy

{"commentId":2070333,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

2 votes

#15.7 - Fri Jun 27, 2008 11:22 PM EDT

{"commentId":2075447,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

Excuse me if I offended, Sandy, but last time I checked, the ability to comment existed to foster discussion. A discussion which, if you'll notice the position of my comment, I joined, not created.

{"commentId":2075447,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

2 votes

#15.8 - Sat Jun 28, 2008 7:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":2078708,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

John,
Are you talking about "Careful Commentator"?
Sandy

{"commentId":2078708,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

1 vote

#15.9 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:23 AM EDT

{"commentId":2079094,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

In regards to...?

{"commentId":2079094,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

#15.10 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":2079148,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

By in large, I was responding to you, Synthesis, AA, and leogodin.

{"commentId":2079148,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

1 vote

#15.11 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:58 PM EDT

{"commentId":2079186,"authorDomain":"leogodin"}

John,
I certainly think you ought to be able to discuss your opinion on the vine. I hate it when authors delete comments they disagree with (I don't think this is being done here). However, before people will take your comments seriously you need to build up some credibility. When someone appears to have joined the vine just to comment on one story it raises suspicions. By all means, get involved but know that it takes a while to build credibility.

{"commentId":2079186,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"leogodin"}

2 votes

#15.12 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 1:06 PM EDT

{"commentId":2079290,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

I agree with you leogodin. After all, if I know the name of the commenter and their past opinions, I'm more likely to read and agree. Someone who is new doesn't have the benefit of networking and an archive of comments.

However, I do think it's something else entirely to write-off a comment or question the author simply because they're a new user or you disagree with their comments. Would you join a community where your first comments were ignored, written off, or worse?

I does take a while to build credibility, but you should start off at zero, not in the negative.

^{This is not to say that a) there are no sockpuppets, b) #20 is right, or c) people won't post one comment, be an @!$%#, and leave, never to return. Just making a point. And I know Sandy's had a pretty major problem with these sorts of people in the past.}

{"commentId":2079290,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

1 vote

#15.13 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 1:31 PM EDT

{"commentId":2079361,"authorDomain":"leogodin"}

John,
One thing you have to consider is that in this particular instance there have been an unusually high number of people who have exactly one comment and it is about Sandy. Because of that, we are more sensitive. If you joined to comment about her, it will take more than usual to get credibility.

{"commentId":2079361,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"leogodin"}

1 vote

#15.14 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 1:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":2079474,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

leogodin,

Thank you for your thoughtful comments here and on the interview that Scott Butki did with me.

I just want you to know that certain comments on ""Jesters" To Testify about Illegal Drugs, Child Prostitution?" became so personal that I contacted our moderator. She intervened because I had let her know that these guys had created Newsvine accounts for the sole purpose of harassing me with comments that were personal and offensive, including some that were nothing but hate speech.

They got so ridiculous that one of these guys accused me of creating other Newsvine accounts to praise myself, which, as you know, is an impossibility.

I discussed this in "An Interview With Newsvine Journalist Sandy Frost About Her Writings About the Shriners And Them Coming Here To Criticize Her," which is here.

I have written here for over two years and after I began reporting on the Royal Order of Jesters and their links to prostitution, the personal and unsubstantiated accusations of inaccuracy now include this so called "attorney" who thinks he can come here and threaten me as he represents his clients.

This is the same attorney who tried to get one of my articles censored offline and from his comments, it looks like he might be representing those Jesters called as witnesses as he appears to be defending them.

I decided to ignore "Kenneth Chaiken" and his comments before he gets into any more trouble. I have referred this to our moderator as "Kenneth Chaiken" has taken legal action against me, my work, Newsvine.com and MSNBC by referring to us in a Motion for the court to remove depositions and exhibits as well as write to MSNBC to have one of my articles censored offline.

Just a FYI.

Thanks again,

Sandy

{"commentId":2079474,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

1 vote

#15.15 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 2:09 PM EDT

{"commentId":2080241,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

I understand and sympathize with your position, Sandy. I enjoy your writing and your investigative journalism and I wish you all the best.

{"commentId":2080241,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

2 votes

#15.16 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 4:42 PM EDT

{"commentId":2080634,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Thank you, John.
This investigation is quite detailed and has so much background that it's rather difficult to see the big picture from just one article.
But if one can go through what has been presented and see the big picture, then one might ask if these activities might be prosecuted under the RICO statutes?
We'll see if the feds can connect the dots from the FBI Buffalo Jesters' prostitution case to those who went on this fishing trip and allegedly engaged in minor prostitution.
I am working on one story that might or might not be published, but if it does get published, the Feds might have a good case.
Thanks so much and I am sorry I got snappy with you but I deal with this stuff day in and day out and it just twinks me off, though I try not to show it.
Thanks again,
Sandy
P.S. For those who don't know you, here's a link to your interesting site. And I like your bio that says:

Outstandingly good-looking and violently intelligent. My only real problem in life is wading through the mobs of women (and let's be honest with ourselves for a second here: men, too) screaming my name and coquettishly trying to get me to take them home with me. It's a rough life.

My husband calls me dangerously cute but I'd never print that. Uh, wait a minute. I think I just did... :.>

Thanks again,

Sandy

{"commentId":2080634,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

2 votes

#15.17 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 6:02 PM EDT

{"commentId":2080779,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

Thanks Sandy! My bio is a reminder to never get so caught up in myself that I become boring.

{"commentId":2080779,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

2 votes

#15.18 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 6:32 PM EDT

{"commentId":2002811,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

thanks for the clarification

It caught my eye that he seemed to be defending the practice of going to another country to have sex with underage women.

{"commentId":2002811,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

1 vote

#16 - Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:35 AM EDT

{"commentId":2078924,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

I think that he is the attorney, the same guy below, and failed to get the desired reaction as an anonymous poster so he decided to use his real name.
Sandy

{"commentId":2078924,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

1 vote

#16.1 - Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:12 PM EDT

{"commentId":2064663,"authorDomain":"kchaiken"}

Kenneth Chaiken

I am the attorney for Wet-A-Line Tours and its owners in the lawsuit you refer to. There are many irresponsible and inaccurate so-called facts reported in your stories. Most importantly, not a single "Jester" has testified in the Miami federal court proceeding, and none are likely to do so. Amazon Tours, Inc. and its owner Philip Marsteller have fabricated a story about their giving testimony solely to get "journalists" like you to assit them in trying to ruin business of a competitor, which has been their mission for the better part of the last 8 years. Marsteller and Amazon have sued my clients twice, unsuccessfully, already and is well known litigant against competitors, customers and former employees alike. In addition, you should take real care to question the so called affidavits you have chosen to publish as fact, of alleged girls in Brazil. Their authenticity is extremely questionable, which may explain why their names are not revealed in the affidavits or in our litigation proceeding. They also are factually inaccurate because what they allege, date and time-wise, and for other reasons, are factual impossibilities. You have an axe to grind with this Jester group and I say grind away, but you should be very careful about what you report and publish about my clients, in connection with your quest to grind that axe, because what you report is viciously inaccurate.

{"commentId":2064663,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"kchaiken"}

2 votes

#17 - Fri Jun 27, 2008 10:20 AM EDT

{"commentId":2071235,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

http://sandyfrost.newsvine.com/_news/2008/03/06/1347611-jesters-to-testify-about-illegal-drugs-child-prostitution

You know, Ken, you seem kind of new at this comment stuff.

Let me help you out here.

If what I have reported on, the court documents available to the public through the federal court record system, PACER, are "viciously inaccurate," shouldn't you have filed a protest with the courts?

Oh, my bad.

I guess you filed a motion where you, on behalf of the Plaintiffs, requested that the court strike from the Court's file and record Defendants' Pretrial Witness list and attached exhibits, and the depositions of the Garcia Da Silva brothers.

In it, you stated that:

"Various internet 'news' sites discuss the untruthful allegations contained in the witness list, focusing on the fact that the Plaintiffs' customers are expected to testify in this case, the occurrence of the nonexistent, illegal activity Defendants claim the Plaintiffs are involved in…In particular and by way of example, we have learned that on March 6, 2008, Sandy Frost, an alleged 'investigative journalist' for newsvine.com, authored a story entitled "'Jesters' to Testify About Illegal Drugs, Prostitution?"

Now, Ken, why didn't you give the Judge the correct title of the article?

You left out the word "child" before "prostitution."

The correct headline reads:

"'Jesters' To Testify about Illegal Drugs, Child Prostitution?"

If you're going to cite my work, cite it right.

Then, you wrote:

"[See, http://sandyfrost.newsvine.com/_news/2008/03/06/1347611-jesters-to-testify-about -llegal-drugs-child-prostitution]"

Now, Ken, why didn't you give the Judge the correct URL? He'll never be able to find it from the one you provided.

The correct one would be:

Now, Ken, in footnote 4, you wrote that:

"The owner of the website which contains the Frost report is pleased to proclaim that even if untrue, the report will not be removed, and that the owner is prepared to test its belief that federal law protects it against claims by the Plaintiffs. Copies of letters exchanged between counsel for Plaintiffs and that party can be presented to the court, at its request."

Now, Ken, why didn't you tell the Judge that you wrote to MSNBC?

According to this motion, you wrote to MSNBC to try and have the article "'Jesters' to Testify about Illegal Drugs, Child Prostitution?" censored offline?

Since you have included me, my work, Newsvine.com and MSNBC in your legal "ax grinding," I am going to refer this matter to our moderator.

You can discuss with her what you may and may not do here, including representing and lobbying on behalf of your client, which is a commercial activity.

This is not the place to try your case.

Apparently, this motion has yet to be acted upon by the Judge, so isn't this a case of premature allegation?

And, Ken, I'd be more concerned about your own inaccuracies, lest someone mistake them as less than complete and/or misleading?

Until I hear otherwise, and for your own protection, I am going to administratively "ignore" your account and, thereby, any future comments.

Thank you,

Sandy

{"commentId":2071235,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

3 votes

#18 - Sat Jun 28, 2008 2:59 AM EDT

{"commentId":2422277,"authorDomain":"jonas-415859"}

jonas-415859

I find it interesting that many of the people who protest against obvious exploitation of teenage girls in third world countries are the exact same people who actively encourage such behavior of teenage girls in America as a healthy part of their sexual development. A minor cannot consent to being raped (statutory rape), but this doesn't seem to matter to the feminists who talk about sexual 'rights' of pre-pubescent girls, as long as it happens in America.

The supposed advocates of protecting third world villagers have nothing but contempt for people who warn against the sexualization of American teenage girls. Planned Parenthood readily and eagerly provides birth control and even abortions to under aged girls all over the US, calling it "reproductive rights" instead of exploitation. I guess either brown people in villages are too stupid to make choices, or white kids in suburban America aren't being promiscuous enough. Which is it?

{"commentId":2422277,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"jonas-415859"}

2 votes

#19 - Mon Aug 11, 2008 9:38 AM EDT

{"commentId":2424169,"authorDomain":"leogodin"}

Great Points. You should write an article about this.

{"commentId":2424169,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"leogodin"}

#19.1 - Mon Aug 11, 2008 1:07 PM EDT

{"commentId":2471780,"authorDomain":"hillbillyofnc"}

bill-423568

DON'T forget the Catholic Priest and their little boys. also our congress men and senators and their pages. and the convents to house the whores for the priest. Get-Um-All. also the American sailors that cull nothing. this i know about i was a sailor.

{"commentId":2471780,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"hillbillyofnc"}

#20 - Sat Aug 16, 2008 7:47 AM EDT

{"commentId":2605899,"authorDomain":"camiliagregoiria"}

Camilia

IF YOU WANT TO EXPOSE THE TRUTH... JUST ATTACH ALL THE "PACER" DOCUMENTS FOR US TO READ & STOP RE-WRITING THE DOCUMENTS AS "STORIES" IT SOUNDS RIDICULOUS!

"imagine that you are a poor 13 year old Brazilian girl living with your poor family on your poor people's land; the Indigenous Area AKA your reservation. A North American illegally enters the Indigenous Area, asking for your help on his tourist fishing boat, namely sweeping, laundry and cooking. You agree because your family needs the money. Your mother and step-father are scared because they have heard the stories about what has happened to "the others." Against all hope, they wave and watch as you and nine other girls go off with this American stranger."

{"commentId":2605899,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"camiliagregoiria"}

1 vote

#21 - Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:06 AM EDT

{"commentId":3708333,"authorDomain":"kiminda"}

Nilnews Kiminda

Americanos: pedofilia com índias no Brasil

A justiça federal da Flórida analisa denúncia contra um grupo de americanos de uma entidade maçônica do Texas, por prostituição, pedofilia e tráfico de drogas no Brasil, através da agência local Wet-A-line Tours.

A jornalista americana Sandy Frost mostra em seu blog o processo, que envolve pescarias na Amazônia com meninas de 13, 14 anos em Autazes (AM), entre elas, indiazinhas. As menores testemunharam contra os americanos, assim como guias da região e policiais federais. Há oito anos o grupo pesca na Amazônia.

A denúncia teria partido de uma agência rival, que os acusados processam. Um ex-juiz do Supremo americano está envolvido. Segundo a acusação, há fitas e fotos de sexo nos barcos com as meninas brasileiras, que foram ouvidas pela Polícia Federal. As garotas, muito pobres, eram recrutadas para “serviços gerais” e recebiam cerca de R$20 por noite. Uma delas teria engravidado.

{"commentId":3708333,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"kiminda"}

#22 - Sun Oct 26, 2008 7:51 PM EDT

{"commentId":4667367,"authorDomain":"Rich2121"}

Rich2121

I read your article. You repeated the same story given by five girls. They mentioned that Richard comes back every season for years and does the same thing over and over. This was reported to authorities. Now I don't know much about tribes in Brazil, but after the first year or second year light bulbs should have gone off. So in my opinion, this must have been accepted in that society.Everyone knew about it including the parents.

Another thing struck me. The Jesters were never implicated in this scenario but you are suggesting they are. in your article your wrote "Let me repeat that. There is no direct link between these girls and the Jesters, however two Brazilian fishing tour guides testified in their depositions in the same case that they saw “Masons” having sex with teen prostitutes." How did these sea captains know that two Mason's were having sex with child prostitutes. Did they tell the crew before they had sex, we are Masons? That does not make sense.

"Additionally, all the girls testified that they were recruited every year by the same man, an American named “Richard,” during the same time of year that he took the Jesters on their fishing trips to Brazil." I did not read your previous article, but assuming from your writting style Richard was never caught or properly identified because you never listed the evil American's actual name. So you got hearsay testimony from anonymous Masons. That sounds credible.

"Creative liberties were taken to tell this story through the eyes of the girls." What does this mean? So you added your own umph to it. So what you write is actually fiction. You write the accounts of the victims creatively in your way but don't mention any names or attempt to get a one on one with a victim. How do you do your research on the internet.

The boat captains see the young girls having sex with adults and they don't do anything, but now everyone is coming forward. They should locked as well for allowing it to happen on their boat.

Listen, I am in no way defending these animals who take advantage and demean and violate these young girls and boys. Those who commit those crimes should locked and put away forever. I am not saying that Jesters were involved or not in any of this behavior. I did not investigate this case, you did. You wrote articles based on other articles. My criticism is with you Sandy Frost. Your writing seems baseless. It seems personal. In your comments you make numerous snide remarks about Shriners , Jesters and Masons as if the alleged criminals who happen to belong to these organizations commit these crimes do so because they were part of it. I am a Mason. I was a husband, father, professional and a Man before I became one. It is not a gang nor is it the mafia. I am not going to be forced or peer pressured to commit crimes I know will get me a ticket prison. If Freemasons were really that powerful do you think that you or others would survive exposing them. Do you think that all the degrees of Masonry would be on the internet. C'mon Sandy!

Basically if you want to break the scoop and write about corruption, that is cool. Making up or taking as fact, these fake emails from so called Mason whistle blowers who remain nameless and want to expose to the world the wrong doing of Jesters and Shrinners of the entire U.S. is just bad journalism and a whole lot of @!$%# stirring. Anyone can write that. Girl#1,#2,#3..., Thats just silly.

{"commentId":4667367,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"Rich2121"}

#23 - Mon Jan 5, 2009 6:24 AM EST

{"commentId":4683226,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Rich2121,

Thank you for your comments. I see that you are new to Newsvine and may have created an account strictly to leave comments on my articles. Make sure that you, as a Newsviner, read our code of honor, embrace the concept of this hybrid system of news delivery and accept the fact that you are reading a new type of journalism.

I am very passionate about what I do. And yes, I have attitude. It's in my writing and in my comments and I make no apologies for it.

I am very biased against corruption. And when it comes to covering human trafficking and alleged child sex tourism, I hold nothing back.

Since you are so concerned about how journalists report their stories, make sure you write to the guy who wrote "N.Y. official convicted in prostitution case." All he did is report on an article written by Dan Herbeck of the Buffalo News about Micheal Stebick's sentencing. "N.Y. official convicted in prostitution case" here http://www.dailyindependent.com/local/local_story_004201532.html

Reporter Kenneth Hart wrote:

"Stebick pleaded guilty in August to charges stemming from a federal investigation into allegations of human trafficking by a nationwide men’s organization known as the Royal Order of Jesters, The Buffalo (N.Y.) News reported."

No matter how it's written, this is an important article because it indicates that there is a reporter in Ashland, Kentucky who may be able to provide news coverage once the FBI's investigation of the Jesters hits the local U.S. Attorney's "To Do" list.

Let me suggest that you read the girl's depositions and write your own story to show me how it should be done?

While you're at it, read the testimony of the fishing tour guides and write a story about that. Do you know why they came forward?

I didn't think so.

Thanks again for your comments and keep coming back.

Sandy

{"commentId":4683226,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

2 votes

#23.1 - Tue Jan 6, 2009 10:52 AM EST

{"commentId":4683801,"authorDomain":"basseq"}

Sandy,

I enjoy your articles and find them well-written and informative. I think you're doing good work in this new era of journalism.

However:

I am very passionate about what I do. And yes, I have attitude. It's in my writing and in my comments and I make no apologies for it.

I would argue that even in this new world, journalists need to remain objective. Just be aware that sometimes attitude can undermine your point, and when your points are as good as they are, I hate to see them compromised by simple passion. This is a general thought, not a statement on this particular discussion.

Just something to be aware of.

Respectfully,

{"commentId":4683801,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"basseq"}

3 votes

#23.2 - Tue Jan 6, 2009 11:31 AM EST

{"commentId":6068588,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Here is a list of my findings so you can judge my objectivity for yourself.

And if you read my bio, my bias is against corruption and those who abuse their positions of public trust for private gain.

I find it hard to remain objective about those "pillars of the community" who hide behind burned and crippled children and the nonprofit system to participate in sex slavery, human trafficking and, allegedly, child sex tourism.

Thanks for your comments,

Sandy

{"commentId":6068588,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

#23.3 - Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:06 PM EDT

{"commentId":4850055,"authorDomain":"palyne"}

PJ Gaenir

I would just like to note that I left a comment on another article and newsvine appeared to FORCE me to "create an account".

I keep seeing references here to "created an account just to leave a comment!" as if this is some kind of deviously underhanded motivation. Go figure.

I posted a simple comment like you'd do on any blog on the internet, and newsvine made me confirm it by email and gave me a screen that seemed by its phrasing and presentation to require I 'create an account' merely to post that minor comment. Since I was already there and had gone through that much trouble already (somewhat more than a comment is worth IMO) I went ahead with the account.

My point here is that this "account creation" from someone who leaves a first comment seems like the locals are treating it like some kind of crime, when in fact it appears required.

If the idea is that nobody who is not an existing longer-term member of newsvine should be allowed to comment, then maybe the comment option -- and the public display of these pages -- should be reconsidered.

{"commentId":4850055,"threadId":"276496","contentId":"1532569","authorDomain":"palyne"}

1 vote

#24 - Fri Jan 16, 2009 5:59 PM EST

{"commentId":4862277,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Sandy FrostDeleted

{"commentId":4861923,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Sandy FrostDeleted

{"commentId":4862062,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Sandy FrostDeleted

{"commentId":4866465,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}