Hi everyone,
I have been lurking through this case, and first I want to say that I am very happy to see how respectful the vast majority of you are of both the rules and the victims, even when you suspect something might be off. It is a very refreshing thing to see.
There is one thing specifically I want to comment on. I do happen to be employed in the private sector in a field related to safety and security, and I am concerned that there is some overarching belief among many of you that ST victims are always young. Granted, the average ST victim is younger than 18 (some estimates say the average age is 14 for female victims), but that does not mean that there is not a very substantial number of older adults trapped in the sex trafficking world. Many of them are people who have struggled with live-long issues (such as substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness) but there are those that are forced into such situations purely as a short-term solution to a market demand. It is rare, but not so rare that you cannot find, in ANY city in America, middle aged women being trafficked online and on the street. Please also remember that the same techniques that work for younger children and younger, moldable adults (such as peer groomers) don't work as well with older adults who have some life experience. Lastly, don't ever underestimate how easily some criminal organizations can change their techniques. It is entirely possible that some success may be found by targeting lower class but established persons purely because of the willingness for the public to believe that they are voluntarily missing rather than abducted.
If you doubt me, spend a little time on the "hookup" sections of many classified sites. Tell me whether you can determine whether the 30-40 year old women there are willing participants or something less. I can promise you that the majority are not happy to be selling themselves on "Frontpaper" or "JimsScroll".
Next, I have seen some posts referencing how she was treated and "released", as opposed to left or refused treatment. Released means that she was determined to be no longer under the care of the hospital. She could have said "no more", or they could have determined that she was fit to be released. You would get the same answer from the hospital, as the situation surrounding her release would be HIPAA-protected (loosely).
Third, branding could mean a tattoo marking, but is often an actual burn (or series of burns) that form a symbol, acronym, or message. It is very popular to brand (burn) in organized crime organizations (and unfortunately, even college greek organizations now). It is also a common way to humiliate a crime victim or a foe.
Again, thank you for being civil as this family has suffered a tremendous ordeal. I happen to be from the area so I have more than just a professional interest. This one hits close to home.
Mods: If we aren't allowed to claim experience without verification, please message me and I can provide.