OKC's Own JohnTV

State employee arrested twice for prostitution crimes; Last night for prostituting a minor

2008-03-06T12:35:00.000-06:00

3/6/08 (Updated 3/12/08) -- OKC, OK - A woman identified as a state of Oklahoma employee has been arrested twice in the last three weeks for prostitution related crimes - including child prostitution.

According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, Caryn Janelle Mitchell, 28, (see photo left) was arrested February 19 on a complaint of aiding prostitution.

Reportedly, an undercover police officer contacted an escort service and requested an escort to be sent to the Value Place Inn on the North I-44 Service Rd.

The escort, identified as a Tykisha A. J., 29, was driven to the hotel by Mitchell.

Tykisha was arrested on a complaint of offering to engage in prostitution after she reportedly "agreed to provide specific sexual contact in exchange for $300."

Mitchell was arrested on a complaint of aiding prostitution.

According to the Oklahoma County Jail, Mitchell was rearrested last night and booked into the Oklahoma County jail on a complaint of transporting a minor to engage in an act of prostitution.

Mitchell has been released on a $2,500 bond.

Mitchell listed her employer as the State of Oklahoma Disability Determination Unit. An internet search shows the DDU is a division of Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).

Additionally, JohnTV.com has been doing some public records digging and found the following;

Records show a "Caryn Mitchell" is seeking a divorce with minor children from a Tirus Mitchell.
Records show "Caryn Mitchell" sought (but did not show up for) a VPO hearing regarding Tirus.
A records search of "Tirus Mitchell" shows a conviction for possession/distibution of video discs with obscene content [DOC record].
Further record searches show that a man using the alias "Tirus Mitchell" and listing the same home address as Caryn listed in her arrest last night has been convicted of murder and sexual abuse of a child [DOC record]. The address in common is 520 Wisconsin in Oklahoma City.
It appears Mitchell's charges have been filed under a "misc." case number.

Video Vigilante featured in LA Times

2008-03-04T12:34:00.000-06:00

3/4/08 -- Oklahoma's own Video Vigilante was featured on last Saturday's front page of the LA Times.

You can read the article here.

Escort and 'John' arrested for prostitution; Did police go too far?

2008-02-27T22:40:00.002-06:00

2/27/08 -- OKC, OK - Police burst in on a man and woman engaged in sex inside a hotel room, both are arrested for prostitution, the man with multiple drug complaints, but did police trash civil rights to get an arrest?

According to the official police report, two police officers were at the Value Place Inn on the I-44 service road, "investigating a separate incident."

Bobby Charles McGinnis, 32, was observed by police to enter the lobby with a woman. McGinnis asked the front desk clerk for a replacement key to his room and he and the woman made their way to the elevators.

Allegedly, an employee of the inn overheard the woman say to McGinnis, "How many students are staying at the hotel? ... I have several girlfriends that could come over and entertain them if you want. ... Let your friends know about my friends."

McGinnis reportedly works for the Oklahoma College of Construction. He and several students were assumedly staying at the inn.

The employee that had overheard McGinnis and the woman's conversation returned to the lobby and told the two police officers she believed the two were engaged in prostitution and that she wanted them off the property.

The officers and a hotel employee went to McGinnis' room to "investigate the incident."

Reportedly, after standing outside the hotel room and hearing "noises of a sexual nature" the officers used a hotel master key and opened the room door unannounced. Police "observed a male and female engaging in sexual intercourse. Both subjects were placed under arrest."

What was said by McGinnis and the woman to the arresting officers has been redacted by police headquarters.

At some point police found marijuana, methamphetamine, a brass smoking pipe and rolling papers - all allegedly belonging to McGinnis.

The woman was found to have several escort service business cards on her.

McGinnis and the woman were booked into the Oklahoma County jail on a prostitution complaint. McGinnis also faces multiple drug charges.

EDITORIAL NOTE: If the police report is complete and accurate, JohnTV.com has to question the probable cause used to open McGinnis' hotel room and subsequently arrest the occupants, charge them with prostitution and search the room.

How is it that a 3rd party overhearing a conversation (one that did not mention payment or sex) can result in police breaching a person's reasonable expectation of privacy and conducting a warrantless no-knock search? JohnTV.com understands the property belonged to the hotel, but JohnTV.com imagines any criminal defense or civil rights attorney is going to have a hayday with this case.

On another side note, the woman in this story is not unknown to JohnTV.com. She drives a white luxury car, registered in her name, and has been videotaped numerous times in the company of several other prostitutes soliciting on South Robinson Ave. in South Oklahoma City - this, even though she is currently forbidden to be on South Robinson as part of her previous deferred sentence for a prostitution conviction.

At this time, neither she nor McGinnis has been officially charged with a crime in relation to this arrest.

LESSON LEARNED: Do not take the wife to Value Place Hotel and do any prostitution role playing to spark up the marriage! Also, this may be why hotel room doors have deadbolt locks or at least those chain locks.

Two out-of-towners nabbed in Vice sting; One a former city council candidate from Arkansas

2008-02-27T21:32:00.003-06:00

2/27/08 -- OKC, OK - Last week two men visiting Oklahoma City from outside the state were arrested for soliciting prostitution.

According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter one man was from Utah and the other from Arkansas.

Last Thursday Mark Skinner Durtschi, 43 (see photo left), of Syracuse, Utah reportedly made contact with a female undercover police officer posing as an escort.

According to the official police report, the undercover officer showed up at Durtschi's hotel room on South Meridian Ave. There, Durtschi allegedly asked for "specific sexual contact in exchange for $160.00."

Durtschi was placed under arrest and booked into the Oklahoma County Jail on a complaint of offering to engage in an act of prostitution. Durtschi was released on a $500 bond.

There was no indication as to why Durtschi was in town. He listed himself as "self employed."

Last Wednesday Robert Russell Prochazka, 47 (see photo right), of Russellville, Arkansas reportedly contacted another female undercover police officer posing as an escort.

Reportedly, when the female officer arrived at his hotel on South Meridian, Prochazka "asked for specific sexual contact in exchange for $100.00."

Prochazka was placed under arrest and booked into the Oklahoma County Jail on a complaint of offering to engage in an act of prostitution. He was released on a $500 bond.

A search of news articles in the Russellville area indicate Prochazka is no stranger to residents there.

In 2002, the Russellville Courier reported that Prochazka ran for Ward 1, Position 1, in the city council. He was defeated by the incumbent.

Also in 2002, Prochazka was reportedly arrested after North Little Rock authorities issued a warrant, indicating that he allegedly assaulted a Morrilton woman, Christie Scroggin, during a concert at Alltel Arena. Prochazka was later found 'not guilty.' In response, Prochazka filed a lawsuit against his accuser.

In 2003, another article reported that Prochazka filed a formal complaint against the police chief of Russellville after he said he was illegally stopped at the chief's direction after speaking publicly at a City Council meeting. A later article indicated the police chief had not violated the law.

Prochazka is listed as the owner of Promotor Sports, Inc. out of Russellville. When JohnTV.com originally published Prochazka's arrest, we linked to a photo of him on his company's website. Within 24-hours the photo was removed from his website. [see the link before - and see the link after]

According to police reports, audio recordings of the alleged crimes by both men have been booked into evidence.

At the time of this story, neither man has been officially charged with any crime related to the alleged solicitation of prostitution.

JohnTV will be following these arrests and will update you on any changes.

Police arrest 10 overnight in prostitution sting

2008-02-19T12:24:00.000-06:00

2/19/08 -- OKC, OK - 10 individuals were arrested last night in the metro on prostitution related complaints.

According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, four men and six women were arrested overnight and booked into the Oklahoma County jail for 'offering to engage in an act of lewdness/prostitution.'

The men arrested included;

Walter Stephen Shields White male DOB: 3/30/72 (35) Resides: 3000 block of NW 24th, OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
Edgar Mandez Hispanic male DOB: 6/23/84 (23) Resides: 2600 block of SW 63rd Pl, OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
Richard Lewis Mackey White male DOB: 4/15/70 (37) Resides: 3500 block of N. Shannon Ave., Bethany, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
Lucio Munoz Gutierrez Hispanic Male DOB: 12/13/83 (24) Resides: 3400 block of SW 22nd, OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

No other information about the arrests or where they took place had been released when this story was published. However, JohnTV.com was on South Robinson Ave. yesterday afternoon and witnessed several signs of Oklahoma City vice's presence in the area.

More information to be released as it becomes available.

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST! Edmond deacon blind pleas to child porn charges; Records show previous sex crimes

2008-02-11T12:55:00.002-06:00

2/11/08 (updated 2/22/08) -- OKC, OK - UPDATE: This past Monday, (2/20/08) Fly was sentenced to 6-years in prison, followed by 20-years of probation as a sex offender. Fly will have to serve at least 5-years before being elligible for early release.

A former Edmond Church of Christ deacon enters a 'blind plea of guilty' to charges he covertly taped his teen daughter's friends nude in his home. Court records show the defendant had a prior conviction.

As previously reported on JohnTV.com, Jason Adam Fly, 46, was arrested and charged with 7 felony counts after police met with the parents of several teenage girls that had stayed overnight at the Fly home.

The girls were friends of Fly's teen daughter - the youngest just 13-years old.

During the investigation it was learned that Fly had placed a hidden camera in his daughter's bedroom and bathroom.

The cameras were discovered in December of 2005 when one of the victims saw images of another semi-nude teen on Fly's computer in his bedroom.

According to court records, Fly's daughter confronted Fly and demanded to know why her bedroom and bathroom were being videotaped. Fly reportedly tried to cover up the computer screen and replied the cameras were because his teenage son has a habit of sneaking out of the house (no cameras or video images were ever found in the son's room).

When police searched Fly's home they reportedly found over 400 images of "females in different stages of undress. All of the females appear[ed] to be under 18." At least 24 of those images were of a nude 13-year old friend of Fly's daughter.

Fly was charged with 7 felonies in August of 2006. Those charges included; Using electronic equipment in a clandestine manner, possession of child pornography, procuring a minor to be used in images depicting sexual activity, and manufacturing child pornography.

During the preliminary hearing, Fly's attorney tried to argue that the nude images of the teenage girls were not pornography because they were not sexual in nature and that Fly had a right to use covert video equipment to spy on his own children in his own house.

Fly was bound over for trial. That trial was to begin January 28.

In December, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater's office filed a motion of "intent to offer evidence of other crimes, wrongs or acts of sexual misconduct."

Specifically, the fact that Fly had been convicted in 1994 in Taylor County, TX for indecent exposure.

Facing an insurmountable amount of evidence against him, Fly reached an agreement with prosecutors. While the details of the agreement have yet to be made public, it appears the state will ask the judge to sentence Fly to 10-years in prison, followed by 10-years probation, in exchange for a blind plea of guilty. JohnTV.com surmises this was done to protect the young victims from having to testify in open court.

Fly will be sentenced February 20, 2008.

6 Men and 1 Woman Arrested Overnight for Prostitution

2008-01-24T12:14:00.000-06:00

1/24/08 -- OKC, OK - According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, 6 men and one woman were arrested overnight on prostitution related charges.

Booked into the Oklahoma County jail were;

Jeremiah D. Jones White male DOB: 1/3/78 (30) Resides in the 4600 block of SE 23rd, OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

Todd Allen Coker White male DOB: 10/25/82 (25) Resides in the 500 block of SW 93rd., OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

Ronald Paul Fish White male DOB: 1/8/43 (65) Resides in the 6400 block of SE 57th, OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

Selvin Omar Perez-Gonzales Mexican male DOB: 2/24/78 (29) Resides in the 1900 block of NW 14th, OKC, OK Charge: offering to engage.

Lucio Sanchez Gutierrez Mexican male DOB: 12/13/83 (24) No home address given Charge: Offering to engage.

Armando Morales Herrera (Olivas) Mexican male DOB: 4/1/79 (28) Resides in Waukomis, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

Kesa Leann H. Mexican female DOB: 6/27/79 (28) Resides in OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

No additional information was available at the time of this report. However, JohnTV.com was out and about on the night of the arrests (Wednesday) when we noticed an obvious vice sting and take down area on South Robinson Ave. after 8pm.

Check back with JohnTV.com for the official police reports and court action.

6 Men and 1 Woman Arrested Overnight for Prostitution

2008-01-24T12:12:00.000-06:00

1/24/08 -- OKC, OK - According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, 6 men and one woman were arrested overnight on prostitution related charges.

Booked into the Oklahoma County jail were;

Jeremiah D. Jones White male DOB: 1/3/78 (30) Resides in the 4600 block of SE 23rd, OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

Todd Allen Coker White male DOB: 10/25/82 (25) Resides in the 500 block of SW 93rd., OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

Ronald Paul Fish White male DOB: 1/8/43 (65) Resides in the 6400 block of SE 57th, OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

Selvin Omar Perez-Gonzales Mexican male DOB: 2/24/78 (29) Resides in the 1900 block of NW 14th, OKC, OK Charge: offering to engage.

Lucio Sanchez Gutierrez Mexican male DOB: 12/13/83 (24) No home address given Charge: Offering to engage.

Armando Morales Herrera (Olivas) Mexican male DOB: 4/1/79 (28) Resides in Waukomis, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

Kesa Leann H. Mexican female DOB: 6/27/79 (28) Resides in OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

Check back with JohnTV.com for the official police reports and court action.

2008 arrests now published on JohnTV.com

2008-01-22T12:03:00.000-06:00

1/22/08 -- Starting today, you can now track each and every prostitution related arrest in Oklahoma County on JohnTV.com (see left navigational menu under 'arrests').

In years past, a popular feature on JohnTV.com was an arrest section that detailed each and every person booked into the Oklahoma County jail for alleged acts of pandering, pimping, human trafficking, prostitution, public lewdness and indecency.

After receiving dozens of requests to continue the arrest section, we have now re-launched it with a couple of revisions.

The 2008 arrests section will continue to include the names and (when available) the mug shots of all men arrested.

However, JohnTV.com is removing the last name and mug shot link to females arrested.

JohnTV.com is also adding the home address of the arrested males and a link to the criminal trial.

JohnTV.com will also be adding information on what type of activity led to the individual's arrest (street, escort, massage parlor prostitution, etc.).

Finally, JohnTV.com is also keeping a running calculation of arrest statistics.

Video Vigilante aids in arrest of wanted felon after taping armed robbery

2008-01-09T11:59:00.000-06:00

1/9/08 -- OKC, OK - A wanted felon is arrested for armed robbery and outstanding warrants after being videotaped by Oklahoma City's own Video Vigilante.

Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante and founder of JohnTV.com, was near SW 33rd and South Robinson Ave. Monday afternoon when he witnessed a known drug dealer becoming aggressive with a known street prostitute.

The drug dealer and convicted felon, David DuJuan Robinson, 31, backed the female victim, 40, into an alley and allegedly robbed her.

"Initially I thought I might be witnessing a drug deal or lewd act", said Bates. "But then it became obvious the woman was in distress and the man was searching her possessions and taking things," said Bates.

Bates then called 911 to report the suspicious activity.

"I wasn't exactly sure what was going on, but I knew the black male was not her pimp," said Bates.

Bates tells JohnTV.com that the woman, who has multiple street prostitution arrests and convictions, is pimped by convicted murderer, Thomas S. Wornick, 41.

According to the victim, Robinson threatened to stab her if she did not hand over her belongings.

The victim complied and Robinson returned to a Lincoln Towncar parked nearby.

Bates says a motorcycle officer arrived on scene very quickly and held the suspect at gun point while waiting for backup.

Bates left to find the victim and urged her to return to the scene to ensure the robber was arrested.

Robinson was found to have a knife and the victim's possessions on him when searched by police.

Robinson was also wanted for violation of a suspended sentence related to a drug conviction.

Robinson was transported to the Oklahoma County Jail, where he was booked in for armed robbery and violating his suspended sentence.

Robinson's Department of Corrections criminal resume includes convictions for armed robbery, drug possession and distribution.

Robinson has 11 interactions listed in Oklahoma County Court Clerk records.

Local News: Police report released in Deputy Dean arrest

2008-01-01T11:53:00.000-06:00

1/1/08 -- OKC, OK - Oklahoma City police release the December 14 prostitution arrest report of Pottawatomie County Sheriff's deputy James R. Dean.

JohnTV.com broke the news of Deans arrest for engaging in an act of public sex with a known, and mentally handicapped, street prostitute to local media outlets two weeks ago after being tipped off by a JohnTV.com fan.

You can read the original article from JohnTV.com by clicking here.

According to the police report, Dean was arrested around noon after stopping for a known street prostitute that was observed "wav[ing] at several vehicles..."

Undercover officers then followed Dean and the prostitute. Dean reportedly parked on a dead end street, at a public park, at SE 39th and South Broadway.

When officers approached Dean's truck they reportedly witnessed the prostitute performing oral sex on Dean.

Further investigation led officers to believe Dean had agreed to pay the prostitute $20 in exchange for the sex act.

Dean and the prostitute were arrested and Dean's '96 Ford F250 was impounded.

Upon Dean's arrest, it was discovered he had in his possession .45 and .38 caliber handguns, ammunition and a tazer.

Dean was released from the Oklahoma County jail in record time after posting bond. The mentally handicapped prostitute, Leola S., remains in custody (now 19 days after being arrested).

According to the official police report, Dean was observed and arrested by members of the Oklahoma City Nuisance Abatement Unit (NAU).

Nuisance Abatement is a unit most Oklahoman's have probably never heard of, but their efforts, ability and willingness to positively impact our communities is immense.

The NAU investigates all nuisance crimes in the city, including but not limited to; street prostitution and properties being utilized to harbor and/or further individuals and/or groups involved in prostitution, gangs and drugs.

Most recently the NAU has been focusing their attention on South Robinson Ave. and the areas near SE 44th and Byers.

Unlike Oklahoma City Vice, it seems members of the NAU have gone out of their way to introduce themselves and solicit information and/or concerns from business owners and other community members in the neighborhoods they are working.

Nat'l News: JohnTV.com and Video Vigilante featured in Wired magazine

2008-01-01T11:39:00.001-06:00

1/1/08 -- The December 20, 2007 edition of Wired magazine (issue 16.01) hightlights the anti-prostitution efforts of Oklahoma's own Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante and founder of JohnTV.com.

You can read the article, entitled, "Look Out, Baddies, YouTube Neighborhood Watch Has Its Eye on You" by clicking here.

The images at the top of the article are from the now very infamous video shot by Bates of a Lowe's delivery driver caught with a known street prostitute. (YouTube Links: video - newscast - all videos)

'Criminals Gone Wild' producer underfire and under investigation over 'reality' DVD

2007-12-18T10:29:00.000-06:00

12/18/07 -- Brooklyn, N.Y. - A DVD purporting to show real footage of violent crimes including shootings, carjackings and sexual assault has the Internet buzzing, police investigating and critics outraged at reality filmmaking gone wild.

Producer Ousala Aleem, 25, says he has already sold more than 10,000 copies of "Criminals Gone Wild," which reportedly contains raw and uncut footage of robberies, muggings, drive-by shootings and assaults.

Police in New York City are looking into whether the footage is indeed real.

(Click here to read entire article - external link)

Local News: Sheriff's deputy busted with handicapped street prostitute in South OKC

2007-12-17T22:27:00.000-06:00

12/17/07 -- OKC, OK - A reserve deputy with the Pottawatomie County sheriff's office was arrested Friday afternoon for allegedly engaging in public sex with a mentally handicapped street prostitute.

James R. Dean, 54, of Tecumseh, was observed by police officers soliciting a known street prostitute near a public park at SW 36th and South Robinson Ave. in South Oklahoma City.

Leola S., 41, is known to JohnTV.com as a habitual street prostitute and drug addict. Making matters worse, Leola is mentally handicapped.

Police report that they watched as Dean procured Leola and then parked near SE 39th and Broadway.

Officers approached Dean's vehicle and reportedly observed him engaging in a lewd act with Leola.

Reportedly, officers were able to ascertain that Dean offered Leola $10 for oral sex in public.

Both Dean and Leola were taken into custody and booked into the Oklahoma County Jail.

KOKH Fox25 news reported that Dean has been removed from the reserved deputy list in his county.

Charges of engaging in an act of public lewdness are expected to be filed against both Dean and Leola.

The official police report has not yet been released.

Check back with JohnTV.com for more information as it becomes available.

Nat'l News: Man pleads guilty to sex trafficking

2007-12-15T15:37:00.000-06:00

12/15/07 -- Tennessee - A man admitted this week in a federal courtroom to luring two juvenile girls into the United States under false pretenses and forcing them into prostitution in Memphis and Nashville.

Juan Mendez pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of commercial sex trafficking and now faces up to life in prison.

Mendez admitted during his plea hearing that the girls entered the United States from Mexico believing they would be restaurant workers. Instead, they were forced to work at brothels in Memphis and Nashville.

According to the original criminal complaint filed against Mendez last year, he was accused of beating and raping one of the girls and keeping the money she made as a prostitute.

Mendez and his partner, Cristina Andres Perfecto, were charged last year after a series of raids and the arrests of several men for running brothels.

In all, nine defendants have pleaded guilty in a case that involves charges of child sex trafficking, conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

(Click here to read entire article - external link)

Nat'l News: Sex sting charges on hold after doctor and lawyer arrested

2007-12-15T12:18:00.000-06:00

12/15/07 -- Worcester, MA - Solicitation charges against a doctor and lawyer arrested in a prostitution sting last month were continued without pleas or findings yesterday in Central District Court. Dr. Peter A. Rice, 65, of 3 Country Lane, Southboro, and lawyer Conrad M. Swartz, 65, of 12 Crowningshield Drive, Paxton, were charged Nov. 10 with engaging, agreeing to engage or offering to engage in sex for a fee after they allegedly solicited sex from an undercover police officer posing as a prostitute in the Main South section of the city. They were among about 20 people arrested in the two-day sting. Dr. Rice, a specialist in infectious and sexually transmitted diseases and author of more than 145 professional publications in the field, told the Telegram & Gazette he was “gathering information” at the time of his arrest and was not guilty of the charge. A staff member at UMass Memorial Medical Center and a professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Dr. Rice was placed on leave after being charged, a UMass spokesman said.Dr. Rice and Mr. Swartz were both placed on pretrial probation for 60 days yesterday and ordered to complete a program designed to teach prostitutes’ customers about the dangers of paying for sex.

(Click here to read entire article - external link)

Toronto police unit strives to build trust with sex workers

2007-12-15T11:49:00.000-06:00

12/15/07 -- Toronto, Canada - Toronto police have launched a special victims unit devoted solely to investigating sexual assaults against prostitutes in the city. In a year and a half, the four-person unit made 19 arrests and investigated 35 cases, some of women addicted to drugs and hooking on the street, and some of escorts working indoors, who now make up the majority of the trade.

Det. Wendy Leaver said her unit is trying to change the way sex trade workers see police in Toronto and also help prevent abductions, violent crime and homicide in the high risk community. As well, she anticipates the unit will shake up those in society who still view rape among prostitutes as an occupational hazard.

(Click here to read entire article - external link)

Nat'l News: Wisconsin man sentenced to 7-years for child prostitution

2007-12-14T10:00:00.001-06:00

12/12/07 -- Amery, WI - A 37-year-old Amery man was sentenced to seven years in prison and 14 years’ extended supervision as the result of a plea bargain in a case in which he was accused of trading drugs for sex with a runaway 15-year-old staying at his home in Nye. Daniel E. Owens was sentenced by Judge Robert Rasmussen on Monday for his role in the abuse and imprisonment of the teen. As part of a plea agreement reached Nov. 29, Owens pleaded no contest to soliciting a child for prostitution and distributing methamphetamine to a minor. The man who bartered with Owens, Kevin D. Madsen, 46, Amery, was found guilty in July of four felonies in connection with the case and is scheduled to be sentenced in February.

(Click here to read the entire article - external link)

Int'l News: Bulgaria one of Europe's biggest prostitute exporters: study

2007-12-14T09:58:00.002-06:00

12/12/07 -- Bulgaria - Bulgaria is one of Europe's biggest exporters of prostitutes and has one of the largest and most developed networks of prostitutes in the continent, a new study said Wednesday.

In the southern town of Sliven, which has a population of about 100,000 people, the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) estimated that one out of every 15 women aged between 15 and 30 was engaged in prostitution.

(Click here to read entire story - external link)

Int'l News: Action plan to fight human trafficking finalized

2007-12-14T09:56:00.001-06:00

12/12/07 -- China - The country's first action plan to better protect women and children from forced labor or prostitution has been finalized and may be released as early as Friday, a senior police officer said Wednesday.

The National Plan of Action to Combat Human Trafficking (2008-12) covers prevention, prosecution of criminals, victim assistance, repatriation, recovery and international cooperation, Du Hangwei, director of the criminal investigation bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, told a conference in Beijing.

He said the plan, involving 28 ministries including public security, foreign affairs, and labor and social security, aims to "provide sustainable and long-term solutions to human trafficking".

(Click here to read entire story - external link)

Nat'l News: FBI Investigation Reveals High Profile Customers of Sex Operation

2007-12-14T09:52:00.002-06:00

12/12/07 -- Various Counties in New York State - Federal wiretaps have identified a judge, a police captain, an Immigration officer and a sheriff's deputy among those who may have been clients of a prostitution ring.

On Monday, FBI raids closed four of the businesses in Erie and Niagra County. The U.S. Attorney's office says nine young Asian women were smuggled into the country, and then forced to work as prostitutes. According to the FBI, most of the activity with the high-profile clientele took place at a massage parlor in Wheatfield. Perhaps the most troubling information contained in the complaint is based on a wiretap from August. It involves an unnamed sheriff's deputy, and followed a police raid of massage parlors in Buffalo.

(Click here to read entire article - external link)

Nat'l News: Jury recommends death for Ohio man convicted of child rape and prostitution

2007-12-14T09:47:00.000-06:00

12/12/07 -- Evansport, OH - A Caddo District Court jury late this afternoon recommended Richard Davis, 35, receive a death sentence for repeatedly raping and molesting a 5-year-old girl and using a teen for prostitution.

Local: Prostitution sting nets 11 overnight

2007-12-12T17:09:00.001-06:00

12/4/07 -- OKC, OK - In an ongoing effort to rid Oklahoma City communities of street prostitution, police arrested 11 overnight on prostitution related complaints.

According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, the following individuals were booked into the oklahoma County jail;

E. Brock White female DOB: 5/6/83 Lawton, OK Charges: Offering to engage, public indecency, public drunk and giving false information.
K. Cole Black female DOB: 11/9/64 Shawnee, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
M. Corbitt White female DOB: 1/21/71 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
C. Hobbs White female DOB: 10/19/86 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
M. Hohlt White female DOB: 10/8/68 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
B. Hurd White female DOB: 8/16/57 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
P. Williams White female DOB: 3/14/66 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
Jose Luna Mexican male DOB: 1/19/82 OKC, OK Resides in the 3100 block of SW19th. Charge: Offering to engage.
Jerry D. Rice Black male DOB: 4/7/78 Del City, OK Resides at 3904 SE 14th Charge: Offering to engage.
Jason T. Sanders White male DOB: 7/29/77 OKC, OK Resides in the Grouse Run Apts at 2401 NW 122 Charge: Offering to engage.
Guadalupe D. Silvavazquez Mexican male DOB: 3/17/67 OKC, OK Resides in the 3800 block of SW 39th Charge: Offering to engage.

National: Austin residents take to the streets to protest prostitution

2007-12-12T17:06:00.000-06:00

12/3/07 -- Austin, TX - Neighbors and members of the North Austin Civic Association in the Rundberg-Interstate 35 area of North Austin raised their voices again Saturday morning in protest of neighborhood crime.

The protestors claim some local businesses are perpetuating the area's problems with drug deals and prostitution.

Protesters walked the streets with signs reading, "Keep Crime Out." "Hotels, Don't Serve Dealers." and "Police the Problem, Not the People."

"There are still businesses who, after the march, have not gotten proactive and joined our efforts in clearing the criminal element out of that area and creating a better quality of life," Anthony Williams of the North Austin Civic Association said.

"We put this little protest together because some of the businesses are catering to crime," said Larry Hardison of the Northcreek Georgian Neighborhood Association.

This is their second neighborhood event in four months.

Police have called the area's crime problem "severe." Rundberg Lane has been the site of two murders in two years, countless drug deals and prostitution in hourly motels.

Local: 'John' sting hooks Bible college student and 6 others

2007-12-12T17:02:00.000-06:00

12/03/07 (Updated 12/4/07) -- OKC, OK - A 21-year student at Hillsdale Free Will Baptist Bible College in Norman was among those arrested earlier this week in an apparent 'John' sting.

According to the oklahoma County jail blotter, the following were arrested on prostitution related complaints last Wednesday;

Raymond David Jones Black male DOB: 9/29/86 Resides at Hillsdale College in Norman Charge: Offering to engage.
Jose C. Lopez Mexican male DOB: 8/13/85 Resides in OKC in 1600 block of N. Jones Charge: Offering to engage.
Juan C. Melgoza Mexican male DOB: 11/23/67 Resides in Norman in the 2000 block of Alameda Charge: Offering to engage.
Miguel Velasco Mexican male DOB: 9/29/82 Resides in OKC in the 1400 block of SW 74th. Charge: Offering to engage.
J. Conners White female DOB: 11/22/83 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
F. Henderson Black female DOB: 8/20/88 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
A. Workman White female DOB: 8/4/65 OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

Jones was arrested around 6pm last Wednesday near SW 43rd and S. Robinson Ave.

According to the official police report, Jones offered an undercover police officer, posing as a street prostitute, $20 to perform a sex act on him.

Jones was driving a 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass that was impounded upon his arrest.

Jones listed his address as the Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College in Norman and his occupation as 'student.'

A call placed to Hillsdale from JohnTV.com confirmed a current student by the same name and date of birth.

Hillsdale's mission statement reads... "Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College is a Christian institution of higher education committed to the intellectual, spiritual, social, moral, and physical development of its students. It seeks to prepare students to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, both in the church and in society at large."

Check back with JohnTV.com for more information as it becomes available.

Local: Husband and wife arrested on prostitution complaints

2007-12-12T16:58:00.000-06:00

11/29/07 (updated 12/03/07) -- OKC, OK - Earlier this week, a husband and wife were taken into police custody on prostitution complaints stemming from an online ad.

According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, Elijah Daniel Matelsky, 24, and his wife, Regina Jo Matelsky, 26, were arrested monday evening by Oklahoma City police officers in the 1700 block of Riviera Ln. (possible 'Rivera' and possibly 'Drive' instead of 'Lane' - the police report is not consistent).

Unconfirmed information given to JohnTV.com indicates the couple had placed an ad on CraigsList.com advertising escort services. CraigsList has come under fire over the years as a major contributor to online prostitution and even child trafficking, through use of its free and loosely regulated classified advertising services.

JohnTV.com has been able to confirm that Regina has been soliciting online under the name "Courtney[omitted by JohnTV.com]" on several adult oriented websites.

According to the official police report, "a vice enforcement officer made contact with [Regina Matelsky]. [Matelsky] agreed to provide specific sexual contact in exchange for $190."

When the Matelsky duo were being arrested, it was also discovered that they were concealing a stolen 2007 Ford Mustang in their garage.

Arresting officers confiscated a Motorola cell phone, Toshiba computer, electrical converter and two Lifestyles condoms (hey, she's a 'safety girl').

JohnTV.com placed a call to the Oklahoma County Jail and were told that Elijah is being held for Canadian County and the US Marshals. Regina is being held for Canadian County only.

A review of court records shows that Elijah is no stranger to the law.

In 2003, Elijah was found guilty of assault and battery. In 2006 he was found guilty of DUI. In that case, Elijah listed his employer and address as the U.S. Army.

As of this morning, both Elijah and Regina are still being held in the Oklahoma County jail.

On a side note, public records also show that the Matelsky duo filed a civil lawsuit in Oklahoma County against the Remington Apartments in OKC on November 13.

Court records show the Matelsky's are suing for $1,500 for "1st months rent, deposit and hotel bills, food, stress."

The Matelsky's listed a Bethany home address in the small claims court papers.

Local: Four women arrested overnight on prostitution complaints

2007-12-12T16:57:00.001-06:00

11/20/07 -- OKC, OK - According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, the following individuals were booked into the Oklahoma County jail overnight on prostitution related complaints;

M. Boone Black female DOB: 2/7/80 Resides: OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage
B. Dewitt White female DOB: 5/8/81 Resides: OKC, OK Charges: Public indecency and giving false information.
A. Hauser White female DOB: 8/27/86 Resides: OKC, OK Charges: Offering to engage and felony computer crimes.
L. Robinson Black female DOB: 10/31/80 Resides: OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.

Local: OCPD Cracks Down on Street Prostitution; 10 women arrested overnight

2007-12-12T16:18:00.000-06:00

11/14/07 -- OKC, OK - Oklahoma City police arrest 10 street prostitutes overnight, one is a convicted murderer.

According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, the following women were booked into jail on prostitution related complaints on November 11;

D. Black White female DOB: 4/9/69 Resides: OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
M. Ford Black female DOB: 5/26/67 Resides: Spencer, OK Charges: Offering to engage, giving false information and failure to appear.
S. Gordon Black female DOB: 7/27/78 Resides: OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
K. Horse Indian female DOB: 6/27/79 Resides: OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
J. Johnson Black female DOB: 4/12/73 Resides: OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
L. Jones Black female DOB: 7/19/59 Resides: OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
A. Lane Black female DOB: 9/25/85 Resides: OKC, OK Charges: Offering to engage and giving false information.
S. Sanders White female DOB: 2/7/63 Resides: OKC, OK Charge: Offering to engage.
L. Scott Black female DOB: 8/23/67 Resides: OKC, OK Charges: Offering to engage and fugitive from justice.
L. Simpson Black female DOB: 9/15/72 Resides: OKC, OK Charges: Offering to engage and fugitive from justice.

One of the women arrested, Shaunte Marie Gordon is no stranger to law enforcement or the judicial system. In 1997, Gordon plead guilty to 2nd degree murder in Oklahoma County (after originally being charged with 1st degree murder). According to court records, the murder occurred in 1994, when Gordon was only 16-years old.

Gordon served only 10-years in prison for the murder and was released in July of 2006. Gordon immediately returned to street prostitution and drugs. Gordon is on probation until 2022.

Gordon was arrested in December of 2006 for prostitution. That case is still pending.

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater's office is also seeking a revocation of Gordon's probation.

Gordon is set to appear regarding her revocation December 18th.

Local: Two Men Arrested for Allegedly Kidnapping and Forcing Wichita Woman to Prostitute on S. Robinson in OKC

2007-12-12T16:07:00.000-06:00

11/13/07 -- OKC, OK - A woman from Wichita, Kansas is allegedly kidnapped, brought to Oklahoma City and forced to prostitute herself on South Robinson Ave. Two men have been arrested for the crime.

According to police reports, the victim, a 22-year old woman from Wichita, was kidnapped by Christopher Lavell Kelly, 28 (above left), and Darren Keith Fue, 43 (above right). Both men listed home addresses in Wichita.

Police allege that the victim was brought to Oklahoma last Tuesday (11/6/07) and immediately taken to South Robinson Ave in the Capitol Hill community of South Oklahoma City. The victim claims she was forced to prostitute herself for the monetary benefit of the two men.

Last Friday, the victim was able to call her father in Wichita and tell him she was being held against her will at the Executive Inn on South I-35.

The victim's father called police, who in turn responded to room 115.

According to police, when officers pulled in front of the hotel room, Kelly initially opened the door and "immediately slammed the door shut when he saw [a] police car."

After several minutes Kelly opened the door and the victim was allowed to speak to police.

The victim told police on the scene that the two men "threatened to kick her ass" if she refused to prostitute herself. The victim went on to tell police that "she was in fear for her life and was afraid to leave."

The two men were placed under arrest on suspicion of pimping and kidnapping.

Fue was currently wanted on outstanding Oklahoma County warrants.

The two men were transported and booked into the Oklahoma County jail. Both are being held on bail in excess of $50,000.

Additional Resources:

Videos of examples of street prostitution on South Robinson can be found below. JohnTV.com does grant permission for news outlets to air footage we publish to YouTube.com - simply email us for permission at media@videovigilante.com and give credit to JohnTV.com..
Prostitution in Oklahoma City - Robinson Minute 03/2007
OKC Police Crack Down on Street Prostitution
Prostitute and her 'John' Busted Near Kids
Old Man Picks Up Hooker with Kids
OCPD's Zero Tolerance Approach to Prostitutes!
Lowe's Delivery Driver Caught Having Sex with Hooker
Wichita Eagle newspaper (JohnTV.com mentioned)

Video Vigilante to Appear This week on the Maury Povich Show

2007-12-12T15:56:00.000-06:00

11/12/07 -- Oklahoma's own Video Vigilante, Brian Bates, marks his return to the Maury Povich Show this week.

As reported 10/31, Bates, who previously appeared regularly on the Maury Povich Show for several seasons, has renewed his relationship with the show after a three year absence.

Bates is set to appear tomorrow (11/13) on the Maury Show.

Bates says this appearance, which was taped in late October, will highlight seven video examples of 'Johns' busted with street prostitutes in Oklahoma City.

Locally, the Maury Show airs on KAUT (COX ch 16) at 11:00 a.m. (CST).

Check your local listings for additional channels and times.

Check back after the show and JohnTV.com will have links to all the videos featured on the show.

Click here to see videos of Oklahoma's own Video Vigilante in action!

Video Vigilante featured on ABC's Nightline

2007-12-12T15:53:00.000-06:00

11/2/07 -- Oklahoma's own Video Vigilante and founder of JohnTV.com, Brian Bates, was featured on tonight's Nightline on ABC.

As reported on JohnTV, Jim Avila, senior law and justice ABC news correspondent, spent a few days last week riding along with Bates as he uses his video camera to expose the graphic realities of street prostitution in South Oklahoma City, along the notorious 'Robinson stroll.'

Also featured in this report was Yvonne, a former street prostitute and drug addict.

In 2002 Bates recorded a heart-breaking interview with Yvonne. In that interview, Yvonne tells a tale of addiction, disease and of being 'turned out' by her own mother at 12-years old.

Fast forward 5 years and Nightline reunites Bates and Yvonne, who now owns her own beauty salon just outside Oklahoma City and is attending college.

Bates tells JohnTV.com that Yvonne's story is proof that city leaders should not give up on women lost to street prostitution.

Additional Resources:

Nightline segment (external link)
Yvonne's complete first interview (external link)
See the hooker and 'John' bust featured on Nightline as it happened. (external link - coming soon)

Video Vigilante Guest on Montel Williams Show

2007-12-12T15:49:00.000-06:00

10/31/07 -- Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante and founder of JohnTV.com, was a guest on an episode of the Montel Williams Show that aired yesterday (10/30/07 - locally on KAUT).

Bates was asked to appear on the show to discuss his video activism and the rampant street prostitution issues in South OKC.

Bates' appearance featured clips from the now infamous Lowe's delivery driver bust, a prostitute arrested for flashing passing cars and drug possession and a prostitute struggling to try and get away from an Oklahoma City police officer.

This was Bates' first appearance on the Montel Show.

Additional Resources:

Description of episode (external link)
See above episode in larger window (YouTube)
See the full version of videos featured on Montel a) Lowe's driver busted b) Street hooker arrested for flashing (coming soon) c) Street hooker struggles with police officer.
Watch all of the Video Vigilante videos (external link)

Video Vigilante to Return to Maury Povich Show

2007-12-12T15:46:00.000-06:00

10/31/07 -- Oklahoma's own Video Vigilante, Brian Bates, is returning to The Maury Povich Show after a three year absence.

For three seasons, Bates was a regular guest of the NYC based Maury Povich Show. Bates has not appeared on Maury since the beginning of 2005. Starting this week, Bates returns to the Maury Show.

Bates will be taping an episode, to air later in November, at the end of this week.

Bates tells JohnTV.com that he will be appearing on a regular basis throughout this season.

Bates' appearances focus on 'Johns' that have been caught on camera engaged in prostitution activities.

You can count on JohnTV.com to let you know when Bates' appearances will air.

UPDATE: The episode discussed in this article will be airing on Tuesday, November 13th. Check your local listings for channel and time. In OKC, Maury airs daily on KAUT (COX ch 16).

Two out-of-towners busted for solicitation in OKC

2007-12-12T15:42:00.000-06:00

10/27/07 -- OKC, OK - Two men visiting Oklahoma City were arrested last week for allegedly soliciting an undercover police officer for prostitution.

According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, the two men are identified as David Charles Fitzgerald, 45, of Lake St. Louis, MO. (see photo top left) and Thomas Brandon Lesny, 46, of West Seneca, NY (see photo top right).

While details of the arrest are few, police reports indicate the two were arrested last Wednesday evening.

Fitzgerald was arrested around 10:30pm at 4300 Highline Blvd. after apparently offering an undercover vice officer $100 for sex.

Lesny was arrested an hour earlier at 2308 S. Meridian (Governor's Suite Hotel) after apparently offering $150 for sex.

Both men posted bond within hours of their arrest and were released from custody.

No word yet why the men were in Oklahoma City.

You can count on JohnTV.com to bring you the details when/if these two men are formally charged with a crime.

Nat'l News: Law professor charged with soliciting prostitution

2007-12-12T15:41:00.000-06:00

10/27/07 -- Miami, FL - A University of Miami Law School professor was charged on Aug. 22 with one count of misdemeanor for soliciting a prostitute. Donald Marvin Jones, who has worked at the law school since 1988, approached a female, undercover police officer who was posing as a prostitute, according to the city of Miami Police Department incident report. The report says Jones offered the officer $20 for sex, and was subsequently stopped and arrested after the police officer gave the "take down signal." (read more - external link)

Int'l News: Illegal prostitution flourishes on Sunshine Coast

2007-12-12T15:00:00.000-06:00

10/27/07 -- Australia - Illegal prostitution on the Gold Coast is out of control and the Sunshine Coast is probably not far behind, according to the Australian Adult Entertainment Industry.

Spokesman for the group which represents legal brothels and escort agencies in Melbourne, William Albon, said it was common knowledge that the illegal sex industry was booming in southeast Queensland and the problem required a multi-faceted approach.

"On a per capita basis the Gold Coast is clearly the illegal sex industry capital of Australia," Mr Albon said.

"You need the police, the Prostitution Licensing Authority, taxation and immigration officers to club together and take the villains head on.

(read more - external link)

Nat'l News: Today’s Hidden Slave Trade

2007-12-12T14:57:00.000-06:00

10/27/07 -- The woman testifying in federal court in Lower Manhattan could hardly have seemed more insignificant.

She was an immigrant from South Korea and a prostitute, who spoke little or no English. She worked, she said, in brothels in New York, Philadelphia, Georgia, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C.

She did not offer a portrait of the good life. Speaking through an interpreter, she told about the time in D.C. when a guy came in who looked “like a mental patient, a psycho.” Weirded out, she wanted nothing to do with him. But she said the woman who ran the brothel assured her everything would be fine.

(read more - external link)

Nat'l News: Major Prostitution Ring Busted on Northwest Side

2007-12-12T14:56:00.001-06:00

10/27/07 -- San Antonio, TX - A prostitution ring was busted on the Northwest Side, and police said it could be one of the largest in South Texas.

Investigators are calling the house on Callaghan and Vance Jackson the home base where money, phone calls, and requests for sex all came together.

"It's a nice neighborhood; it's a quiet neighborhood," said neighbor Adrian Arredondo.

But neighbors were shocked to find out what may have been going on right next door.

"This is quite possibly the largest prostitution ring/escort service in South Texas," said San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus.

(read more - external link)

Int'l News: Prostitutes Strike in Bolivia

2007-12-12T14:54:00.000-06:00

10/27/07 -- As of Wednesday morning, Bolivia's "night workers" are on strike. Up to 35,000 prostitutes across the country have refused to report for the medical checkups required every 20 days to legally work the streets. By continuing to serve clients without ensuring they're disease-free, the sex workers' action raises the risk to public health. It comes in response to attacks in the city of El Alto last week in which citizens burned brothels and beat sex workers in protest against legal prostitution.

(read more - external link)

Nat'l News: Officer, workers honored for busting child sex ring

2007-12-12T14:53:00.001-06:00

10/24/07 -- Seneca County, NY - The Seneca County Sheriff's Office Tuesday night commended three officers and two child protective workers for their work busting a multi-county child sex ring.

Investigator John Cleere and case workers Connie Foster and Lynda Stanistreet were part of a joint investigation that began in December 2005 and ultimately unearthed several victims ranging in age from 1-year-old to 15-years-old. The types of abuse and exploitation included sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, drugs and child prostitution.

In August 2006, Wayne County Sheriff's deputies joined the

investigation, which led to the arrest of five adults on 85 charges - 60 of which were felonies.

Nat'l News: Mom pleads guilty to making daughters hookers

2007-12-12T14:50:00.000-06:00

10/24/07 -- Texas - A woman who sold her teen daughters into prostitution so she could buy drugs pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Nelsi Latuda, 35, got 20 years in prison for forcing her 14- and 16-year-old daughters to have sex for money.

Her boyfriend, 21-year-old Pedro Espinoza Escama, who is also accused in the crime, remains at large.

(read more - external link)

Int'l News: Sex in the sun - It is a seedier side of Spanish life which few talk about

2007-12-12T14:38:00.000-06:00

10/24/07 -- Spain - She says her name is Rina, but it almost certainly is not.

Asked where she comes from, she says the East, but refuses to say any more.

She isn’t there to talk. She is pretty, perhaps late teens or early twenties, dyed hair, an outfit ludicrously skimpy for early January; she must be freezing cold. Her eyes are old, the pupils slightly dilated. She gets irritable at questions.

Rina is a Roundabout Girl, one of the prostitutes that stand around certain roundabouts along the Orihuela Costa, in south-east Spain, selling themselves for less than EUR 50, for a brief and sordid encounter in a car at the back of a building site.

(read more - external link)

Nat'l News: Drug dealer convicted of murdering 2 prostitutes

2007-12-12T07:42:00.001-06:00

10/24/07 -- Buffalo, NY - Harold Bonner was convicted late Tuesday in the murders of two Buffalo prostitutes in 1995 and early last year.

The verdict followed a three-week trial before Senior Erie County Judge Michael L. D’Amico. Bonner, 54, did not testify or present any alibi witnesses. The jury reached a verdict after deliberating for about eight hours.

Bonner will be sentenced Jan. 28. Jailed since his arrest in Boston, Mass., in June 2006, Bonner faces 50 years to life in prison. He was was tried on two charges of second-degree murder in the fatal beating of Kimberly Warren in July 1995 and the strangulation of Mechelle Hicks on Jan. 4, 2006. First-degree murder charges were dismissed before the trial.

(read more - external link)

Int'l News: Dutch police ends child trafficking ring

2007-12-12T07:40:00.000-06:00

10/24/07 -- Dutch authorities have smashed an international Nigerian child trafficking ring, making 20 arrests in seven countries, the national prosecutor's office said Wednesday.

International gangs smuggled Nigerian children, mostly girls, to the Netherlands from where they were sent to other countries to work as prostitutes, the prosecutor's office said.

Dutch police arrested 13 people in several cities. At the request of Dutch authorities five additional suspects were arrested in New York, Madrid, Antwerp in Belgium and Britain. Last week a sixth suspect was arrested in Dublin.

(read more - external link)

Int'l News: 'You Cruise, You Lose' - Police to renew effort to tow johns' cars

2007-12-12T07:39:00.000-06:00

10/24/07 -- Edmonton, Alberta, CA - The Edmonton Police Service is expected today to announce its strategy to throw a wrench in the sale of sex on Edmonton's streets. Chief Mike Boyd and Solicitor General Fred Lindsay are scheduled to announce the launch of the You Cruise, You Lose campaign this afternoon.

Calgary police were quick to take advantage of the new law, seizing two cars about two weeks after the legislation passed. Since then, 64 vehicles have been seized in Calgary, adding up to $20,000 in towing fees and about 420 hours of community service being assigned and completed by johns. (read more - external link)

Related Story:

Johns have lost 114 vehicles (external link)

Nat'l News: DC Fire Department Investigated for Running Prostitution Ring

2007-12-12T07:38:00.001-06:00

10/23/07 -- Washington, DC - A federal grand jury has been convened to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct by D.C. Fire and EMS employees.

Since August, the internal affairs unit has focused on numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, including reports that as many as a dozen fire department employees were involved in a prostitution ring.

(read more - external link)

Nat'l News: Orlando Weekly Employees Arrested Over Escort Ads

2007-12-12T07:20:00.000-06:00

10/22/07 -- Orlando, FL - After reportedly asking an Orlando Weekly to stop allowing ads that were allegedly a front for prostitution, police arrest three of the papers staff members.

According to published reports, the arrests are the result of a two-year investigation.

Agents from the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) identified those arrested as director of classified advertising Jarrell Martin, 43, and account executives Katherine Miller and Christopher Whitingis.

All three face charges of benefiting monetarily from the proceeds of prostitution.

The arrests happened last friday at an Orlando hotel, where the Orlando Weekly employees were participating in a job fair.

It seems trouble started after the Orlando Weekly ignored requests by local authorities to stop publishing escort and massage ads in the 'adult services' section of their newspaper.

The Orlando Weekly reportedly responded to the request by saying they had no plans to change their advertising policies.

MBI estimates that the Orlando Weekly has made almost $2.5 million in profits over the last five years from the ads.

And, before you go flying that "free speech," First Amendment flag too high, police claim they sent female undercover officers to the Orlando Weekly and made it clear the ads they wanted to publish were for prostitution - free speech ends when it is in furtherance of a crime.

Additional Resources;

‘Orlando Weekly’ Workers Accused Of Aiding Prostitution (10/19/07 - News13)
Agents Arrest Orlando Weekly Employees Over Escort Ad(10/19/07 - WFTV News9)
Investigators Send Letters To Orlando Weekly About Adult Ads (10/18/07 - WFTV News9)
More AlternaWeekly Blues (10/19/07 Reason.com)

Int'l News: Sex Trafficking in Cambodia Public Service Video

2007-12-12T01:30:00.000-06:00

10/17/07 -- The following is a short video about human trafficking, for the purpose of prostitution, in Cambodia.

The video was produced by World Hope International.

Int'l News: UK City Scraps Prostitution Tolerance Zone

2007-12-12T01:28:00.000-06:00

10/17/07 -- Aberdeen, UK - A controversial prostitution tolerance zone in Aberdeen has been scrapped because it is not compatible with tough new kerb-crawling laws.

The zone, which was based around the city's harbour, saw police turn a blind eye to prostitutes and their clients.

However, Grampian Police said that from Monday anyone soliciting prostitutes in the area would face arrest.

Supporters of the Street Prostitute Management Zone have called for an alternative scheme to be put in place.

About 130 prostitutes had been using the zone since it was introduced in July 2001.

Although police carried out regular patrols in the area, they were focused on protecting prostitutes from violence.

(read more - external link)

Nat'l News: 16-year-old boy will be tried as adult in prostitute's death

2007-12-12T01:27:00.000-06:00

10/16/07 -- Edinburg, Tx - A 16-year-old boy will be tried as an adult in the rape, murder and disfigurement of a prostitute who was killed in February, officials said Wednesday.

Adrian Eleazar Ramirez faces six counts of murder, including two capital murder counts, and a sexual assault charge in the death of Maria Benita Zuniga, 21.

(read more - external link)

National News: Prostitutes hear of a different life

2007-12-12T01:26:00.001-06:00

10/16/07 -- Corpus Christi, TX - The Corpus Christi Police Department is taking a different approach to finding a long-term solution to prostitution when stings and straight arrests fail.

Since the second week of September, the department has worked informally with a faith-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Driscoll called Teen Challenge of South Texas.

Teaming up is a sign the department is trying more nontraditional tactics to fight a constant, migrating problem, said Capt. Jay Vesely. Drug addiction almost always is what pushes prostitutes to the streets to sell themselves, he said.

Teen Challenge gives the women a chance to change their lives, said Pastor Michael Adams, the center's executive director.

"It's just become a deep way of life -- it's rooted in them and it's sin," Adams said. "Most people don't want to confront it. They don't want to confront their real issues, instead of masking them."

(read more - external link)

National News: Teen charged with running prositution ring of high schoolers

2007-12-12T01:21:00.000-06:00

10/16/07 -- Minneapolis, Minn - Federal authorities are investigating a 19-year-old Eagan, Minn. woman suspected of operating a prostitution ring of high school students through the motel where she worked.

Justine Alex Reisdorf was charged last month in a federal criminal complaint with recruiting minors for prostitution after some teenage girls who allegedly worked for her told investigators that she was actively recruiting clients for sex.

Investigators believe that Reisdorf advertised in the "erotic services" section of Craigslist.org, an Internet bulletin board, and more recently on the "Live Links" telephone chat line, according to a sworn statement by FBI agent Lisa Nielsen.

(read more - external link)

Mug Shot Movie Night a Success!

2007-12-12T01:18:00.000-06:00

10/16/07 -- OKC, OK - The last two weekends, JohnTV.com has sponsored 'Mug Shot Movie Nights' on South Robinson Ave., in South Oklahoma City.

Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante and founder of JohnTV.com, says the reaction by the community and media has been overwhelmingly positive.

"I really didn't know what to expect," said Bates. "Naturally when you're taking your message to the offenders themselves you'd expect alot of vocal criticism and even threats, but that didn't happen.

For the last two weekends, Bates and a small group of business and property owners in the Robinson area gathered at the corner of SW 36th at dusk. As the sun sat and the street hookers and Johns prepared to infest the surrounding community, Bates and his volunteers erected a huge movie screen. On that screen appeared the police mug shots of men who have been convicted of prostitution related crimes.

Bates says the goal is to bring the message and a warning directly to the offenders themselves.

"These men convince themselves that nobody notices what they are up to and that prostitution has no victims," said Bates. "This project dispels those myths and reminds the Johns that what they are doing is abuse and it could cost them their job, their reputation, alot of money and their marriage."

Bates says that each night he was approached by at least a dozen citizens that simply wanted to shake his hand and voice their support.

Bates says he hired armed security for the last Mug Shot Movie Night, but has yet to feel he or his volunteers safety is at risk.

"Criminals don't like the spotlight, they are like roaches and they run when you shine it on them," said Bates.

Bates says they will continue this project one to three times each month.

Additional Information:

KFOR News Channel 4's coverage.
KWTV News Channel 9's coverage.
FOX News (cable)
KOKH News Channel 25 (video not available at this time).

National News: Fort Worth Launches 'John TV' in Prostitution Battle

2007-12-12T00:39:00.001-06:00

10/16/07 -- Fort Worth, TX - Public humiliation by means of television has become a new form of punishment for anyone arrested for selling or buying sex in Fort Worth.

In response to community-voiced criticism over area prostitution, "JohnTV" launched Tuesday.

(read more - external link)

National News: Corpus Christi Police Department Now Posting Prostitution Offenders

2007-12-12T00:37:00.001-06:00

10/16/07 -- Corpus Christi, TX - The Corpus Christi Police Department on Monday began posting photographs online of people arrested on prostitution and public indecency offenses.

(Read more - external link)

National News: Four Conspirators Sentenced in Scheme to Traffic Hundreds of Women for Prostitution

2007-12-12T00:35:00.001-06:00

10/16/07 -- (Media-Newswire.com) - Greenbelt, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. sentenced four Maryland defendants this week in connection with a scheme to transport across state lines hundreds of prostitutes to Montgomery and Prince George's counties, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. (click here to read more - external link)

National News: Four Conspirators Sentenced in Scheme to Traffic Hundreds of Women for Prostitution

2007-12-12T00:35:00.000-06:00

Taking It To The Streets; 'Mug Shot Movie Night' targets offenders: OKC police refuse to provide security

2007-12-12T00:32:00.000-06:00

10/11/07 -- OKC, OK - As reported by local news, last weekend marked JohnTV.com's first of several planned 'Mug Shot Movie Nights' on South Robinson Ave. in South OKC.

The act of publicly shaming those accused and/or convicted of soliciting prostitution is nothing new. Many municipalities display mug shots of 'Johns' on city websites and/or public access television stations. Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante and founder of JohnTV.com, says he is taking the idea a unique step forward.

"The inherit problem with traditional John TV is that the public has to come to you to be exposed to the message," said Bates. "My idea is simple, I'm bringing the message to the Johns."

Last weekend, Bates and a handful of South Robinson business and property owners, gathered at the corner of SW 36th street for a premiere of sorts.

In a vacant commercial lot, Bates and other volunteers setup a 12' inflatable movie screen and video projector. As the sun sat and the street prostitutes began to gather, the images and names of convicted 'Johns' were displayed for all to see. So big were the images in fact, that they could easily been seen over three blocks away.

Bates says the idea is to remind the 'Johns' cruising the area that their actions do not go unnoticed. "Street prostitution is not victimless," said Bates. "The families and businesses in this community are victims, the children exposed to the hookers, drugs and used condoms are victims, and the women forced to sell themselves are victims too."

Bates' acknowledgement that the prostitutes are often victims of abuse and addiction is why he is refusing to display the mug shots of arrested prostitutes.

"These women degrade themselves every time they step into a car, the last thing I want to do is degrade them further," said Bates.

Bates is no stranger to confronting street prostitution head on.

Bates' anti-street prostitution video activism began in 1996 and often puts him face-to-face with pimps, prostitutes and their Johns.

Bates says this latest effort is as risky as it gets. He also said that an Oklahoma City Police representative told him OCPD has no interest in insuring his or other volunteers safety.

Bates said that after last weekend, he realized that there was a potential for a violent confrontation with either a pimp, prostitute, John or other criminals in the area.

"Police, on patrol, were very friendly and stopped by and checked on things from time-to-time," said Bates. However, Bates said he was reminded that police resources are stretched very thin in that area and that police could not guarantee Bates' or the other supporters safety, or how quickly police could respond if there was trouble.

Bates said he was urged to and did contact Oklahoma City police to inquire into hiring an off-duty officer to provide security for the next event.

Bates says that police acknowledged that uniformed officers often work off-duty hours providing security for businesses and events for about $25 an hour.

However, Bates said an officer with the Operations Division told him, in a recorded phone call, "I doubt any Oklahoma City police officer would be interested in providing you with security."

The officer went on to tell Bates that "no Oklahoma City police officer is going to work with you for less than say $100 and hour."

Bates says he's not surprised with the reaction from police, but that his request was out of a safety concern for community members who were present last weekend.

"We had a former city councilwoman that is elderly, a pastor in the neighborhood and several parents with their children," said Bates.

"I would hate for anything to happen to any individual who is simply trying to improve their community, especially after we made our concerns known to police," said Bates.

Bates says he has had requests from property owners in other parts of the city plagued with street prostitution.

Bates hopes to continue his "Mug Shot Movie Nights" monthly throughout the city.

National News: Dayton Proposes New Prostitution Crackdown Law

2007-12-12T00:29:00.000-06:00

10/9/07 -- Dayton, OH - A proposed city ordinance would designate parts of Dayton as "No Prostitution Zones." Although prostitution is illegal throughout the city, officials say it can be difficult to make arrests because Ohio law specifies police must catch the person in the act. City officials say the zones would give police a way to get prostitutes off the street before they interact with customers.

(Read entire article here - external link)

'American Pimp' on YouTube

2007-12-12T00:25:00.000-06:00

10/9/07 -- The 1999 documentary of the 'American Pimp' has been posted in a 9-part series on YouTube.

Even though it has been up for about 10-months, you'd better watch it now before it gets pulled for copyright infringement.

Hosted here.

Int'l News: Uganda: Child Prostitution On the Rise, Says Kinobe

2007-12-12T00:24:00.001-06:00

10/9/07 -- Uganda, E. Africa - CHILDREN are increasingly being exploited for commercial sex, the minister of youth and children's affairs has said.

(click here to read entire story - external link)

Nat'l News: Dallas Prostitutes Offered Help Instead of a Sentence

2007-12-12T00:15:00.000-06:00

Dallas officers take a new approach - treating the women like victims, not criminals

10/9/07 -- Dallas, TX (As reported in the Dallas Morning News 10/9/07) - ...Police are teaming up with social service providers to combat rampant prostitution at four truck stops along the Interstate 20 corridor. Launched this month, the initiative gives female offenders a choice between the usual criminal penalties or a probationary community service and rehabilitation program suited to their needs... (click here to read entire story - external link)

Police Arrest 8 Overnight for Prostitution Related Offenses

2007-12-12T00:13:00.000-06:00

10/9/07 -- OKC, OK - According to the Oklahoma County Jail blotter, the following individuals were arrested overnight on prostitution related charges;

Joel Lamar Timmons, DOB 9/23/72, black male, charged with offering to engage.
Trisha D, Terry, DOB 6/10/74, white female, charged with offering to engage and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Leslie A. Steer, DOB 3/16/71, Indian female, charged with offering to engage.
Mary J. Rhamy, DOB 5/26/57, white female, charge with offering to engage.
Cynthia Y. Murray, DOB 9/23/70, white female, charged with offering to engage.
Cynthia Gosney, DOB 1/5/60, white female, charged with offering to engage.
Tammy A. Cross, DOB 6/19/70, white female, charged with offering to engage.
Jeri Remington, DOB 12/31/64, white female, charged with trespassing, possession of CDS and no driver's license.

Nat'l News: Sex trade sullies sections of city

2007-12-12T00:10:00.000-06:00

10/9/07 -- Columbus, OH - Columbus Dispatch (10/7/07 by John Futty)

...Warner, a 68-year-old retiree, scoffs at those who consider prostitution a victimless crime.

"I'm a victim. My wife's a victim. Everybody in the neighborhood is a victim," he said. "My wife doesn't want to take walks anymore. We want to stay here. We want to live here. But it gets more difficult every day."

Law-enforcement officials said the prostitutes' customers are among those who seem most ignorant of the effect that street prostitution has on those who live, work and own property in a neighborhood.

"The johns are in complete denial," Ackley said. "I'd challenge any of them to let these girls work in front of their houses."... (read entire article, external link)

Meth Mom Pleads Guilty to Murdering Her Unborn Child; Oklahomans and DA Prater Pay Tribute to Victims of Child Abuse

2007-12-12T00:07:00.000-06:00

9/21/07 -- OKC, OK - An Oklahoma City woman accused of killing her unborn child, as a result of her meth addiction, has pled guilty to a reduced charge of murder in the 2nd degree.

The mother, 30-year old Theresa Lee Hernandez has been incarcerated in the Oklahoma County jail since September of 2004.

According to an article today from the Daily Oklahoman and court records, Hernandez now faces from 10-years to life.

JohnTV.com first reported on this case June 26.

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater has taken a lot of heat from several women's groups for his decision to prosecute Hernandez.

We here at JohnTV.com openly supported Prater's stance that justice for the unborn child was paramount.

Hernandez's guilty plea should now end the debate on whether or not she and her drug addiction killed her child.

In a separate story, publish by the Daily Oklahoman, DA Prater recognized the innocent victims of child abuse when he addressed a group outside the state capitol yesterday.

The day marked the first annual Healing Field event; an event to focus attention on children across the country that have died as a direct result of child abuse.

Organizers placed 1,400 American flags in the media near the capitol.

Prater reportedly told the crowd, "What I see are not flags, but dead children's bodies... We should not rest until we can turn around and not see one flag.”

Due to child abuse being such a key factor in women lost to street prostitution, JohnTV.com routinely covers stories on this topic.

Did South Robinson Drug Dealer Bluff Cops During Arrest?

2007-12-11T23:59:00.000-06:00

9/19/07 -- OKC, OK - A man is arrested for drug possession in a known dope bar in South Oklahoma City, he told police he didn't work there, JohnTV.com knows better.

Around 2am on September 11, two Oklahoma City police officers conducted a "bar check" at a tavern located at 3501 S. Robinson Ave.

The bar at this location is well-known for cocaine trafficking. Street prostitutes are also often seen coming and going from the rear entrance.

Though legally the bar should have been closed at 2am, the officers found at least one man inside.

The man identified himself as Jesus Morales Perez, 40. According to the official police report, Perez claimed he was "not an employee of the bar and said he works construction."

Police detained Perez under a city ordinance that forbids non-employees from "remaining in a tavern after closing hours."

While searching Perez, police found "a white plastic baggie containing a white powder that later field tested positive for powder cocaine."

Perez was booked into the Oklahoma County jail on charges of possession of a CDS and city charges for being in the bar after hours.

In reality, Perez is known by the street name "Chewy" and is the proprietor of the tavern.

For some time now, street prostitutes have reported to JohnTV.com that Perez conducts his drug transactions in the restrooms - selling cocaine to the hookers, who in turn hide it inside their vagina as they leave the bar and sell the drugs to their customers.

Perez was released from jail after posting bond.

In recent months, Perez hired convicted murderer and pimp Thomas "Tommy" Wornick, 41, to act as a police lookout and 'muscle' for the tavern.

Wornick can be found most days loitering outside the bar, on the watch for police.

JohnTV.com has tried numerous ways to get this dope bar closed down over the years - calling police, reporting the bar to the health department for no running water or garbage collection, no liquor license, etc.

JohnTV.com will continue to follow this case.

You're Busted Buddy! Street Prostitute and 'John' Busted Near School Kids

2007-12-11T23:53:00.000-06:00

9/17/07 -- OKC, OK - A young street prostitute and her customer are caught on tape engaging in lewdness near school kids out for a jog.

This afternoon, JohnTV.com's own Video Vigilante, Brian Bates, caught what has to be one of the most shocking and disturbing acts of prostitution near children in his 10-plus years on the street.

Around noon, Bates witnessed a young female prostituting on South Robinson Ave. She was soon picked up by a young Hispanic male.

The two drove directly to a business, located next to a church and surrounded by homes near SW 46th and South Shields. More disturbing though was the large number of teenage girls jogging in the area from a nearby high school.

Bates tells JohnTV.com that the 'John' seemed to intentionally park where he could see the young school girls and they could potentially see him engaged in sex.

The hooker twice got out of the car and removed articles of clothing before she and her 'John' began to engage in sexual intercourse.

Bates called 911 and then approached the car to get the video evidence needed to ensure a conviction.

After being confronted, the two quickly left the area.

Bates tells JohnTV.com that he will be turning the video over to police within the next 24-hours.

This is the second prostitution related lewd act Bates has caught on this property in recent years.

In the first case, the prostitute and 'John' were both charged with a felony lewd act.

JohnTV.com will update this story in the near future.

See KFOR News Channel 4's report on this incident.

JohnTV.com Has Plans For Some PDA; Can You Help?

2007-12-11T23:44:00.001-06:00

9/16/07 -- OKC, OK - JohnTV.com is looking for a little P.D.A and wants to know if you can make sure it happens.

No, the P.D.A. we are speaking of is not a Public Display of Affection, but instead Public Displays of Arrests.

While JohnTV.com has been bringing the identities of men who solicit prostitution to our Internet fans for years, we thought it would be a great idea to bring JohnTV to the "Johns" themselves.

What we have in mind is to display the mug shots of men who have been arrested for street prostitution related crimes - and what better place to display these mug shots than South Robinson Ave.?

The idea is to purchase a video projector and an inflatable movie screen. On randomly selected nights, the inflatable screen would be setup in high street prostitution areas. JohnTV.com will project the mug shots of accused "Johns" on the screen to be seen by passing "Johns" and the prostitutes themselves.

This project will get the attention of potential "Johns" in targeted areas and will hopefully dissuade them from participating in street prostitution.

Families living in these areas would also see that their street prostitution problems have not been forgotten and that JohnTV is committed to keeping the city's attention on this very important issue.

Several members of the community have already agreed to help man these P.D.A's and to hand out information to local residents.

Information would consist of a newsletter and important information on what the city is and is not doing to curb area street prostitution.

All we need to make this a reality is your financial support.

The cost for the inflatable screen and projector is $800.

JohnTV.com and Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante and founder of this site, have already kicked in the first $250, the DVD of mug shots and the cost to print any and all materials handed out - that leaves only $550 to go!

This is your chance to become a part of the solution and have the satisfaction of knowing you helped make our efforts possible.

Click on the donation button below to donate to our PayPal account. You can use a credit card or bank account. No donation is too large or small.

JohnTV.com hopes to be able to start our P.D.A. program within the month.

You can also send your donation payable to;

Brian Bates

1205 South Air Depot #164

Midwest City, OK 73110

As a thank you, donors will recieve an autographed 8x10 photo of the screen and projector in use on South Robinson and the satisfaction of making a difference in a way only JohnTV.com and the Video Vigilante can.

Note: JohnTV.com is NOT a 501 (c) 3, so your contribution is NOT tax deductable.

STATUS: Goal $800 - Currently Raised $800

Thank you for your support!.

OKC Council Proposes Seizing Property Used for Prostitution

2007-12-11T23:41:00.000-06:00

9/14/07 -- OKC, OK - If you are allowing your property to be utilized for drugs or prostitution activities, the Oklahoma City Council may soon pass an ordinance that would allow the city to seize your property - and it doesn't stop there.

According to the proposal, vehicles used in drive-by shootings could be seized also.

On Tuesday, a motion was introduced (VI EE) by Ward 6 Councilwoman Ann Simank, and seconded by Ward 7 Councilwoman Willa Johnson, to enhance the city's existing nuisances laws to allow for seizer of personal property.

According to an article in the Daily Oklahoman, 'once police identify frequent drug or prostitution problems at a particular property, a letter will be mailed to the owner letting them know the property is under a police investigation.'

The city will reportedly try and work with individuals that show an interest in riding their property of the criminal element. However, noncompliance could result in costly court actions against the owner or even seizer of the property.

The Oklahoma City Council will vote on the proposal September 25.

Video Vigilante Tapes Montel Williams Appearance

2007-12-11T23:34:00.000-06:00

9/12/07 -- OKC, OK - JohnTV.com's own Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante makes an appearance on the Montel Williams talk show.

As reported earlier, Bates has renewed his media appearances in an effort to once again focus the spotlight on the issue of prostitution and video activism. To kick off a schedule of several planned media appearances, Bates just yesterday taped an appearance on Montel Williams in New York City. Montel is celebrating his 17th year on the air.

Bates' appearance will be featured in an upcoming episode.

When a date for the show is confirmed you will read it first here, on JohnTV.com.

Bates tells JohnTV he has several other high profile talk and news show appearances planned and is even working with producers on two documentaries.

National News: Prostitution and Trafficking in Nevada: Making the Connections - Book Review

2007-12-11T23:32:00.001-06:00

9/9/07 -- Guardian Book Review - 'It's like you sign a contract to be raped.'... If you believe their PR, Nevada's legal brothels are safe, healthy - even fun - places in which to work. So why do so many prostitutes tell such horrific tales of abuse? Julie Bindel reports.

A new book - Prostitution and Trafficking in Nevada: Making the Connections - makes interesting reading. During a two-year investigation, the author, Melissa Farley, visited eight legal brothels in Nevada, interviewing 45 women and a number of brothel owners. Far from enjoying better conditions than those who work illegally, the prostitutes she spoke to are often subject to slave-like conditions.

(Read more - external link)

International News; Canada Launches 'Report-A-John'

2007-12-11T23:30:00.000-06:00

9/9/07 -- Edmonton, AB, Canada - An Edmonton innovation to help rid streets of prostitution has spread to Ontario.

London city Coun. Stephen Orser is proposing his city adopt a Report-a-John program, similar to the one that already exists in parts of Edmonton.

In areas where Report-a-John signs are located, people can anonymously report prostitution transactions when they see them.

Roadside signs, which state, "This community does not tolerate prostitution," display a phone number for people to call and report the licence plate of an alleged john.

(read more - external link)

Video Vigilante Interviewed on Canadian Radio; Talk Show Appearances to Return

2007-12-11T23:29:00.000-06:00

9/9/07 -- OKC, OK - Last week JohnTV.com's own Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante was interviewed on Canadian radio and finalized a new television talk show appearance.

Bates was a guest last Friday afternoon on the CBC radio program "Up to Speed."

Bates was asked to address the Canadian audience to discuss Canada's street prostitution problems, recent string of prostitute murders and Bates' efforts to positively impact street prostitution issues in Oklahoma City.

Also last week, Bates was interviewed about the city of Everett Washington's plans to initiate their own version of JohnTV to publicly shame prostitution offenders.

JohnTV.com is also pleased to announce that after an almost three year hiatus Bates is resuming his wildly popular television talk show appearances.

While Bates tells JohnTV.com that he cannot disclose the names of the shows he will be appearing on until after each episode is taped, he did say he would be taping his first appearance in the next week.

In the past, Bates has appeared numerous times as an exclusive guest for the Maury Povich Show and has also appeared on the Sally Jesse Show, several CourtTV programs, the TODAY Show and was even invited to discuss child prostitution on the Dr. Phil Show.

Look to JohnTV.com for updates in the future.

Call From Video Vigilante Results in Arrest of Robinson Drug Dealer

2007-12-11T23:25:00.000-06:00

9/7/07 -- OKC, OK - A previously convicted felon wanted on drug dealing charges is taken into custody after JohnTV.com's own Video Vigilante, Brian Bates, places a call to police.

A felony arrest warrant for John Lavon Morris, 39, was issued August 16. Yesterday afternoon, Bates saw Morris - who goes by the street name 'Meat Head' - loitering near SW 15th and South Robinson Ave.

A member of JohnTV.com had previously notified Bates of Morris' wanted status.

Bates called 911 and told police where Morris could be found. Within minutes, three Oklahoma City Police units were on the scene and Morris was taken into custody without incident.

Morris' arrest and OCPD's swift response was captured on video (see all JohnTV.com videos here).

Morris is currently being held in the Oklahoma County jail on a $10,000 bond.

Morris was recently arrested for allegedly breaking into a wheelchair bound woman's apartment and stealing her medication. The victim of the robbery has since died.

JohnTV.com encourages citizens to stay informed of the criminal element in their community and call police.

Nat'l News Watch: Everett WA to Host JohnTV of Their Own?

2007-12-11T23:20:00.001-06:00

9/4/07 -- Everett, WA - The city of Everett, Washington is the latest to consider the idea of publicly shaming those charged with prostitution related crimes.

According to an article published today in the Daily Herald, the idea is being proposed by City Councilman Ron Gipson.

Gipson's plan would call for utilizing the city's public access television station and the Internet to publish the mug shots of convicted "Johns."

Gipson is quoted as saying it's time to shame people with what he called a "modern scarlet letter."

Gipson, a correctional officer at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center, is up for re-election.

A city spokesperson told the Herald that the issue would be discussed at a yet-to-be scheduled council subcommittee meeting.

The Herald also contacted and quoted JohnTV.com's own Video Vigilante, Brian Bates in their article. Though the article incorrectly identified Bates as a Kansas City resident, the article did quote Bates as saying "similar efforts from cities usually start with politicians or police administrators responding to public outcry. Some make a splash and have a positive result in the short run, but often fizzle out after a year or two..."

Bates was also interviewed this afternoon on KOMO 1000 out of Washington.

In case you are wondering, police in Everett report arresting a whopping 34 people for prostitution in 2006.

Convicted "John" Charged with Child Abuse and Murder

2007-12-11T23:17:00.000-06:00

9/4/07 -- OKC, OK - A man previously featured on JohnTV.com for soliciting an undercover officer for prostitution has been charged with child abuse and murder.

Kerry Joe Smith, 21, (see photo above left) was charged August 30 with five felonies related to sexual abuse of two children and the murder of one.

In an article published August 31 in the Oklahoman, Smith has allegedly confessed to the abuse and molestation of his pregnant girlfriend's two children - 23-months and 9-months old.

The abuse came to light when Smith took the lifeless body 23-month old Olivia Scroggins to the St. Anthony hospital emergency room.

Smith fled when he saw a police officer in the area.

Smith and Olivia's mother, Wendy Scroggins, 22, were later arrested at their apartment in the 3300 block of North McKinley in Oklahoma City.

Scroggins is facing felony charges for knowingly allowing the abuse of her two children.

Published reports indicate Olivia died as a result of a physical beating and showed signs of sexual abuse.

Smith was most recently convicted of burglary and making a false declaration of ownership to a pawn shop in February.

Smith appeared on JohnTV.com after he was arrested and subsequently pled guilty to solicitation of prostitution in 2005.

In that case, Smith reportedly approached two police confidential informants near SE 48th and S. Shields Blvd. and offered them each $60 for sexual intercourse. Smith was wanted on outstanding arrest warrants when he was caught in the police sting.

In June of 2005, Smith pled guilty to the prostitution offense and was sentenced to 1-year suspended, no fine and 80-hours of community service.

In 2004, Smith pled guilty to violating a Victim's Protective Order and malicious injury and destruction.

Four New Videos Published on YouTube

2007-12-11T23:11:00.000-06:00

8/24/07 -- OKC, OK - In an ongoing effort to continue to expose the public to the graphic realities of street prostitution, JohnTV.com has recently published the following four videos to YouTube.com;

Old Man Picks Up Hooker with Kids - This video depicts the cruel reality of prostitute mothers and their worthless pimps. In this video, a street prostitute works a neighborhood park as her pimp takes it easy, sitting in his car as their own children play nearby. See what happens when Video Vigilante Brian Bates confronts the hooker and her "John." *Since this video was published on YouTube, it has received an honor for "top rated" in YouTube's "news and politics" section.
Street Hooker Drops Her Pants and Grabs a Whip - This video shows the extent some hookers will go to attract the attention of potential "Johns." In this video a 17-year old runaway changes clothes on a busy corner. Later, her pimp has her put on a dog collar and leash.
Pimp and Drug Dealer Taken off the Streets in OKC - A local drug, dealer, pimp and all around scumbag is taken off the streets and put behind bars for his crimes. See his arrest through the lens of the Video Vigilante.
Prostitute Threatens Video Vigilante (revised) - Originally, this video (and several more like it) showed the alleged illegal activities of some of South Robinson's most notorious prostitutes and pimps. But, thanks to Kingfisher prosecutor Bryan Slabotsky, several of those prostitutes are now being granted state sponsored protection from their crimes being publicized. For the next year, JohnTV.com must remove or re-edit the videos containing three specific prostitute felons and a felon pimp. This video is our response to that court order. *Since this video was published on YouTube, it has received three honors for "most discussed" (x2) and "top rated."

You can see all of the Video Vigilante's videos here.

Prostitute Prisoner and Author to be Featured in Rodeo Documentary

2007-12-11T23:07:00.000-06:00

8/20/07 -- OKC, OK - Jamie Brooks probably had dreams of what her future would hold, but none of them probably included being a published author, participating in a rodeo and a documentary film, prostitution, or serving time in an Oklahoma prison for murder. But, at only 17-years-old a set of unfortunate circumstances set the stage for all five.

Brooks, 30, was only a teen when she was convicted of shooting a man to death that she alleges was a "John."

While serving her 16-year prison sentence, Brooks authored "The Battle Within," a graphic retelling of the physical, sexual and mental abuse that led up to her becoming a prostitute and convicted murderer (see info, top right).

While serving time at the Dr. Eddie Warrior Correctional Center in Taft, Oklahoma, Brooks was a participant in this years "Behind the Walls" prison rodeo.

Billed as America's largest prison rodeo, the annual event, held in McAlester, began in 1940.

Brooks and another female prisoner participating in the rodeo are to be featured in a documentary entitled, "Behind the Walls Rodeo."

The documentary is being created by local independent film director Bradley Beesley and producer Amy Dotson.

According to an article published in the Daily Oklahoman, "The documentary team will bring 11 camera crews and a helicopter to the rodeo to shoot from many angles. The production is being funded completely by tax-deductible donations to the nonprofit sponsor. For more information on donating, e-mail BradleyBeesley@Mac.com."

Prostitute Mug Shots to Be Removed from JohnTV.com

2007-12-11T22:59:00.000-06:00

8/20/07 -- OKC, OK - In the coming days, JohnTV.com is going to be instituting a policy of limiting the publication of mug shots.

In particular, JohnTV.com will be removing links to mug shots of women arrested and/or convicted of prostitution from our 'arrested, court watch, and convicted' areas of this site. However, JohnTV.com will not be removing links to mug shots of arrested and/or convicted 'Johns,' pimps and panderers.

"This decision was made after several conversations with women who either are involved in prostitution or were in the past, community leaders and other knowledgeable parties," said Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante and founder of JohnTV.com.

Bates reports that after these conversations, "JohnTV.com has come to the conclusion that these mug shots, though a public record, have the potential to do more harm than good for the community and the prostitutes themselves."

"Removing the mug shots of street prostitutes is more in line with the ideology that these women are more often than not victims, and prostitution is just a symptom of their victimization," said Bates. "Additionally, JohnTV.com takes no stance against women who are engaged in unorganized, consentual and 100% private prostitution."

Bates says that he has reason to believe that some men may use a suspected prostitutes mug shot and published identity to seek her out and subject her to further abuse and/or harrassment.

Bates says that some police officers he has spoken to also fear the mug shots may help 'Johns' to identify real street prostitutes from undercover police officers.

Bates says that he will continue to publish the mug shots of men arrested for engaging in the solicitation, trafficking, aiding and/or pimping of others.\

"These 'Johns' and pimps are not victims like those they prey on," said Bates. "Anyone who would profit from selling another human being or partake in purchasing sexual services from someone so down and out deserves to be publicly exposed."

Bates says that in some unique cases a mug shot of a suspected prostitute may still appear in the news or 'case files' section of JohnTV.com.

Bates said that JohnTV.com will continue to videotape suspected prostitution activities and publish those videos on the Internet without concealing the identities of either the prostitute or 'John.'

Prosecutor and Video Vigilante Reach Plea Agreement

2007-12-11T22:55:00.000-06:00

As released by Bates' attorney, Scott Adams;

8/15/07 -- OKC, OK - Today marks the end of an over two-year nightmare for my client, Mr. Bates, and his family.

While Mr. Bates has always maintained his innocence regarding the original charges against him, in an effort to move on with his life, he has agreed to plead to a single misdemeanor charge.

That charge is a single count of obstruction of a police officer, for not turning over a video tape to police for consideration for prosecution.

Mr. Bates' plea agreement brings this case to a close.

Mr. Bates wishes to thank his supporters for standing behind him and his family during this entire process.

###

Additional Resources:

Judgment and Sentence and Summary of Facts (.pdf)

So, what does this all mean? (by Brian Bates)

First and foremost it means that the single felony charge against my wife, Vickie, was dropped on the merits of the case. Meaning that the state acknowledged that there was no basis for the charges against her and the dismissal is not part of my plea agreement and that Vickie's records will be expunged in the very near future.

Secondly, while the state initially accused me of wrong-doing by alleging I paid prostitutes to lure clients to where they could be videotaped - ultimately the prosecutor abandoned that stance.

In the end it was agreed that I would plead guilty to a single misdemeanor count of "obstruction of public officer."

The obstruction charge is based on my not turning in a video tape of an alleged act of prostitution so that police could pursue charges.

Here's the irony of the plea agreement - Neither I nor my attorney asked for a plea. A plea was offered by the prosecution - and not just any plea. Literally, the prosecution offered to drop all 8 felony charges (200+ years in prison if convicted) if I would plead to a misdemeanor.... any misdemeanor!

Seriously folks, I had to pick my own crime to plead to!

The prosecutor has no idea what video was not turned over to police or what it contained. And he obviously didn't care. Yet, he reportedly told the media he felt "justice was served."

This would be like a police officer arresting someone off the street and then demanding they tell him what they did wrong.

Regardless, I felt I would be a fool not to take an offer to pick my own misdemeanor deferred plea in exchange for all the other charges being dismissed. This in essence stops the financial and mental drain on me and my family and allows me to explore other opportunities that have been presented as a result of the media attention this case has brought to my activism.

As for my deferred sentence; not a single limitation on my video activism was placed on me. As you can read in the public document, or in the excerpt below, the only stipulations are ones that protect the identity and/or criminal activity of the state's witnesses; which begs the question - Whose interests were being served in this case, resolution and stipulations - the citizens of Oklahoma or those public servants who wish to silence Bates and his criticisms?

"1 year deferred sent[ence] unsupervised. [Defendant] will remove any reference and videos [one, two, three, four, five] to any endorsed [state's] witnesses and [omitted] by name from his Internet Web sites. [Defendant] will use his best efforts to remove from YouTube the above described people. All parties will use best efforts not to initiate contact with each other. However, in [defendant's] activism, if endorsed witness is committing any offense he may document suspected criminal activity. If any endorsed witness or [omitted] makes any public statement, Mr. Bates may respond. Mr. Bates agree[s] not to republish or otherwise refer to above [witnesses] by name otherwise..."

I have agreed to comply with the above terms within the next 10-days (8/24/07).

In the end, the state of Oklahoma wasted thousands of your tax dollars pursuing what can only be defined as less than a traffic ticket.

Three S. Robinson Nuisances Taken Off the Streets by Police

2007-12-11T22:08:00.000-06:00

8/6/07 -- OKC, OK - Last week police arrested three individuals with ties to South Robinson Ave. and street prostitution.

According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, police arrested Susan Lynn Aughenbaugh, 36, Brandy Dawn Dewitt, 26, and Christopher Roach (.pdf), 36 during three separate police encounters..

Aughenbaugh, a known street prostitute, was arrested on a complaint of drug trafficking last Wednesday. She is being held pending posting of a $25,000 bond.

Dewitt, also a known street prostitute and alcoholic, was arrested Wednesday on complaints of failure to appear, public drunk and assault and battery upon a city official. She is currently being held on a hold for Oklahoma City.

Roach, an all around nuisance and wannabe pimp, was arrested late Tuesday night on an outstanding warrant for revocation, fugitive from justice, driving without a license and parking violations.

Roach can often be found prostituting his woman (because he's too lazy to get a job) on South Robinson Ave. in OKC.

The arrests of these three is more proof that zero tolerance on South Robinson is working to improve the quality of life for the hardworking families in the area.

Alleged Prostitute Murderer Set for Trial in Okla. County

2007-12-11T21:59:00.000-06:00

7/29/07 -- OKC, OK - An Oklahoma City man accused of murdering and then setting on fire an alleged prostitute has been bound over for jury trial.

Ronald Wayne Windham, 35, is accused of the December 5, 2005 murder of Del City resident Jennifer Sipes, 29 (see photo left).

Sipes' body was found by firemen fighting a grass fire in Edmond (8000 block of Redhawk Lane). Dental records were used to positively identify Sipes nearly 8 months later.

According to the Team Amber Alert Web site, Sipes was last seen Nov. 24, 2005 walking near Scott Street and Tinker Diagonal in Del City.

Prosecutors allege that Windham (see photo left) confessed to the murder of Sipes to Norman police on November 27, 2006, saying “he needed to get something off his chest.”

Allegedly, Windham outlined Sipes' final moments as follows;

On November 24, 2005 (the day before Thanksgiving) Windham picked up a prostitute going by the name "Bambi" (later identified as Sipes) and took her to his apartment on South Lee in Oklahoma City.

Windham became angry after his car stereo was stolen, and blamed Sipes.

Sipes returned to Windham's apartment in December.

Windham, still upset over his stolen stereo, hit Sipes three times with a baseball bat. Windham then used a knife to "chop into her head and then slashed her throat."

Windham then wrapped Sipes' body in a sheet and placed it in a plastic tub.

Windham then drove to a "residential area being built in Edmond."

There, Windham covered the body with brush, poured 5 gallons of gasoline on it and set Sipes' body on fire.

Windham was formally charged December 14, 2006 in Oklahoma County.

At Windham's preliminary hearing, held July 10 2007, Norman police officer Mark McCain testified that Windham expressed relief “that she could rest in peace so that he could rest in peace.”

At the conclusion of Windham's preliminary hearing, Oklahoma County Special Judge Fred Doak said there was sufficient reason to hold Windham on charges of first-degree murder, third-degree arson and removal of a human body.

Formal arraignment has been set for Aug. 31.

Windham is currently being held in the Oklahoma County jail.

Windham also has active criminal cases in Oklahoma County for domestic assault and battery (11/3/06) and obtaining money under false pretenses (11/9/06).

Editorial Note: JohnTV.com recently received correspondence from a person identifying himself as Tommy Sipes, the father of Jennifer Sipes. In that correspondence Mr. Sipes was adamant that his daughter has never engaged in any form of prostitution. Mr. Sipes points out that Jennifer has no record of ever being arrested for prostitution.

The allegation of prostitution on the part of Jennifer has been alleged by her murderer.

The exact number of Oklahoma women that have been murdered as a direct or indirect result of their prostitution activities is unknown. What is certain is that the list in long and so far unappreciated by the media, and therefore by the community as well. JohnTV.com is currently researching the deaths of several street prostitutes in and around Oklahoma City. If you know of a woman who was killed as a result of prostitution and feel her story needs to be told, please contact us immediately.

Additional Resources:

Follow the case on JohnTV.com here.
OKC man to face trial in Sipes homicide (7/11/07)
Prelim set in Sipes murder case (7/9/07)
Missing woman identified (8/16/06)
Edmond police identify burned woman (8/16/06)

Nat'l: Spa Worker from Oklahoma Arrested in S.C. for Prostitution

2007-12-11T21:56:00.000-06:00

7/29/07 -- Anderson, S.C. - Investigators in Anderson County, S.C. allege that a woman from Oklahoma was arrested in their city while working at a spa and soliciting sex for money.

Undercover police officers reportedly conducted a sting at the VIP Spa at 3452 Cinema Center. Police claim that Myong Cha Grayson, 42, offered sexual services. The officer gave the woman cash, and deputies immediately entered the building and arrested her.

Grayson, who is from Lawton,Oklahoma is charged with solicitation of prostitution.

Grayson was released from the Anderson County Detention Center on a $465 O.R. bond..

The only online record of Grayson in Oklahoma is a divorce in 2005.

OCPD Takes a Zero Tolerance Approach to Street Prostitutes

2007-12-11T21:52:00.000-06:00

7/23/07 -- OKC, OK - A new video from JohnTV.com shows Oklahoma City police may have adopted a renewed attitude to make the hookers, pimps and gang members feel unwelcomed on South Robinson Ave.

Click here to see the video now and comment on it, or click the image above.

JohnTV.com YouTube Videos Attract 2-Million Viewers in 2 Months

2007-12-11T21:50:00.000-06:00

7/22/07 -- OKC, OK - Videos from JohnTV.com, published to YouTube.com, have attracted more than 3.5 million views since publication began 9 months ago - with over 2-million of those viewers coming from the last 60-days alone!

Click here to see all our videos on YouTube.

Nat'l News: Arrested Trucker Suspect in Prostitute Slayings

2007-12-11T21:47:00.000-06:00

7/21/07 -- Fairview, TN - Fairview police are investigating whether a trucker suspected in a string of homicides in four states also killed a woman last year by crushing her with the tires of his 18-wheeler at a Williamson County truck stop.

Illinois-based truck driver Bruce D. Mendenhall, 56, has been jailed in Nashville since last week, when Metro police said he told them that he killed six women in four states, including two at Midstate truck stops.

Nat'l News: Christian Group's President Accused Of Hiring Prostitute

2007-12-11T21:45:00.000-06:00

7/21/07 -- Salisbury, N.C. - Coy Privette has resigned from the Board of Directors of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and its Executive Committee, following revelations July 19 that he has been charged with six counts of aiding and abetting prostitution.

Privette, 74, is facing six counts of misdemeanor aiding and abetting prostitution by renting a hotel room and paying for sexual acts.

Authorities said Tiffany Denise Summers, 32, of Salisbury is charged with six counts of prostitution.

Police said officers were investigating a forged check case, which led them to the prostitution charges.

LA Murder Suspect Arrested, Released, and Arrested Again in OKC

2007-12-11T21:36:00.000-06:00

7/21/07 -- OKC, OK - A man arrested on a prostitution and firearm complaint in Oklahoma City is released after giving a false name and posting bond. Hours later, police realize the man's true identity and that he is one of LA's most-wanted gangsters and possible murderer.

According to police and published articles, a man who identified himself as Marco Lee was arrested Monday (7/16/07) during a prostitution sting. The man was booked into jail for aiding prostitution and illegally carrying a weapon.

The man reportedly posted a $500 bond and walked out of the Oklahoma County jail.

It wasn't until hours later that his fingerprints revealed his true identity.

The man was identified as Jonathan Christopher "K-Swiss" Blackwell, a 27-year-old member of the By Yourself Hustlers gang in LA.

More distrubing than his gang affiliation was the fact that Blackwell is a suspect in a New Year's Eve home invasion turned double homicide, according to the LAPD.

Blackwell's alleged victims were Jessica Sirano, 17, and her stepfather, Raul Cruz, 31.

Blackwell was re-arrested without incident about 11 a.m. Wednesday in northwest Oklahoma City after police received an anonymous tip.

Blackwell, is now being held without bail and is expected to be extradited to California.

Andover Man Arrested Overnight on Prostitution Complaint

2007-12-11T21:33:00.000-06:00

7/20/07 (updated 7/23/07) -- OKC, OK - According to the Oklahoma County jail blotter, an Andover, MA man was arrested overnight on a prostitution complaint.

Howard Alan Jacobs, 48, was booked into jail on a charge of offering to engage in prostitution/lewdness.

Jacobs listed his employer as "Paradigm" and gave his home address as 3 Patriot Drive in Andover, MA.

According to police, Jacobs was arrested in downtown Oklahoma City after he "asked for specific sexual contact in exchange for $100."

A call from JohnTV.com to the county jail confirmed he is still being held (as of 9:15am CST) awaiting payment of a $500 bond.

If you know Jacobs or why he was in Oklahoma City, please contact us.

Case Dismissed Against Washington State D.O.T. Employee

2007-12-11T21:31:00.000-06:00

7/10/07 -- OKC, OK - Late last month, solicitation of prostitution charges were dropped against a D.O.T. employee from out-of-state.

Back in September of last year, Washington State Department of Transportation employee John William Dunn, 45, was arrested after he reportedly told two women, posing as street prostitutes, that "he was looking for a 'blow job.'"

According to court records, Dunn then offered one of the women $20 for the requested sex act.

Dunn, a branch manager, was reportedly in Oklahoma City attending meetings at the expense of Washington tax payers.

JohnTV.com was the first to report on Dunn's arrest.

After five court delays, records show that the misdemeanor charge against Dunn was dropped on June 21st.

The only explanation given was that the dismissal was in "the best interest of justice."

Midwest becomes a pipeline for human trafficking

2007-12-11T21:29:00.000-06:00

7/6/07 -- Kansas City, MO - It can't happen here. New York or Los Angeles, sure, but not here in Kansas City. It only happens someplace else, right?

"Human trafficking is more prevalent in this region than most people know," said Janel D'Agata Lynch, program manager for community services at Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

"Local people were shocked when the news broke about the massage parlor raids in Overland Park, Kan., and earlier this year, the central Missouri boy who was found, along with a second boy, in the St. Louis area.

"Human trafficking is not always 'some place else,'" D'Agata Lynch said.

(Click here to read article - 3rd party link)

Miami Federal Jury Convicts Brothers For Trafficking of A Minor For The Purpose of Engaging in Prostitution - Tulsa, OK Connection

2007-12-11T21:25:00.000-06:00

7/6/07 -- Miami, FL - A federal jury in Miami convicted two men on charges of sex trafficking of a minor.

Darryl John Jennings, 41, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and his brother, Luroy Jennings, 49, of Dallas, Texas, were found guilty of two counts of sex trafficking of a minor. A third person, Sammy Lee Carpenter, 45, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty on June 11 to four counts of sex trafficking of a minor and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution.

Sentencing before United States District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga is scheduled for Sept. 4. Carpenter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment, while Darryl and Luroy Jennings each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment.

(click here to read article - 3rd party link)

Int'l: Underage sex workers hit Palmerston North

2007-12-11T21:23:00.000-06:00

7/6/07 -- Palmerston North, New Zealand - Prostitution law reform has seen more Palmerston North working girls - some underage - setting up shop at home or in motels, according to one of the city's leading brothels.

However, the Prostitutes' Collective says the work environment is much improved and advertising by solo prostitutes is down.

Four years after prostitution was decriminalised, Candy's Gentlemen's Club co-owner Janelle Grice has labelled the law reform a failure.

(click here to read entire article - 3rd party link)

D.A. Prater to Make Meth. Mom Take Responsibility for Child's Death

2007-12-11T21:19:00.000-06:00

6/26/07 -- OKC, OK - Newly elected Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater is not bowing to public pressure and vows to make a drug addict mother take responsibility for the death of her unborn child.

The mother, 30-year old Theresa Lee Hernandez has been incarcerated in the Oklahoma County jail since September of 2004.

Just 6-months earlier, Hernandez had experienced premature labor and gave birth to a stillborn baby boy. Hernandez was 32 weeks pregnant.

The state of Oklahoma, and more importantly D.A. Prater, believe if not for Hernandez's long time drug addiction, her baby would have survived. Because of that claim, Hernandez was charged with first degree murder.

Since Hernandez's arrest, her case has drawn the attention of groups and individuals who feel she should not be prosecuted for murder because she herself is a victim of the drugs that killed her baby. Additionally, many feel that by prosecuting Hernandez, other expectant mothers with drug addictions may not seek medical attention during their pregnancy.

Those critical of Prater's decision to prosecute include, YWCA Oklahoma City chief executive officer Janet Peery, Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma, the American Public Health Association, the Oklahoma chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, and the National Advocates for Pregnant Women.

In an article published by the Daily Oklahoman, Prater cautions Hernandez's supporters that they likely do not know the complete history of this case that led to his decision to prosecute.

Prater told the Oklahoman that Hernandez has lost custody of 5 children over the years to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Two of Hernandez's children suffer from developmental disabilities as a result of her drug and alcohol addictions.

Prater says Hernandez has had several opportunities over the years to seek treatment for her methamphetamine addiction, but she choose not to.

Prater told the Oklahoman, "This is the most serious case of child abuse you can imagine, when the child actually dies ... This is clearly a murder, in my opinion.”

Prater says that not prosecuting Hernandez would send the message that his office is unwilling to protect unborn children.

JohnTV.com applauds D.A. Prater's decision to hold the mother responsible and to acknowledge the real victim of this crime - the child - a truly innocent victim of its mother's choices.

This case seems so very clear to JohnTV.com. If the mother knowingly poisoned her child after its birth nobody would protest her prosecution. Why should the exact same action be protected prior to birth?

If our justice system were to allow a mother to avoid prosecution for killing her own baby, because her defense attorney labeled her a victim to addiction, how would we ever support the prosecution of drug addicts when they commit lesser offenses against the community?

Hernandez's criminal history includes larceny and drug possession, but not prostitution. JohnTV.com feels compelled to follow and speak out about this case because so many Oklahoma street prostitutes are addicted to meth. and are often pregnant. The children of these addicts deserve a voice that demands justice - that voice is Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater.

KFOR News Channel 4 Reports on Delivery Driver Arrest

2007-12-11T21:08:00.000-06:00

6/26/07 -- OKC, OK - Last night KFOR News Channel 4's Ali Meyer reported on the arrest of Lowe's delivery driver Joseph "Joe" Crabtree (see story dated 6/21/07).

Crabtree was witnessed by Oklahoma's own Video Vigilante, Brian Bates, to solicit a known street prostitute in a public park and then take her to a restaurant parking lot where the two were caught engaged in a sex act.

Crabtree later admitted to paying $100 for both oral and vaginal sex from the prostitute.

You can view KFOR's report above.

You can see the video, as Bates shot it, already on YouTube, by clicking here.

Delivery Driver with Hooker Busted by Video Vigilante

2007-12-11T20:53:00.000-06:00

6/21/07 -- OKC, OK - If you were expecting a delivery from Lowe's last night and it didn't show up, we may know why.

It seems "Joe the delivery guy" was caught on tape procuring a street prostitute and then engaging in a lewd act in the back of his delivery van.

And, as usual, a call to OCPD can often result in the caller being made to feel like the criminal - A responding police supervisor (an obvious subscriber to Bill Clinton's definition of 'sex') questioned the video evidence and made false statements regarding the law (it's pretty bad when the accused pimps know more about the law than the police supervisors).

Yesterday afternoon, Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante was documenting several street prostitutes in the area of SW 38th and South Robinson Ave. in Oklahoma City (Hey, if the cops won't do it somebody has to).

That was when Bates witnessed a Lowe's truck attempt to make a pickup (of the curb crawler kind) rather than a delivery. (click video above left or here).

Deciding the Lowe's customers waiting for delivery of their gas grill, washing machine and other appliances could wait a bit longer, the driver invites a known street prostitute into the cab of the vehicle.

Apparently the two hit it off and drove straight to a popular Mexican restaurant near SW 36th and South Walker Ave.

Unfortunately, this was no dinner date.

The driver escorts his by-the-hour best friend to the cargo area of his truck (how romantic).

Bates, knowing two's company and three's a crowd, decides to place a call to Lowe's corporate office and then to 911 and turn this little rendezvous into a real party.

Hearing moans coming from the truck, Bates could only assume the two were either engaged in prostitution related sexual activity or that the prostitute was being harmed (hey, before you laugh, several prostitutes in the area have been murdered in recent years).

When Bates opened the cargo door he was relived to find the hooker unharmed though a bit, shall we say... disheveled.

Not one for small talk, the hooker takes off without a word.

To the contrary (and most likely to his detriment), The driver was all about talking. He freely identified himself as Joseph "Joe" William Crabtree, 30. A married man with three kids who claims he's too broke to replace his lost wedding ring. This, despite the fact he admitted to paying $100 for "half and half" (use your imagination folks).

When police arrived, the supervisor proceeded to enact his best Bill Clinton impersonation by questioning the validity of Bates' video evidence, stating "I'm trying to see them having sex ... right now I haven't seen them having sex ... I saw him with his britches down..."

Feeling the supervisor was actually trying to find a reason to arrest Bates, he placed a cell phone call and left the line open so the third party could witness the conversations between Bates and the cops.

The supervisor, who obviously is not up on his communications law 101, proceeded to tell Bates he had to let the officer know a third party was listening in on their conversation and that the officer had to give consent to be recorded. Bates attempted to correct the officer, by reminding him Oklahoma is a single party consent state, but the officer wasn't in a listening mood.

Eventually Crabtree was placed under arrest and booked into the Oklahoma County jail. His employer's van was whisked away by no less than a parade of three wreckers.

As of 8:30am this morning, Crabtree was still being held in jail on a hold for Oklahoma City.

Bates pointed out that Crabtree was engaged in a lewd act within 1,000' of both a church and a school, making the crime a felony.

Bates says it is also important to note that when Lowe's was contacted, they seemed very concerned and expressed they do not condone the driver's activities.

Additional Resources:

Video of OKC police consorting with street prostitutes in OKC.

OKC Police Officer Guilty of Harassing Video Vigilante.

Retired Cop Caught with Hooker.

OKC Vice Outed as Incompetent; Former D.A. a Liar!.

Hypocrisy of Oklahoma City Vice - Caught in a Lie!. *While these video examples may be considered negative toward the OCPD, Bates reminds readers he has and continues to witness and meet very professional police officers who take pride in serving the community honorably.

Edmond Deacon to Face Trial on Underage Porn Charges

2007-06-16T16:38:00.000-05:00

6/16/07 -- OKC, OK - A former Edmond Church of Christ deacon, accused of secretly videotaping his daughter and her teenage friends nude, is set to face a jury this September.

As previously reported, Edmond resident Jason Adam Fly, 46, was arrested in January after friends of Fly's daughter reported to police that they believed Fly was secretly videotaping them changing clothes.

Fly's arrest was followed by four felony charges; One count of possession of child pornography, two counts of procuring a minor for sexually explicit images and a single count of using electronic equipment in a clandestine manner.

Fly appeared before Oklahoma County judge Fred Doak on February 23 for his preliminary hearing.

Investigators testified that they spoke with Fly while investigating the allegations against him and executed a search warrant on his Edmond residence.

In December of 2006, Fly's teen daughter had three female friends over at their home. At some point, one of the teenagers saw an image on Fly's computer screen of another one of the girls changing clothes. The girls told their parents, who in turn contacted police.

Fly was questioned by police and arrested soon thereafter on 25 felony complaints. Fly was released from jail after posting a $40,000 bond.

As a result of the investigation by Edmond police, it was learned that Fly had at least two concealed cameras in his home. One camera was located in his daughter's bedroom and one or two other cameras were located in her bathroom.

Police found over 400 videos and still images of teen girls nude in the Fly home. Police said the images were of young girls in various stages of undress in the bedroom, using the toilet and taking a bath.

Fly reportedly told police he had cameras in his daughter's bedroom and bathroom, but also had cameras in his son's bedroom and the home's foyer. However, police found no evidence to support that claim. Fly said the cameras were in place to monitor his son who he had recently been having problems with him sneaking out and using alcohol.

Allegedly, when police asked Fly to produce the cameras, he said he had destroyed them after the girls had contacted police.

Police testified at the preliminary hearing that they also found a video that appeared to show a girl as young as 10-years old performing oral sex on an adult male.

Fly's attorney at the hearing, Jerry Colclazier, argued that charges of producing pornography depicting a minor were unwarranted. Colclazier told the court that the images of the teens in the Fly's residence were not sexually explicit and only contained nudity and therefore should not be considered porn.

Colclazier further argued that there was no evidence Fly had shot the video of the pre-teen engaged in sexual intercourse.

Unimpressed, the judge bound Fly over for jury trial, to be held on September 24. Additionally, the state requested and was granted three additional charges against Fly; (count 5) use of electronic equipment in a clandestine manner, (count 6) possession of obscene material involving participation of a minor, (count 7) possession, procuring/manufacturing child pornography.

Apparently, also unimpressed with his performance at the preliminary hearing, this past May, Fly fired Colclazier and hired local attorney Mack Martin.

JohnTV.com will continue to follow this case and bring you latest.

Video Vigilante's Personal Blog Featured in Gazette's CFN

2007-06-13T16:34:00.000-05:00

6/13/07 -- OKC, OK - This week's Oklahoma Gazette features a Chicken Fried News story about Oklahoma's own Video Vigilante's personal blog.

In April, Brian Bates (aka the Video Vigilante), began a personal blog at ByBatesBlog.blogspot.com.

Bates says the blog was in response to fans and critics alike inquiring about his life outside of his activism.

"People ask all the time about what I do when I'm not documenting street prostitution in Oklahoma city. I hope the blog dispells the idea that I spend 24-hours a day taping prostitution. The fact is that I'm a family man who tries to instill his passion for giving back to the community in his family," said Bates.

Another 20-Days, Another Half Million Views on YouTube

2007-06-13T16:31:00.000-05:00

6/13/07 -- OKC, OK - JohnTV.com has had another astounding couple of weeks on YouTube. In the last 20 days our videos have been viewed by just over half a million individuals (555,699 to be exact).

JohnTV.com began publishing videos by Brian Bates, Oklahoma's own Video Vigilante, in October of 2006. As of today, we have 51 videos posted on YouTube.com.

Bates' videos expose the graphic realities of street prostitution and its negative impact on Oklahoma City.

You can see a category listing of all the videos here.

OKC Police Indifference to Street Prostitution a Cause for Concern

2007-06-13T14:24:00.000-05:00

6/13/07 -- OKC, OK - Some say police officers patrolling prostitution infested areas of South Oklahoma City are making their community worse by befriending the hookers and their pimps.

JohnTV.com has posted a video (click thumbnail image above) that shows graphic examples of police consorting with hookers and the hookers becoming so emboldened they mock the officers and do not even try to hide their illegal activities; activities that literally hold families hostage in their own homes.

The video is broken down into two parts. Part 1 depicts a day when police were called to arrest a street prostitute with outstanding warrants. The police Lt. who arrived on scene did not bother to arrest the soliciting prostitute on her warrants. Instead, the officer chatted with the hooker and instructed her to work a few blocks away and in another police district. The officer then attempted to intimidate Brian Bates, aka the Video Vigilante, and founder of this site, by parking next to him and staring at him.

The second part shows several hookers soliciting in a neighborhood park. A police officer arrives on scene. Instead of checking the hookers for warrants or running them off, the officer jokes with the hookers. One of them tells the officer how much she has missed him. The same hooker refers to another officer as her husband and says she's having his baby. As the officer leaves the hookers to solicit, the hookers tell him they are being harassed and to look after them.

More information to come. Click here to be taken to a larger version of the video above.