By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
The Irving Police Department announced the arrest of two suspects on May 7 for trafficking a child and compelling prostitution of a 15-year-old child they were able to rescue.
The victim’s mother was last seen by her mother on April 19 near her home in a neighboring city. Using information provided by the victim’s mother who was monitoring her daughter’s email account, it was determined she was in Irving. According to the police, the same account was used to open an account to solicit sex. The police identified the location and rescued the teen.
“The mother, being diligent, was monitoring the account. She also found an account being using to essentially to solicit sex,” Irving Police Officer David Dickinson stated when reached by phone.
Destiny Hansford, 20-years-old, was arrested along with 29-year-old Dominique Parks and charged with trafficking a child and compelling prostitution. Parks was also charged with sexual assault of a child and promotion of child pornography.
During their investigation, the police identified websites used to advertise sexual services to customers. Meanwhile, they were moving the victim to various motel rooms.
Advice for parents to protect their kids online
“We are seeing what seems like an increase in human trafficking,” Dickinson shared, but indicated they do not have specific stats at this time. He noted, in several of these cases law enforcement is seeing similar patterns in the way these young kids are being groomed via social media. Dickinson said those with bad intentions are taking advantage of attention seeking youth who share a lot of details about themselves. The predators also take advantage of the emotional upheaval teenagers often experience.
The police want to stress the importance of parents being aware of their child’s online usage and presence.
“Someone promising love, friendship seduces them out of the safety of their home and they are made to do all kinds of horrible acts,” Dickinson warned. He advised parents know their children’s online screen names and passwords.
He also stressed how important it is for them to have the names and phone numbers of the friends of their children. He suggested having their parent’s info as well. This information becomes critical in the event a child is missing.
