Prostitution In OKC

[BBatesokc]

Local high profile pimp and sex trafficker Germaine Coulter pled guilty to money laundering and drug charges yesterday. This is the same 'man' whose neighborhood I put on alert of his criminal enterprise and warrants were issued for his arrest the next day.

Man sentenced to 10 years in prison for role in prostitution, pandering enterprise | NewsOK.com

[JayhawkTransplant]

Brian, I'm curious whether your thoughts on JaRay Wilson and possible human trafficking have changed since the discovery of she and Carina Saunders' profiles on meetme.com?

[BBatesokc]

Brian, I'm curious whether your thoughts on JaRay Wilson and possible human trafficking have changed since the discovery of she and Carina Saunders' profiles on meetme.com?

I think the MeetMe profiles are just a coincidence. Just like the odd coincidence that Saunders' body was found the same day the house she was killed in was professionally demolished.

That said, I am in contact with her father and family members and some things are in the works. While I firmly believe she was initially a runaway, I do believe it is very possible that, that status has made her very susceptible to becoming victimized. Most of the underage girls we encounter on Robinson were initially runaways. Four people from Arizona were just charged in OKC with Human Trafficking a 16-yr old runaway.

Most Oklahomans would be in utter disbelief of how often our young women fall victim to trafficking.

[BBatesokc]

Article and video regarding No Boundaries Int'l's recent fundraiser event at Oak Tree Country Club.

No Boundaries Int’l 2nd annual fundraiser a success | JohnTV

[BBatesokc]

Oklahoma receives a "C" when it comes to child sex trafficking efforts according to study.

Oklahoma receives a “C” in its efforts to combat child sex trafficking according to study | JohnTV

[BBatesokc]

Two UCO students wrote a play entitled "VOICED: The Real Story of Prostituted Women"

It is being performed tonight at OU at 7:30pm. To be followed by a panel discussion with local professionals in the field; No Boundaries International, OATH and myself.

OUDaily.com | Student-written play hopes to bring awareness of sex trafficking

[Dubya61]

I see the DOK ran an article about a prostitution sting that snared 10 -- about 1/2 women and 1/2 men, as I recall. Brian: Is that normal? to go after the pimps, as well?

[BBatesokc]

I see the DOK ran an article about a prostitution sting that snared 10 -- about 1/2 women and 1/2 men, as I recall. Brian: Is that normal? to go after the pimps, as well?

I covered it too (in more detail).... OKC Vice arrest 11 during S. Robinson prostitution sting Monday | JohnTV

Was actually 11 arrests and then 3 more late that night from online stings.

One of the 'Johns' is rapist registered sex offender.

As for your question - overall the women are usually arrested 3-5x more often than the Johns. Seems like since myself and others have made a big issue over that fact the last several years that the arrests are tending to now even out.

None of those arrested were suspected pimps. Actually, pimp arrests are rare on a local level. Federal agents arrest far more pimps in this state than local PD's do.

However, under the new legal definitions of trafficking, many more pimps should be able to be arrested in the future.

A notorious pimp from OKC (Adrian Easlick), also a registered sex offender, is currently being transferred back to Oklahoma from Florida, where he was on the run.

Its actually very difficult to make a case against a pimp because it usually requires the ONGOING cooperation of the individual(s) he was pimping and that's not easy to do.

[Dubya61]

For some reason, I failed to think of the male arrests as 'Johns.' Thanks for the clarification.

Its actually very difficult to make a case against a pimp because it usually requires the ONGOING cooperation of the individual(s) he was pimping and that's not easy to do.

That's a shame. I know it's ignorantly thought of as a victimless crime, but the intimidation, coercion and assault on the esteem is incredible.

[BBatesokc]

For some reason, I failed to think of the male arrests as 'Johns.' Thanks for the clarification.

That's a shame. I know it's ignorantly thought of as a victimless crime, but the intimidation, coercion and assault on the esteem is incredible.

What the public has to do is realize prostitution is not a black and white issue. There are people who prostitute 100% by choice and those that prostitute 100% by force and then there are the gray areas in-between... Those whose pimp is their addiction, or women who are mentally handicapped, homeless or simply lack the ability and/or support to pursue anything else. Regardless, I have interviewed and spoken to women from all levels of prostitution - homeless addicts on the streets, women forced to prostitute within the Coulter/Diaz ring to three different women who have worked within the legal brothels in Nevada. Regardless of their level of consent, they were all broken women and when the pieces were put back together they rejected prostitution in all forms.

Probably the interview I did that has the biggest impact is the one with Yvonne.



I taped this in 2002. On Friday I go to visit her at a Salvation Army retreat near Tahlequah where she is the guest speaker.

[Dubya61]

Regardless of their level of consent, they were all broken women and when the pieces were put back together they rejected prostitution in all forms.

How do they go about putting the pieces back together? Is there an organization that does that locally? NBI? OATH? Others?
I take it Yvonne managed to put the pieces back together. How did she?
I don't mean to hog the thread. If you think this is best as PM, take it there.

[BBatesokc]

How do they go about putting the pieces back together? Is there an organization that does that locally? NBI? OATH? Others?
I take it Yvonne managed to put the pieces back together. How did she?
I don't mean to hog the thread. If you think this is best as PM, take it there.

Everybody is different, but most have to hit rock bottom before they even begin to look up and then forward. Then there are those that have managed to survive at rock bottom for so long that the never even attempt to help themselves.

All of the organizations locally do their part and we continue to do what is within our limits. Mine is awareness. Other groups have the resources to offer counseling and more. Often several groups come together to provide what is needed for a specific case - like getting someone away from a pimp in the middle of the night, and then getting that person out of state and into a safe house. From there she must be fed, clothed and her needs assessed. I've participated in such events many times.

But so much more needs to be done.

One resource recently left OKC and is apparently doing well in San Antonio.... Home is a step for victims seeking to get selves free of sex trafficking - San Antonio Express-News

Yvonne is one who hit rock bottom. She then was helped by local non-profits and churches. Often those most successful at getting off the streets turn to religion. Some simply exchange one addiction (drugs) for another (God). Others truly find peace in religion and more importantly create a new circle of influence around them.

[Achilleslastand]

What the public has to do is realize prostitution is not a black and white issue. There are people who prostitute 100% by choice and those that prostitute 100% by force and then there are the gray areas in-between... Those whose pimp is their addiction, or women who are mentally handicapped, homeless or simply lack the ability and/or support to pursue anything else. Regardless, I have interviewed and spoken to women from all levels of prostitution - homeless addicts on the streets, women forced to prostitute within the Coulter/Diaz ring to three different women who have worked within the legal brothels in Nevada. Regardless of their level of consent, they were all broken women and when the pieces were put back together they rejected prostitution in all forms.

Probably the interview I did that has the biggest impact is the one with Yvonne.



I taped this in 2002. On Friday I go to visit her at a Salvation Army retreat near Tahlequah where she is the guest speaker.

I may be mistaken but isnt she the one who turned her life around and at one point worked/owned a hair salon?

[BBatesokc]

I may be mistaken but isnt she the one who turned her life around and at one point worked/owned a hair salon?

Yep, that's her. She lives in Mississippi now.

[BBatesokc]

The Salvation Army is hosting a Human Trafficking Summit this Saturday (5/4/2013) at Crossing Community Church from 10am-2pm.

They are flying in Oklahoma sex trafficking survivor Yvonne (see video interview above).

Yvonne recently spoke at a women's retreat in Tahlequah.... (the video of her speech - not shot by me - Yvonne Adcock; 10 years later - YouTube )

More info on the summit here.... Human Trafficking Summit | A community banded together to combat a serious problem.

[BBatesokc]

Couple of updates for anyone interested.....

1.) Yvonne (see video of woman above) was one of two guest speakers at the Human Trafficking Summit. Below is her speech.

2013 Salvation Army Human Trafficking Summit (OKC, OK) Yvonne Speech - YouTube


2.) In a first for S. Robinson Ave. - lifelong S. Robinson Ave. pimp, drug dealer and violent criminal, Gerald Loud, aka 'G', died a few days ago from lingering medical issues. The ladies from No Boundaries International came forward and held his funeral at their new firehouse community center at SW 34 and S. Robinson Ave. It was Sunday at 3pm. About 30 people attended - including women he prostituted and men who openly identified themselves as fellow pimps. The gesture by NBI appears to have gone a long way in bridge building and opening lines of communication with those on the street and showing them that if they ever choose to get out of the life that there is an open non-judgemental door with NBI.

[Dubya61]

Couple of updates for anyone interested.....

1.) Yvonne (see video of woman above) was one of two guest speakers at the Human Trafficking Summit. Below is her speech.

2013 Salvation Army Human Trafficking Summit (OKC, OK) Yvonne Speech - YouTube


2.) In a first for S. Robinson Ave. - lifelong S. Robinson Ave. pimp, drug dealer and violent criminal, Gerald Loud, aka 'G', died a few days ago from lingering medical issues. The ladies from No Boundaries International came forward and held his funeral at their new firehouse community center at SW 34 and S. Robinson Ave. It was Sunday at 3pm. About 30 people attended - including women he prostituted and men who openly identified themselves as fellow pimps. The gesture by NBI appears to have gone a long way in bridge building and opening lines of communication with those on the street and showing them that if they ever choose to get out of the life that there is an open non-judgemental door with NBI.

It's kind of head-shaking in a way, but that last sentence (I bolded it) must speak volumes (and loudly) for what NBI is all about. Good to read, Brian.

[Achilleslastand]

Couple of updates for anyone interested.....

1.) Yvonne (see video of woman above) was one of two guest speakers at the Human Trafficking Summit. Below is her speech.

2013 Salvation Army Human Trafficking Summit (OKC, OK) Yvonne Speech - YouTube


2.) In a first for S. Robinson Ave. - lifelong S. Robinson Ave. pimp, drug dealer and violent criminal, Gerald Loud, aka 'G', died a few days ago from lingering medical issues. The ladies from No Boundaries International came forward and held his funeral at their new firehouse community center at SW 34 and S. Robinson Ave. It was Sunday at 3pm. About 30 people attended - including women he prostituted and men who openly identified themselves as fellow pimps. The gesture by NBI appears to have gone a long way in bridge building and opening lines of communication with those on the street and showing them that if they ever choose to get out of the life that there is an open non-judgemental door with NBI.

I would have to say that Yvonne looked pretty amazing.
+1

[BBatesokc]

I would have to say that Yvonne looked pretty amazing.
+1

She really did. We had her and the ladies with NBI over for dinner - it went until late that night and was a great time. She has come so far considering where she started.

[BBatesokc]

It's kind of head-shaking in a way, but that last sentence (I bolded it) must speak volumes (and loudly) for what NBI is all about. Good to read, Brian.

It really does. I am not fortunate enough to be such a forgiving person.

This is the Gerald Loud I will always remember and his victims are still suffering from his actions.....

[Plutonic Panda]

Did you make this video and are you the videovigilante???? That's awesome man, if that's the case!!!!

[boscorama]

Who let the cat out of the bag?

[BBatesokc]

Here is a video that was produced by No Boundaries International regarding prostitution in OKC. One of the women featured is Rusti Bates (no relation). She was killed by a hit-and-run driver and he was sentenced yesterday to 8-years in prison.

[Bill Robertson]

Brian, I said this once before and you said the problem was still bigger than I saw. But.......I go to Freedom Cycles at least twice a week. Usually almost every afternoon. Two years ago and before it was common to see 10 to 15 girls on Robinson between 29th and 44th. I still see an occasional girl but rarely. The efforts of No Boundaries, the neighborhood in general, yourself, and whoever else have greatly helped. I'm not saying it's time to say OK and move on but all involved need to accept pats on the back.

[BBatesokc]

Brian, I said this once before and you said the problem was still bigger than I saw. But.......I go to Freedom Cycles at least twice a week. Usually almost every afternoon. Two years ago and before it was common to see 10 to 15 girls on Robinson between 29th and 44th. I still see an occasional girl but rarely. The efforts of No Boundaries, the neighborhood in general, yourself, and whoever else have greatly helped. I'm not saying it's time to say OK and move on but all involved need to accept pats on the back.

Thanks. Actually, we have experienced a severely sharp decline in the persistent presence of street prostitutes along South Robinson Ave. for going on 6-8 months now. We know this for a fact because No Boundaries does regular street ministry a couple of times a week and the numbers are usually very low.

Also, arrests are down.

I believe it is a combination of increased awareness from law enforcement and the community, No Boundaries, prevalence and ease of access to the Internet for more of the street girls and the normal ebb and flow of prostitution traffic tied to weather, gas prices, the economy etc.

Only time will tell if it holds. But I do know the neighborhood welcomes the change and they have expressed that fact.

Unfortunately, I also heard from a police friend that a member of OKC Vice was spinning the decrease into a negative - claiming that just as many girls are out there but now we've spread them out all over the city, making it harder to do stings.

I am not buying this. There has been no increase in 911 dispatches for prostitution in areas of the city that previously did not have a problem and there has also not been an upsurge in arrests of Robinson prostitutes in other parts of the city that previously did not have prostitution problems.

I personally think its cops mad that they are not getting the credit and are having a harder time justifying overtime to do stings that produce no results.

I'm not sure where all the girls have gone. I do know of several persistent prostitutes that are off the streets because of No Boundaries and my efforts. I know this because they tend to friend my JohnTV Facebook page and then share their good news with me and volunteers.

I also know that several now use smart phones and simply work off the Internet instead of the streets and tend to stay full time in the hotels that are increasingly becoming slums around I-40 and Meridian (this is soon to become a big problem).

Here is a video of Yvonne - the former prostitute featured in the video several posts up from this. As you can see she has turned her life around and is a marvelous speaker on the topic.