F.L.I.P.

FLIP member Tracey Weidner of Tracey Weidner Legal and Investigative Services, LLC was recently awarded the 2008 Pro Bono Volunteer Award by the Oregon Paralegal Association for her investigative and service of process work performed for the clients of the association’s pro bono legal clinic.

In 2006 a small plane mysteriously disappeared with all those aboard.  FLIP member Jayne McElfresh of JMC Investigations, LLC in Arizona knew the pilot and has been following every possible lead to determine what happened.

On Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 9:00 pm Mountain time America’s Most Wanted will air part one in a two part series covering the events of this case.   The Fox News site will allow you to view the show, as well as an unedited interview with searchers.

FLIP member Nicole Bocra of Infinity Investigative Solutions in Arlington, VA appears on NBC Channel 12 News in a three part series on privacy and technology issues.  Watch the video clip for part one here.  Part two airs Monday, November 10 at 11:00pm, part two on Monday, November 17 at 11:00 pm.

LA Talk Radio, October 27th, 2008

Pastor Kerry Decker and Dottie Laster from Million Kids discuss with Allen the growing tragedy of human trafficking and how they are fighting to stop it. Listen in as Allen discusses with Kerry and Dottie this important issue, and how we can help stop human trafficking, and help the victims of it.

Listen

New Director Dottie Laster Brings Wealth of Anti-trafficking Experience

Congratulations, Dottie! From Million Kids:

Million Kids is proud to announce Dottie Laster as its new Director. According to UNICEF over one million children are trafficked annually worldwide. No child should be forced to become a sex worker or someone’s labor slave. At Million Kids, we are committed to ending this nightmare for children. We believe if the bad guys are harming so many children each year, then the good guys must help even more. And with Dottie Laster’s help, more and more children will find freedom and hope through the efforts of Million Kids.

Dottie Laster is a fearless freedom fighter working on behalf of victims of human trafficking. She is the former Administrator of the Orange County (California) Human Trafficking Task Force and has worked with anti-trafficking activists and law enforcement personnel throughout the United States and abroad. She brings to Million Kids the breadth of experience and depth of passion that this cause requires. We’re excited about the partnership of Dottie Laster and Million Kids. To learn more about Million Kids, visit our website.

FLIP member Bronwen Aker has been chosen among those to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her work with the Orange County, California Sheriff’s Department.

Special Assistant to the President and Acting Director of The White House Office of USA Freedom Corps Alison T. Young will be presenting the awards on Thursday, October 23rd, at 4:00 PM at the Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope located at 1 Hope Drive, Tustin, CA 92782.

As a Professional Service Responder (PSR) since 2002, Bronwen has donated hundred of hours to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  Using her considerable computer skills she has done everything from creating flyers to updating and maintaining web pages, most recently serving as the Site Administrator for the OCSD Community Services Blog.

“The thing that keeps me working with OCSD is that, although I have no desire to ride around in a squad car chasing after bad guys, there are things I can do to make life easier for the men and women who do just that. As the saying goes, it’s an honor and a privilege!” states Bronwen.

More on Bronwen Aker.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ene Taylor
CYH Magazine
(714) 244-8738
ene@cyhmagazine.com

COME JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF HUMANITY AT THE
HERITAGE HUMANITARIAN AWARDS AND FASHION SHOW TO BENEFIT UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL MISSION (USIM)

(October 3, 2008) Orange County, California – Lights, camera, fashion! On Sunday, November 9, the Heritage Humanitarian Awards (HHA) on behalf of United States International Mission (USIM) will recognize the amazing work of several individuals who have been a positive force in combating human trafficking/modern slavery in a one of a kind heritage fashion show. The efforts of our honorees have led to the rescue of many women and children sold into slavery, community awareness, policy/legal changes and education. This star-studded, red carpet event will be held at the prestigious Marconi Automotive Museum located at 1302 Industrial Drive, Tustin, California.  HHA targets philanthropists, business executive, law enforcement, politicians, and anyone with a desire to end this global nightmare, which afflicts over 30 million people.
Over the past five years, USIM have rescued over 100 young girls here in the United States and abroad from the jaws of traffickers.
The Heritage fashion Show will feature emerging ethnic designers such as Cynthia Bui, JnG and contemporary evening gown collection by Gigi Marie Couture.
Also showcased will be silent and live auction of fine jewelry and other one-of-a-kind items.
This event will present a platform for guests to see and hear first-hand the plight of  victims of human trafficking.
For Media, please submit Credentials to:
Ene Taylor
Celebrate Your Heritage (CYH) Magazine
ene@cyhmagazine.com
About: Heritage Humanitarian Awards (HHA) for charity was conceived by CYH magazine in partnership with Heaven on a Plate Catering and Gigi Marie Couture to bring hope to victimized women and children around the world while recognizing those individuals who are working tirelessly to stop the menace.
What: Heritage Humanitarian Awards and Fashion Show benefiting United States International Mission (USIM).
When: Sunday, November 9, 2008 (6 – 9pm) Red Carpet.
Where: 1302 Industrial Drive, Tustin (www.marconimuseum.org)
HONOREES: Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Mr. Nguyen Huu Chanh, Robert ‘Bobby’ McDonald, Ms. Dottie Laster and Dr. Ana Nogales
INVITED MEDIA/PRESS: CYH Magazine, OC Coast Magazine, Fox News local, DayBreak OC, 94.7 The Wave, IBLive TV, OC Register, LIVE OC, Vietstar, and more.
INVITED CELEBS: First Lady Maria Shriver, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, OC House Wives, Eva Mendes, Eva Longoria, Rick and Kay Warren, Shirley Lee Ralph, Garcelle, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland just to name a few. Invitations will be available closer to the show. *Event Details Subject To Modification
FOR RESERVATIONS/TICKET PURCHASE: Visit, www.heritagehumanitarianawards.com or Call (866) 403-1343 or 714 244 8738

Melinda Kidder, FLIP member, in the news:

I got an email this week from Melinda Kidder, a private detective with a heart for children’s issues.

She told me she came across information on the Internet showing that sex offenders are living and working within 1,000 feet of Columbia schools, preschools and daycare centers. “Isn’t that illegal?” she asked.

“I’m working a child molester case right now, and it just wears me down,” Kidder wrote. “Seeing that these guys and one gal are living close to schools is even more disturbing.”

I was disturbed, too. I did a little digging in an effort to separate fact from fiction.

(We believe that comments are needed)

Read more here

FLIP Member Dottie Laster will be a key speaker this week at the 83rd Annual World Association of Detectives Conference, an International Symposium for Human Rights Awareness, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration. The Denver, Colorado conference runs from Tuesday, September 16 through Saturday, September 20, 2008.

Laster is a past member of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance, a federal human trafficking task force in Texas, as well as former Administrator of the Orange County, California Human Trafficking Task Force.

For more information

FLIP member Melinda Kidder speaks out to protect a useful investigative tool.

Garbology Granted in Columbia, Missouri