The Web Page Blog of Alycia Martin. Alycia's true friends, sister Jennifer, and her pro bono attorney, Frank Cusumano, Jr., did not and will never give up on her or "write her off." Shame on all the false friends, family and others that did.
Pretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy and the film centers on down-on-her-luck prostitute named Vivian Ward (Julia Robert) who is hired by a wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) to be his escort for several business functions, and their developing relationship. Originally titled "$3,000," that title was dropped along with the entire theme of the original screenplay.
Pretty Woman was initially intended to be a dark drama about prostitution in Los Angeles but was turned into a romantic comedy by the film's producers, Laura Ziskin and Gary Goldstein. The screenplay itself, is far from "cute" or funny, and a small portion is excerpted below. Goldstein, a former criminal defense lawyer from San Francisco, claimed in an interview that writer Jonathan Lawton had written a "romantic comedy" while living among the poor and dispossessed in the slums of Hollywood, California. A plain reading of the script indicates that it is not a romantic comedy, but an urban tragedy and is linked below. Goldstein, is glibly comfortable with this appealing lie since he has made millions of dollars as a result. Ziskin's and Goldstein's unholy creation was more appealing then reality and turned in a huge financial success for the moguls of Hollywood. It became one of 1990's highest grossing films, and today is one of the most financially successful entries in the romantic comedy genre, with an estimated gross of $464 million USD. No other Hollywood movie has glamorized prostitution more, and caused more damage to an entire generation of young women. Of course, Ziskin and Goldstein, would not want any of their daughters, nieces or granddaughters to be prostitutes, but they eagerly present and promote this way of life to your children throughout America. Ironically, not everybody jumped on the Ziskin/Goldstein mammon bandwagon.
It should be noted that Ferrari and Porsche, declined the product placement opportunity of the car Edward drove, because they did not want to be associated with soliciting prostitutes.
Actresses who declined the Ziskin/Goldstein Faustian choice of commercial and financial rewards based on social consciousness and an awareness of problems faced by prostituted persons on a day to day basis were many. Molly Ringwald, who turned it down because she felt uncomfortable with the content in the script, and did not like the idea of playing a prostitute. Meg Ryan, turned it down. Michelle Pfeiffer turned the role down as well, because she did not like the "tone" of the script and its glamorization of prostitution. Daryll Hannah turned the role down because she believed it was "degrading to women" and sent the wrong message to young women. Jennifer Jason Leigh had auditioned for the part, but later decided not to do the movie after she read the script. Other actresses considered for the role of Vivian were Heather Locklear, Jodie Foster, Tatum O'Neal, Bridget Fonda, Lori Loughlin, Diane Lane, Sarah Jessica Parker and Brooke Shields all declined to play the role of Vivian.
Undeterred, Producer Ziskin, after all the other actresses turned down the role due to concerns about the portrayal of prostitution, auditioned a relative unknown, Julia Roberts, who needed the work and was able to "win" the role. Now this movie would be made to show young women how "cute, funny and romantic" prostitution is; how classy and gentleman-like (and rich, caring and sensitive) the johns are; and how if you sell your body and your dignity on the streets, you too can meet Mr. Right and live happily ever after. It is all a lie.
Hollywood Fantasy "Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood, land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don't; but keep on dreamin' - this is Hollywood. Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin'. " Quote from Happy Man, Pretty Woman 1990
Reality Jessica "Baby Girl" Brackett from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was a prostituted person. It should be noted that there were two men arrested and they are facing first degree murder charges with the possible sentence of death by lethal injection.
PRETTY WOMAN - Excerpt from the Original Script Titled "$3,000" before Producers Laura Ziskin and Gary Goldstein turned it into a "Cinderella Story."
KIT Vivian. Vivian looks at her, annoyed. VIVIAN Kit, what are you doing? KIT Waiting for you. It's fucking cold out there. VIVIAN It's not going to be any warmer tomorrow night. The Old Man waves at Vivian. OLD MAN Hi, Viv. VIVIAN (quickly, without looking at him) Hi. (to Kit) Let's get working. We've only got a couple hours before the street clears. KIT It's too cold. No one's out. VIVIAN They're out. Kit coughs so loudly and deeply that it's obvious she has emphysema. KIT Let's get high. Vivian grabs Kit by the shoulder and drags her toward the door. VIVIAN We're going to work. Come on. EXT. HOLLYWOOD BLVD. - NIGHT Vivian and Kit come out of the shop and onto the street. As they walk Kit wraps her arms tightly around her body to shield herself from the cold. She starts to cough again. KIT It's too cold. I'm gonna get sick. VIVIAN We've got to work. The rent's coming up. I'm not going to lose our place. KIT We'll make it up tomorrow. Let's get high. VIVIAN How much have you made tonight? KIT (hesitantly) Twenty. Vivian is angry. VIVIAN One fucking date? KIT I haven't felt good. VIVIAN I'm going to fucking kick you out if you don't start holding up your end! Kit's eyes water and she starts to sniffle. VIVIAN Don't cry on me. I'm not your mother. You promised to hold up your end or I wouldn't have let you move in. Kit wipes her eyes.
The 'prostitution problem' is a demand problem. The sociopath behavior of the johns, not the behavior of the prostituted person, vulnerable and victimized, is the true problem. The affluent, middle aged men, on their way home to the suburbs, driving their luxury automobiles, have all the choices (and control) in the world compared to the hapless young man or woman they "rent" and empty themselves into like some kind of human toilet.
Solve the 'john problem' through proper and just law enforcement, and you save lives and rescue young people from this modern incarnation of slavery. Not so surprisingly, providing real help to these young women (and men) results in the criminal activity actually being diminished. Can any sensible person really believe that a young woman or man wants to be in a hotel room on their knees, 'servicing' an aged dirty, fetid, obese, and disgusting, let alone 10-20 a day or whatever "quota" is set be the pimp or madame. Despite the Hollywood "Pretty Woman" fiction, given a choice, nearly 100% would choose to get out. Our society should actually help the hapless prostitute from being further trafficked and exploited; perhaps save some lives too. Unfortunately, misogynist attitudes such as in Troy, Michigan still pervade many police departments, City Halls and other arenas of so called "public trust."
An interesting article follows which flies in the face of those that argue that we should be more "like Europe" when it comes to prostitution. However, one might wonder if Michigan law enforcement officers in Troy Police Department don't enforce long established Michigan Statutes on the books, why would they be expected to enforce new or revised laws? Instead johns, in a sort of jocular "street justice," police on the scene decide; johns are released scot free, and the prostituted person is arrested and charged. Even more worrisome (and disgusting) is that the City of Troy Administration, Police Chief, and City Attorneys countenance such activities. Simply put, no one in Troy would stand up and admit to a mistake in policy. Meanwhile, no arrest warrant was/is sought against an identified "pimp" renting hotel rooms (actually using "reward" membership cards in renting the rooms) in the Troy City limits. What would make a person think that changing State Laws to punish solicitors could make any difference towards the discharge of their clear and codified duties as peace officers?
Fight prostitution by punishing the solicitors By HELEENMEES
Prostitution is virtually the only part of the personal services industry in the Netherlands that works. One can’t get a manicure in Amsterdam without booking an appointment two weeks in advance, but men can buy sex anytime — and at an attractive price. The legalization of prostitution in October 2000 merely codified a long-standing Dutch tradition of tolerance toward buying and selling sex. But is legalization the right approach?
Even in the Netherlands, women and girls who sell their bodies are routinely threatened, beaten, raped, and terrorized by pimps and customers. In a recent criminal trial, two German-Turkish brothers stood accused of forcing more than 100 women to work in Amsterdam’s red-light district (De Wallen). According to the attorney who represented one of the victims, most of these women come from families marred by incest, alcohol abuse and parental suicide. Or they come from countries in Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia and have fallen victim to human trafficking, lured by decent job offers or simply sold by their parents.
These women are Amsterdam’s leading tourist attraction (followed by the coffee shops that sell marijuana). But an estimated 50-90 percent of them are actually sex slaves, raped on a daily basis with police idly standing by. It is incomprehensible that their clients are not prosecuted for rape, but Dutch politicians argue that it cannot be established whether or not a prostitute works voluntarily.
Appalled by their daily routine, police officers from the Amsterdam vice squad have asked to be transferred to other departments. Only this year, the city administration has started to close down some brothels because of their ties to criminal organizations.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the average age of death of prostitutes is 34. In the United States, the rate at which prostitutes are killed in the workplace is 51 times that of the next most dangerous occupation for women, working in a liquor store. Other studies show that nine out of 10 prostitutes urgently want to escape the job. Almost half have attempted suicide at least once.
In 1999, the Swedish government decriminalized the sale of sex, but made it an offense to pimp or to buy sex. Under Sweden’s so-called Sex Purchase Law, paying for sex is punishable by fines or up to six months in prison, plus the humiliation of public exposure. According to the Swedish authorities, the number of prostitutes in Sweden has dropped 40 percent as a result. Human trafficking rings tend to avoid Sweden, because business has gone sour.
Norway, a country that has a reputation to lose when it comes to women’s rights, carefully compared the Swedish and Dutch models and concluded that Sweden’s was the one to follow. It has now changed its legislation accordingly.
AN ALL TOO FAMILIAR AND COMMON STORY - YOUNG WOMEN ARE, DUE TO FAMILY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ISSUES, CONVINCED THAT THEY ARE BEING "LOVED" BY THE PIMP, AND CALL HIM "DADDY."
"When I ran away from slavery, it was for myself; when I advocated emancipation, it was for my people; but when I stood up for the rights of women, self was out of the question, and I found a little nobility in the act." Frederick Douglass. 1881
In the year of Lincoln's 200th Birth Anniversary, it is easy to overlook Frederick Douglass. I think every student should be required to read his autobiography, both for its literary content, composition, and moral imperatives. Douglass spent his life advocating for the dispossessed and marginalized; he is a giant and his writings effect people to this day.
Alycia's long road has finally forked away from the City of Troy on February 26, 2008. Alycia was jailed at the request of the City of Troy Probation Department, and I visited her on Friday, February 6, 2009. She was sitting all curled up and crying in the jail clinic holding cell with 4 other women. The first night in jail, she went into false labor, and the jail personnel had to take her to the hospital. She was dehydrated and needed a saline IV. Alycia was nauseated and vomiting. The jail deputy said they would notify the Judge. I have no further comment about the treatment of Alycia by any persons involved in her arrest, prosecution, sentencing or incarceration. Sufficed to say, she stood in jail until the conclusion of her 5 day jail sentence, which speaks for itself.
I don't know what Thomas Athans did the night of Friday, February 5, 2009, or any of the next four nights Alycia was in jail. "Dewayne Johnson" or whatever he calls himself probably moved a few young women around and collected his $3,000 to $4,000 dollars a night. The Detectives, the Court staff, the Troy Probation officer involved, all the City Attorneys and staff were probably at home with their families. I do know what Alycia was doing. Alycia spent her night on a plastic bench in the Oakland County Jail crying and vomiting. What exactly was she guilty of? By accident of birth in a lower income strata of society Alycia is simply treated differently. Alycia is guilty of being poorer than Thomas Athans. I have been told that when Alycia as a small child would sing at County competitions and fairs in Massachusetts. Her sister says she was unbelievably talented singer.
Alycia also wrote poetry and had a book of poems she had collected since childhood. That book, along with all her clothing, identification and family photographs, was taken from her by the pimp and she never saw it again. My wife and I are going to buy her another book so she can start writing poetry again.
The Oakland County Sheriffreleased her at 12:30 PM, and my wife, Julianne and I drove the "circuit" (Macomb Township to Pontiac to Detroit to Macomb Township) probably for the last time. We got back to our house at 2:50 AM. We had brought the baby shower gifts to Alycia at Court, but as you know, she was thrown in jail. Alycia took them on Monday morning. No one except Alycia's sister showed up at the baby shower on Tuesday, February 3, 2009.
After we picked her up from the jail, Alycia immediately fell asleep when she got into the car and slept the entire way home. My wife was shocked at the number of cars and people waiting at the back of the jail for prisoner release. Julianne said if she hadn't married me she never would have imagined the numbers of people jailed or seen the entire subculture. The siren sounds, flashing red lights, and and a huge garage door lifts and the prisoners come wandering out of the intensely lit interior of the jail into the night in a daze, similar to a scene from Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Alycia said the prisoners were lying on the floors and sleeping on cots in the common areas in the jail. Alycia told me that after I visited her on Friday, that is when she stopped crying. It really matters to people in her situation that people (usually family) step up and show them that they matter. I told her I visited her because I wanted to make sure she was alright. I gave her a message from my wife to think about her baby and how lucky she was to be with her fiance. I told her it was going to be okay and how it was all for the best that it all be over with.
I told my Julianne that under different circumstances, I am sure the pimp would be there to pick up a girl after she was jailed, and fill her with hate, anger and fear of the police and the Courts. We were just glad she was safe and sound.
Alycia said how happy she was that she never had to go to jail again; how nice it was to breathe fresh air; and not owe any more money to the City of Troy Probation Department. As Alycia was being led away to jail, in handcuffs, and crying, the Assistant City Attorney asked the Court to impose more fines and costs to be assessed against her.
Judge Bolle, denied the City of Troy request, and stated, "this case is over."
Woman in prostitution case gets 5 days in jail BY KORIE WILKINS • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • February 6, 2009 In tears, the Westland woman accused of accepting money for sex from the husband of U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., began serving five days in jail Thursday for violating the terms of her probation.
Alycia Martin, 21, was sentenced in August to 6 months of probation on a misdemeanor trespassing charge after she was arrested in a prostitution sting in February 2008 at a Troy hotel.
Police allege Martin performed oral sex on Tom Athans, Stabenow's husband. Athans was not charged in exchange for his assistance in the case.
According to court officials, Martin had not showed up for mandatory drug and alcohol testing since September.
Her pro bono attorney Frank Cusumano Jr. repeatedly has said Martin, who makes less than $100 a week working in a fast food restaurant, could not afford to pay for the testing. "My car breaks down every other day," said Martin, shortly before she was led away by an Oakland County Sheriff's Office deputy. "There's nothing I can do. I can't walk here. And I don't have money for gas most of the time."
But 52-4 District Judge William Bolle said it didn't seem Martin was going to be able to comply with her probation.
Cusumano said Martin, who dropped out of high school in ninth grade and has been on her own since she was in her late teens, is working to get her GED.
"Alycia will get through this," Cusumano said. "She'll serve her time. I don't know why he'd throw her in jail, but it underscores the whole thing. There is a disparity between wealth and poverty."
On February 5, 2009, Judge Bolle of the 52-4 District Court, Troy, Michigan, revoked Alycia Martin's HYTA status and sentenced her to 5 days in the Oakland County Jail without comment. The rationale behind that violation of probation was that Martin had failed to comply with certain PBT test requirements, drug screenings, and payment of fines and costs. It should be noted that Alycia Martin had submitted to drug screenings (and tested negative) and paid fines and costs, however, not enough by the terms of the Probation. Despite no allegation that Alycia Martin had actually done anything "wrong" (other then present proof of the negative), she was violated and jailed. The alleged violations were for failure to pay fees and complete the schedule of probation department ordered tests. Those tests all are independently administered and must be paid at the time of service, otherwise, the defendant is not allowed to take the test and is subject to violation of probabtion, The Court was aware, prior to sentencing Alycia to jail, that Alycia's gas and electric had been shut off because of her inability to pay the utility companies. Any rumors that Alycia Martin has done anything illegal or wrong, including criminal activity, or drug use are simply untrue and false. Martin is simply too impoverished to comply with the terms of probation imposed by the Court at her sentencing, and it was just a matter of time before she was violated.
"Threat to the Victim Thomas Athans or the Public Ms. Martin was not a threat to the alleged victim Thomas Athans, or the public. Martin is simply a young woman that was in trouble in her life.
Summary of Progress and Substantial Compliance
February 26, 2008 through present Martin has had no contacts with law enforcement for violations of any laws and appeared at every Court scheduled appearance in Wayne, Warren, and Troy (after having pro-bono defense counsel appear on her behalf).
April 29, 2008 Martin turns herself in. July 22, 2008 Martin obtains her first driver’s license, and registers to vote. November 7, 2008 Martin votes for the first time in a Presidential election. August 2008 - present Martin has found gainful work, (albeit part-time); Cares for up to three children at home; Is expecting a child of her own; Re-established a relationship with her father; Martin has paid her bills without resorting to the lure of "easy money" by being an exotic dancer/stripper; Martin has tested negative for drug use in all the tests she has taken; Made payments on the testing to the extent she is capable without any help from outside sources; Martin has sat for and tested on the first half of the GED and could only not complete the second half due to an infection which she had to seek medical treatment; Martin has also reported to Probation for her interviews although Probation feels there should have been more interviews, more PBTs, more drug screens and more fees paid.
Conclusion: Martin has clearly demonstrated that she is trying to regain her life. Martin has come a long way from being alone, hungry, destitute and desperate in a Troy Motel room. Martin took the opportunity to turn herself in and face the charges. It was Martin that said "I don’t want this for my life." At sentencing Martin took responsibility for her actions and has faced the consequences. Martin has publically described the event as a blessing in disguise. Martin bears no ill will toward the Troy SIU, the City Attorney’s office or Thomas Athans and only wishes to move on with her life if allowed to do so.
Martin has substantially complied with the terms of her HYTA terms. The only failure by Martin has been due to her poverty, which was well known since day one of this case. All Martin needed was a credible opportunity and someone to help her regain her dignity and self worth. It has been a formidable process ending the cycle of fear of the Courts and the Police for this young woman.
It was well known both before and after sentencing that Martin could not financially comply with the terms of the HYTA sentence because she simply did not have the financial means to comply. Repeatedly, these facts were brought up in open court. None of that mattered, however. Martin is due to be released Monday, February 9, 2009.
Troy police indicated (under oath) that Thomas Athans was threatened with charges and forfeiture. View the pictures and you decide whether this rings true. Pay particular attention to the final frames where the police officer actually shakes Athans' hand.
This case struck a nerve in the people of Michigan. Many observers have strong opinions and feelings about it. People of conscience, and particularly residents of Troy Michigan, have expressed concern about what occurred in the case of People of Troy v. Alycia Martin. There is a famous poem which bears on a basic instinct to help people victimized or oppressed:
"In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist; And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist; And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew; And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up."
Aside from the basic human instinct to help a person in obvious danger and distress, it is also a matter of civic responsibility, since Roman times, to avoid inequity in the application of law. Every citizen is only one charge away from sitting in Alycia Martin's chair, and if there is a rich and powerful person on the other side of a controversy or engaged in an alleged criminal act, and the public office holders automatically side with that person because of their political or economic station, then you will be broken. Make no mistake about it.
Thomas Athans resides in a suburban home on a golf course, and is the spouse of a sitting US Senator.
In contrast, Alycia Martin currently lives in Detroit, Michigan.
On February 26, 2008, the Troy Police abandoned their sworn duty to uphold the laws equally against Alycia and against the confessed john, Thomas Athans. It has been argued that the only reason Thomas Athans was released and allowed to drive away from his confessed crime, and on a suspended license was because of his position and marriage to a sitting U.S. Senator.
The "activity" of allowing Athans to drive away on a suspended license (MCL 257.904) is separate and apart from the "activity" of taking is spontaneous confession to criminal acts and not arresting the individual on the spot. Athans written and oral statement supported arrest and charges as follows: Engaging a Prostitute (MCL 750.449a); Soliciting a Prostitute (MCL 750.448); Disorderly Person (750.167(1)(i)(j)); Sodomy statute (MCL 750.158); Troy City Ordinances: 98.03.11 - Frequent Place of Illegal Business; 98.03.12 - Solicit Illegal Acts; and 98.03.10 -Transport to Place of Illegal Acts.
The reader can decide for themselves the "truth" about why, how, and when this case was handled by the Troy Police Department.
MCL 92.4 Police officers; powers; duties. Sec. 4. Under the direction of the mayor and chief of police, and in conformity with the ordinances of the city and laws of this state, the police shall... apprehend a person in the act of violating a law of this state, or an ordinance of the city.... take the offender before the proper court or magistrate, to be dealt with for the violation; make complaints to the proper officers and magistrates of any person known or believed by them to be guilty of the violation of the ordinances of the city or the penal laws of the state or to be responsible for a violation of an ordinance or law of this state designated as a civil infraction; diligently and faithfully to enforce all laws, ordinances, and regulations for the preservation of good order and the public welfare as the council may ordain...
MCL 752.11 Upholding or enforcing the law; duty of public officials. Sec. 1. Any public official, appointed or elected, who is responsible for enforcing or upholding any law of this state and who wilfully and knowingly fails to uphold or enforce the law with the result that any person's legal rights are denied is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Of course, many observers have questioned how the Troy Police can rely on far flung legal exceptions to the search warrant requirement of a hotel room, but ignore their duty under Michigan Statute, MCL 92.4 and MCL 752.11, and ignore the plethora of criminal acts of Athans under the Troy City Code and Michigan Compiled Laws.
The reader can make an informed and reasoned conclusion based on the facts.
Moreover, equal enforcement of the laws against Johns, while practiced uniformily by all surrounding jurisdictions, is not a novel notion of law enforcement nationally. In fact Courts have recognized that basic fairness requires it, in case law from over 80 years ago:
"Men caught with women in an act of prostitution are equally guilty, and should be arrested and held for trial with the women. The law is clear, and the duty of the police is to act in pursuance of the law. The practical application of the law as heretofore enforced is an unjust discrimination against women in the matter of an offense which, in its very nature, if completed, requires the participation of men. . . As long as the law is upon the statute books, it must be impartially administered without sex discrimination."People v. Edwards, 180 N.Y.S. 631, 635 (Ct. Gen. Sess. 1920).
Most critically objective observers have concluded that the only reason Alycia Martin was arrested and charged is because she was vulnerable and impoverished. The only reason Thomas Athans was released and not charged for his confessed crimes was because he is powerful and wealthy. It should be noted that despite pronouncements of caring for the less fortunate members of society, no one from Senator Stabenow's office or any other public office offered help for Alycia Martin. Instead, dozens of "little people," people of conscience, and members of the religious community offered their assistance.
The law applies to all citizens, no one is above it, and Alycia Martin, or any impoverished person is not below it either. Police cannot be allowed to pick and chose who to enforce the laws against. This goes for Troy, Westland, Lansing, Detroit, and anywhere else in the State of Michigan, and even Washington, D.C.
Michigan woman creates program to help women escape prostitution, drug abuse by Associated Press, Stephanie Esters Kalamazoo Gazette Monday March 24, 2008, 8:29 AM Courtesy of Anneshia Freeman
Anneshia Freeman is a Grand Rapids resident who created a program called "The Lies That Bind," to help women escape prostitution and drug abuse.
NEW YORK -- The call girl in the Eliot Spitzer scandal appeared to be leading a glamorous life -- staying in an upscale Manhattan high-rise, traveling to seduce powerful men in swanky hotel rooms, making more than $4,000 in one night.
But the reality for most prostitutes is far different.
Many come from broken homes, were homeless at some point, were abused as children and suffer from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, said Mary Anne Layden, director of the Sexual Trauma and Psychopathology Program in the Center for Cognitive Therapy at the University of Pennsyvania. She said many are not making any money because of a drug habit and a pimp or madam who takes half their earnings.
"The idea of 'Pretty Woman' is a huge lie," said Layden, referring to the hit movie about a man (played by Richard Gere) who hires a prostitute (Julia Roberts) and falls in love with her. "Most prostitutes spiral downward." Former prostitute and drug addict Anneshia Freeman, 43, from the Grand Rapids suburb of Wyoming, echoed Layden's opinion.
"'Pretty Woman' is a lie," said Freeman, who now tries to help other women leave prostitution and make different choices through a program she created called The Lies That Bind -- The Legacy of the Locks.
"I believe that (the Spitzer Ashley Alexandra Dupre) story, and stories like that, can contribute to the illusion that prostitution is some sort of classy, glamorous career," she said. "It's dehumanizing, demoralizing, degrading and debilitating."
About three years ago, Freeman worked with the Prostitution Alternatives Coalition of Kalamazoo -- which included representatives from the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office, the county's Health and Community Services Department and the -- to help prostitutes get out of the profession.
'Horrible re-enactment'
Of her own 15 years as a prostitute, Freeman said: "It was a horrible adult re-enactment of my childhood script. I was abused as a child. I was trained to be a prostitute by my molester." Freeman grew up in Detroit, where she lived with her mother, whom she described as an undiagnosed paranoid schizophrenic, and a male family member, who she says sexually abused her.
She started using marijuana and drinking when she was 11 years old and left home when she was 12 to live with an older brother and his family. She became pregnant at age 15 by a guy she was seeing, and her mother sent her to a girls' school in Pennsylvania. She then gave birth to a daughter and over the years has had three other children.
It was while Freeman was working in Chicago in 1985 as a 21-year-old executive secretary that she was introduced to cocaine. She developed a $300- to $400-a-day habit and started working as a prostitute.
Freeman said she saw drug dealers and pimps trying to "enslave" women by wrecking their self-esteem and by withholding or bestowing affection.
She said she later realized that through prostitution she was trying to make emotionally unavailable people respond to her or like her. "I was trying to find some way to fix that script," Freeman said, referring to the dysfunctional life patterns she kept repeating. "There was nothing glamorous about it."
What made her decide to change her life? "I was sick and tired of being broke, homeless, beaten, raped, ridiculed and mocked all day," said Freeman, who had already gone through about 15 tries at rehabilitation. "I was almost beaten to death several times. The last time I was beaten by a drug dealer that I spent hundreds of dollars a day with. I still have a bone that sticks up in my shoulder from when he stomped me into the floor.
"I was running down the street covered in blood with my clothes half torn off me, screaming at the top of my lungs, ducking in and out of traffic ducking bullets. After beating me, he went across the street to his house and got a gun. He was shooting at me as I ran down the street. I surrendered that day."
She said she got high a few more times and worked the street again in a different neighborhood, but she knew that kind of life was over for her. "I walked away from the dope house and prostitution for the last time on Aug. 7, 2000," she said. Freeman said she has been able to stay away from drugs and prostitution with the help of God and a 12-step program.
She has since earned an associate's degree in computer-application technology and a bachelor's degree in business. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in business administration. 90 percent want out
Melissa Farley, a research psychologist who has been studying prostitution for the past 14 years, has interviewed 900 prostitutes in 10 countries. She said about 90 percent say they want to get out.
University of Chicago economist Steven Levitt, of "Freakonomics" fame, recently studied street-level prostitution in Chicago, and estimated there were about 4,400 prostitutes active there in an average week. They made an average of about $25 an hour, a far cry from the thousands of dollars charged by the Emperor's Club VIP, whose sexual services former New York Gov. Spitzer is said to have used.
Former prostitute Norma Hotaling, who walked the streets and worked for an escort service, said it felt glamorous at first. "I felt an incredible sense of power," she said. "'Here's a way I can make money. I can work any hours that I want to work. I can call my own shots. I don't have to take the dates I don't want. It's like, 'I have my own business. Isn't this amazing?'"
But those feelings didn't last long. She was addicted to heroin; she was homeless at times; she was beaten and raped. She began to be horrified that her livelihood depended on sex with strangers on a regular basis.
"It makes it so appealing to think that it's an easy life, and it's not," Hotaling said. "You don't find a whole lot of women speaking out about how glamorous it was." Dupre's strugglesDupre -- the 22-year-old identified as "Kristen" in court documents accusing Spitzer of paying thousands for prostitutes' services -- doesn't seem to be "Pretty Woman" either. Her MySpace page portrays her as a New Jersey native who left a broken home to pursue a music career in New York. "I have been alone," she wrote. "I have abused drugs. I have been broke and homeless. But, I survived, on my own."
Dupre has not commented about her life as a prostitute, except to tell The New York Times she does not want to be thought of as a monster. Madeleine Dash, a sex worker and co-founder of the Sex Workers Action New York, said "Kristen" proves that not all prostitutes are forced into this line of work out of desperation.
But Farley says prostitution is a dead-end -- literally. Homicide, she says, is the most frequent cause of death for women in prostitution. Gazette staff writer Stephanie Esters contributed to this report.
It is the latest stark example of how Troy Police Department's putative enforcement method of the Michigan Prostitution statutes: arresting only the alleged prostitute(s) and letting the alleged Johns walk "scot-free" compares to neighboring law enforcement. Even in the often maligned (usually unfairly) City of Detroit, johns and panderers are investigated, arrested, charged and otherwise held accountable for their actions within the city limits. Troy's stated policy is not the policy of neighboring jurisdictions in Michigan. Recently, the Wayne County Sheriff Department SIU, under the leadership of Sheriff Evans, conducted a sting operation against a home and its occupants in Southwest Detroit, Michigan on December 7, 2008. Undercover officers infiltrated the activity - obtained a search warrant (not relying on far flung case law and poorly understood "exceptions" to the 4th Amendment requirement) and effectuated their arrests against the entire operation.
As reported by the Detroit News: Sheriff: Detroit mom hosted sex party using underage girls George Hunter / The Detroit News "DETROIT -- A 39-year-old woman was arrested early this morning after allegedly hosting a sex party that involved two 16-year-old girls -- one of whom was the woman's daughter -- and 19 prostitutes. The woman charged $15 cover charge for the party in her home on Cherrylawn near Curtis on Detroit's west side, Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans said. *** Evans said officers who executed the search warrant were surprised to find out the mother of one of the underage girls was hosting the party. *** When officers raided the home, they found the two underage girls dancing partially nude. There were about 20 adult men inside the home; in addition to the $15 cover charge, they paid whatever each prostitute charged for sex, Evans said. It is not clear whether either of the underage girls were offering sex for money. 'It's pretty safe to assume that it would have lead to (prostitution) eventually in that environment," Evans said. "Thankfully, we were able to shut this party down before things got that far.' Most of the prostitutes and johns were ticketed and released, but the girl's mother was arrested, as were three men who were involved in operating the party, Evans said. All face charges of Operating a House of Illegal Occupation, but the mother likely will face additional charges. *** Police also confiscated three handguns and marijuana, ecstasy pills and heroin, along with several hundred dollars in cash. The money is believed to be proceeds from the party. Approximately 10 vehicles also were impounded." You can reach George Hunter at (313) 222-2134 or ghunter@detnews.com.
Of course, many critics have argued that Troy SIU would never have allowed a "little person" to walk away after confessing to their crime as they did Thomas Athans on February 26, 2008, however, it should be noted that Troy SIU conducted a similar raid to their February 26, 2008, operation in May 2008, and in that instance released the johns "scot free" and arrested and charged the two alleged prostitutes.
In a bizarre, shameful and inappropriate twist, the police proudly displayed tables to the television media festooned with condoms and lubricants, reminiscent of displays when a large drug cache seizure had taken place. Mothers throughout the broadcast area of the local network (WDIV) were left to explain to their small children the meaning of the artistically arranged sex items, displayed as if merchandised for sale. The poor judgment of this action was reinforced by the poor judgment of the television media, which broadcast the ill conceived public relations fiasco.
The Wayne County Sheriff Department should be congratulated on their raid. This operation was a job well done. Responsible law enforcement was conducted in a logical, reasonable and efficient manner. Next the judicial system will sort things out for the well being of these prostituted women, proceed in the forfeiture of the automobiles involved, deal with, punish and educate the johns, and look after the underage 16 year old daughter, rather then officers at the scene dispensing "street justice" and letting the johns go "scot free" in their cars and home to their families.
Earlier this year, the City of Warren which neighbors Troy, Michigan, took steps to enforce the statutes of Michigan relative to prostitution in their community. After personally viewing the situation with patrolling police officers, Mayor Jim Fouts concluded - as have most reasonable observers - the myth that prostitution is a "victimless crime" is a dangerous misconception for a normal, socially conscientious and healthy community.
Unlike the City of Troy Police Department's seriously flawed handling of the Thomas Athans/Alycia Martin case, and the "special" handling of the Elliott Spitzer/Ashley Dupre case in New York (with contacts taking place in Washington, D.C.) Mayor Jim Fouts and the Warren Police undercover officers took on the entire operation in their sting, not just the targetting the vulnerable woman being prostituted, as in the Alycia Martin case. It should be noted that most critics of the Troy Police Department's handling of the Martin case agree: if the women are doing illegal activities, then they should be prosecuted, but to release the johns "scot-free" is morally wrong and sends the wrong message. Law enforcement must enforce all the laws against violators irrespective of wealth, social standing, or political influence. If the failure to charge Thomas Athans and release him to drive on a suspended license is perceived as wrong and a "double standard," then failure to vigorously and actively pursue the pimp and handlers is reprehensible, outrageous and shameful.
It is posited by the Troy Police Department that the physical arrest, and filing of charges against the prostituted 20 year old girl; hitting her with forfeiture proceeding (taking all her money); and publicizing her identity, while not arresting or ticketing the alleged john, is somehow going to magically force or encourage the cooperation and testimony by young girl against the pimp handler. In this so called police methodology, the admitted john is joked with and befriended, told not to worry, and treated deferentially. The prostituted woman is searched, arrested, processed, charged, and prosecuted. When examined objectively, this pretext is shamefully false, especially in light of a neighboring jurisdiction's commitment to traditional enforcement techniques.
Dilligent police work seems to work successfully in Warren, Michigan, yet is "impossibly difficult" in neighboring Troy. Special Investigations Division's efforts in the Warren Police Department resulted in the following arrests, hardly a failure by any standards:
(Excerpted from Warren Police Department Web Site) "Warren Mayor Jim Fouts is publishing the names of individuals arrested for such crimes on the city’s Web site and in the future, on TV Warren cable channels. October 17, 2008, Commissioner William Dwyer announces that in a continuing effort to stop prostitution within the city of Warren, officers of the Warren Police Special Investigation Division arrested nine subjects. This sting operation occurred on October 16, 2008 at a local hotel in the city of Warren. The females arrested in this incident all reside in the tri-county area and charged anywhere from $150-$250 an hour for their services.As a result of this operation the following individuals were arrested and warrant requests were presented to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. After reviewing the files, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s authorized the following: ROBERTA ANTIONETTELOBERT, a 34-year-old Sterling Heights resident, was arraigned on a two-count misdemeanor warrant charging her with: Count 1: Prostitution, 93-day misdemeanor, and Count 2: Use of the Internet in commission of a crime, one-year misdemeanor. KATRINA LYNN SAHABI, a 21-year-old West Bloomfield resident, was arraigned on a two-count misdemeanor warrant charging her with:Count 1: Prostitution, 93-day misdemeanor, and Count 2: Use of the Internet in commission of a crime, one-year misdemeanor. CELESTE MARIE VALASTEK, a 27-year-old Memphis resident, was arraigned on a three-count misdemeanor warrant charging her with:Count 1: Prostitution, 93-day misdemeanor,Count 2: Conspiracy to commit Prostitution, 93-day misdemeanor, andCount 3: Use of the Internet in commission of a crime, one-year misdemeanor.
MARIE ALLEN THOMPSON, a 25-year-old White Lake resident, was arraigned on a three-count misdemeanor warrant charging her with:Count 1: Prostitution, 93-day misdemeanor,Count 2: Conspiracy to commit Prostitution, 93-day misdemeanor, and Count 3: Use of the Internet in commission of a crime, one-year misdemeanor. SHANNON NICOLE HENDERSON, a 29-year-old Detroit resident, was arraigned on a three-count misdemeanor warrant charging her with:Count 1: Prostitution, a 93-day misdemeanor,Count 2: Use of the Internet in commission of a crime, one-year misdemeanor and Count 3: Driving on a Suspended License, a one-year misdemeanor. WENDELL POLK, a 36-year-old Detroit resident, was arraigned on a four-count misdemeanor warrant charging him with:Count 1: Prostitution, 93-day misdemeanor,Count 2: Conspiracy to commit Prostitution, one-year misdemeanor,Count 3: Possession of Marijuana, one-year misdemeanor, and Count 4: Operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license, 93-day misdemeanor
MICHAEL DWAYNE EDMONDS, a 47-year-old Southgate resident, was arraigned on a two-count misdemeanor warrant charging him with:Count 1: Prostitution, 93 day misdemeanor, and Count 2: Conspiracy to commit Prostitution, one-year misdemeanor. MIGUEL ANTONIO ELIZONDO, a 43-year-old Southgate resident, was arraigned on a three-count warrant charging him with:Count 1: Accepting earnings from Prostitution, a twenty-year felony,Count 2: Prostitution, 93-day misdemeanor, and Count 3: Conspiracy to commit Prostitution, one-year misdemeanor. ***** Officers also seized five vehicles pending forfeiture proceedings, along with $696.00 in cash, several cell phones, a laptop computer and a digital camera.Commissioner William Dwyer states, “This type of criminal activity will not be accepted nor tolerated in the city of Warren. The Warren Police Department is committed to the investigation and prosecution of any individuals who participate in this criminal enterprise.” http://www.cityofwarren.org/default.asp?area_2=police/prostitution.dat&area_7=nav/police.dat&area_5=police/right.dat&objectid=C27B0E0&ml_index=13&NC=3466X Case in point: The Warren Police managed to arrest all participants and charged an alleged panderer with the 20 year felony.
This operation is true law enforcement of the statutes, and the City of Warren and it's Police Department should be commended for a job well done as leaders for the region as they "strive" to address the issue in their community.
Sadly, one the alleged prostitutes arrested in this sting operation has passed away. It is the point and argument of this blog that prostituted women caught up in this industry should be helped, not punished, and treated with compassion and dignity. Accordingly, at the request of her family and friends, her photograph and references to her have been removed from this blog. Law enforcement should focus their resources on the predators of these young women, the "johns" and the "sex industrialists." Her loss is a loss to every responsible and conscientious citizen.
Where police and responsible members of the citizenry neglect or fail to act, prostituted women are victims, drained of life and hope. One can hardly imagine that a woman would "choose" this life. The only choice usually is to choose to live and not be homeless, hungry, and alone. Likewise, Johns, if forced to face the consequence of their actions, educated, and their activities publicized would not continue their use of other human beings for their selfish needs and gratification. Investigation, arrest and prosecution the predatory pimps, handlers, bottoms and security members of the ring would, as believed by most reasonable observers, comprehensively address this criminal activity. Arresting only the prostituted woman hardly seems to scratch the surface. Both the demand end (the john/user) and the supply distribution end (the pimp) are left untouched. It is disgraceful where only the prostituted person (the product) it targeted for arrest and prosecution.
All jurisdictions in Southeastern Michigan should follow the lead set by the City of Warren Police Department.
Since the creation of this blog, there have been a series of comments left which express a belief that prostitution is a career choice, and that it should be decriminalized as in Europe. It should be noted that all comparisons to European laws, systems of government, and political processes for purposes of effecting social policy change is not an American tradition and should not be. What I mean by this is that this country, and the New World generally, was founded as the antithesis of the European model. In fact, the United States has been the progressive engine of paradigms for all social, political, and economic solutions for European nations, not the other way around. All one need do is ask a grandparent or any naturalized American citizen about the "old country."
Citizens of the United States should question how the European political elite treat the lower class members of their population. Should a woman be forced to become a prostitute to avoid losing government unemployment benefits? Yes, that is how Europe now deals with it's unemployed women. This is a fact and well documented. http://fathersforlife.org/feminism/chastity_is_a_crime.htm
Of course, most people who have seriously looked at the phenomenon of prostitution reject Europe's misguided public policies and realize that it simply the exploitation of women, and usually imported third world nation women. Another aspect of this case which has struck this writer most profoundly is the willingness, even eagerness, of some persons to judge Alycia Martin. Some comments have been vitriolic, and in extreme circumstances, actually rationalize the motivations of the users of these women. The comments relative to Alycia have ranged from, "she made her choice," to "she deserves what she gets." It appears that the commentators' perspective is that Alycia or any person, male or female, similarly situated has "chosen" to be where they are, and therefore, no one should care about what becomes of them. Additionally, there has been regionalism interjected, i.e. Westland a/k/a/ "Wasteland" is where the "trash" of Southeastern Michigan resides. Finally, there is the opinion that Alycia is responsible for the alleged actions of Thomas Athans and that the embarrassment caused to Senator Stabenow is Alycia's fault. A far more progressive approach is that taken by defense counsel and his wife. The young woman should be given help to break out. Alycia Martin, or any person similarly situated, deserves a chance at a dignified fulfilling life, period. To condemn a person to a life of sexual servitude by accident of birth is unconscionable and UN-AMERICAN. Few of these critics know what it is actually like to be emotionally and economically adrift. When a person has no place to live and drifts from home to home of friends, acquaintances and near strangers in order to eat and stay warm, they make a "choice" to eat, stay warm and survive. In an arrest record in Wayne Michigan, Alycia was arrested on an outstanding warrant in a house which was in foreclosure. There are thousands of these homes where the owners just walked away. The report indicates that a half dozen young people were living in the abandoned house. Again, the need for shelter, particularly in sub zero weather is a "choice" few have had to make. The range of human experience is a finite bandwith, there are thousands of young people, "throw aways" living under these circumstances. Some would consciously "chose" to ignore them. If they are young and attractive, they are quickly assimilated into the sex industry as strippers, escorts, or prostitutes.
On the issue of being an exotic dancer, many persons have adjudged Alycia of moral turpitude. However, as any person with more education and job skills knows looking for a job in Southeastern Michigan knows, it is difficult and practically impossible to find any work. If you would like proof of this fact, put an ad on http://www.craigslist.com/ for any employment position, and you will receive literally hundreds of emails of local men and women out of work. Since her arrest on February 26, 2008, Alycia has had not contacts with law enforcement. Alycia has only been able to find part-time work in fast food. Granted there is a choice made. However, if the menu is limited such as the popular dollar menu at McDonalds, how much choice does one really have? Why the critic would ask, does she not eat steak like the rest of us? Of course, not widely publicized is the fact that Alycia has chosen not to be a dancer anymore. She has "chosen" to have little or no money, and live in poverty. This writer does not disagree with her choice, since it is this writer's humble opinion that it is better to have self-respect and dignity than all the riches in the world. A "Gentleman's Club" is a linguistic paradox. The men who frequent strip bars are not by definition "well-mannered and considerate men with high standards of proper behavior." Strip clubs are, no matter what apologists might argue, covers for prostitution and pseudo-prostitution activities. The patrons, or "Johns" are usually loners that have difficulty forming and sustaining meaningful relationships. Additionally, dancers are groomed for future use in the prostitution industry. Included in the grooming process is the use of pseudonyms and "stage names" and the intense competition between young women for tips. The further a girl will go in debasing herself the more desirable she becomes to the "regular customers." The process slowly disarms and strips the young woman of her identity, inhibitions and moral compass. In a totally sociopathic and destructive environment, everyone involved, owners, dancers and customers all believe they are taking advantage of everyone else involved. The owners of the clubs, such as the strip club in the "Sopranos" HBO series, are little more then pimps and criminals acting under color of legitimate business enterprises.
Interestingly, there is tremendous concern, and considerable resources expended, at the Federal level combating the trafficking in young women from foreign countries, but little concern for the servitude of American citizens at "gentleman's clubs." Literally, millions of dollars are taken from the individual dancers by pimps, handlers and "boyfriends." One case prosecution ended in 2007, and occurred right here in Detroit.
In that case, two young Ukrainian women were tricked into the country with promises of waitress jobs in Virginia, then forced to dance at a strip club on 8 Mile Road named Cheetahs. Over $2 million dollars was ordered in restitution by a Federal Judge after taking proofs of the amounts of money taken pursuant to the "quotas" set by their captors. The defense had argued that they "voluntarily" worked, but in the face of the evidence collected by the FBI, pled guilty and were sentenced to long prison terms.
"They forced me to work six days a week for 12 hours a day," the 22 year old woman said of the men who made her work at Cheetah's in Detroit. "I could not refuse to go to work or I would be beaten." While she was forced to dance at the strip club, she said she was not made to be a prostitute."I was their slave," she said in testimony before the House Judiciary Committee and its chairman, Detroit Democrat John Conyers. The committee is looking at reauthorizing the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, which was intended to stiffen penalties for people engaging in human trafficking and make it easier for victims to get temporary visas..
When arrested, the defendants were found to have had over $500,000 in cash in their house and over $1 million dollars in safety deposit boxes. http://blog.kievukraine.info/2007/11/ukraine-woman-forced-to-dance-at-strip.html. As in the case of the Ukrainian girls, only when the woman is secure and self-assured, is she deprogrammed and begins to recount the truth of her former condition. Escape only became possible when a patron they could trust was approached and took them to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and the FBI became involved. Michail Aronov, a Lithuanian national who lived in Livonia and the Chicago area, was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison in August and ordered to pay $1 million in restitution to his victims.Another man, Aleksandr Maksimenko, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Ukraine who also lived in Livonia, was sentenced to 14 years in prison and ordered to pay $1.5 million in restitution. This concern is for these foreign women, however, identical patterns exist:
"I wish our language [about trafficking] could change," Carr said. "Saying someone is a prostitute denotes a choice. These women were prostituted. They were held against their will." But when authorities talk about prostitution, Carr [Law Professor at Notre Dame University] said, they fail to specify that many of the women were prostitutes under duress. "They do not mean [to say] that these women chose to do it as a profession," she said. An advocate for human trafficking victims since meeting Katya, Carr said she is currently working on a number of other trafficking cases. http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2007/12/05/News/Professor.Discusses.Sex.Slavery.On.Nbc-3133535.shtml
There seems little or no interest that an entire generation of American working class' female children are being swept up into working as dancers, escorts and prostitutes because of their socio-economic status.
"The defendants in this case took advantage of innocent women from Eastern Europe by enticing them to come the United States and then holding them in bondage for commercial and sexual exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Murphy. “In sentencing Mr. Maksimenko to 14 years in prison, the Court underscored the gravity of this type of crime. Criminal operations involving human trafficking, such as this one, will be pursued with the greatest vigor by my office." "Human trafficking, as exemplified in this case, is nothing short of modern-day slavery,” said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to vigorously prosecuting these crimes wherever they occur.”
Why does your Federal Government, and a University of Notre Dame Law Professor care so deeply about two foreign women while tens of thousands of American young women are systematically tricked, brainwashed, beaten, and sexually slaved in strip clubs all over the country? The Feds would counter that it is up to State and local law enforcement.
Alycia Martin's case is an exemplar how the local law enforcement deals with a similar situation. City of Troy Police perceptions of proper law enforcement are so distorted, and so perverse, that women actually prostitutedare targeted for arrest and prosecution and the johns and pimps are unscathed, inconvenienced or bothered. To make the travesty complete, even a confessed John such as Thomas Athans is allowed to drive away after his suspended driver's license is confirmed and actually discussed at the scene of the stop.
The John confessed, orally on video tape and in writing, and was, in accordance with Official Police Policy in Troy, Michigan, not arrested and charged. Even more disturbing is the failure of the detectives involved to request for an arrest warrant for the fully identified (and recognized by the assistant hotel manager) pimp, the very person who according to in court testimony rented the hotel room on February 25, 2008, and a different room in July 2007 for prostitution of an african-american female. There is no reasonable explanation here for this dereliction of duty and countenance of criminal activity; just a stark misogynist double standard, or special treatment for Thomas Athans because he is rich and powerful. Troy police deny the later. Finally, the Police Chief, Troy City Attorney, County Prosecutor, State Attorney General, all aware of the facts of this case, acquiesced and refused to charge the John or the pimp.
To drive the point home, Troy police conducted raids again on May 8, 2008 at the Hilton Hotel in Troy, Michigan and again released the johns and charged the women. Assuming that these raids were not just a cover or misdirection for being called on giving Athans' total pass on Febrary 26, 2008, it seems it is the City of Troy's Public Policy to briefly detain the Johns, not prosecute pimps, and prosecute the hapless prostituted woman in a kind of "John heaven." http://www.cityoftroypolice.com/alerts_tips/alerts/2008/may/5-16-08.htm
Alycia Martin's experience as a dancer was no different then the Ukrainian girls. Yet, neither the Federal Governemnt agents or any Notre Dame law professors came to her assistance. Martin is an American citizen, yet her story, unfortunately, is so common and mundane that it does not merit attention or enforcement by peace officers. Even if a girl decides to dance for the easy money, how long before the girl is asked to take the next step? Granted a tiny fraction may not succumb, but the vast majority of young women will lose their bearings and submit. Most do not work their way through college and graduate school by being strippers. I have never met a doctor, lawyer, or college professor that was a stripper to achieve their professional goals.
When someone tells some fairy tale to the contrary, I ask myself whether this is what the girl told him at a "gentleman's club." More plausible is that it is merely a myth or urban legend used to dissuade critics and law enforcement from demanding strict compliance with the law and assuage the conscience of a society that allows the exploitation of impoverished and desperate women.
Alycia's situation is apparent. Alycia spent 22 days in the Macomb County Jail because no one would post a small bond for her, "I didn't think anyone cared anymore." Click on picture to link to a recent Chicago Study on what attitudes men who buy women have and their motivations. Athans, the alleged John, faced no charges in the February 26, 2008, matter compliments of the Troy Police Department..
Backpage.com image distributed by Troy PD
Professional Madison Avenue type Internet Human Trafficking - No arrest of the alleged John. No investigation or pursuit of person(s) that put this post together or posted it on the internet. No arrest or investigation of the person who rented Unit 1822 on Feb. 26, 2008, and according to Troy detectives rented another room at the same location in July 2007 for prostitution. No arrests or charges against the vast undergound network of connectors, recruiters, groomers, traffickers (pimps/handlers), bottoms, watchers, wife-in-laws, or security guards. There is only the heroic and ambitious arrest of the girl by the Special Investigations Unit of the Troy PD, and the forfeiture of what few assets and worldly possessions she had. Neighboring City of Warren does not handle their cases this way. Click on image for a model of responsible law enforcement.
Booking Room Vestibule Troy PD
Booking Room Troy PD
Processing of Alycia - Athans, the alleged john, is on his way home, happy, safe, sound, and scot free from his involvement in this matter.
Before allowing Alycia's release from jail, two Troy Police officers had Alycia sign, among all the other papers signed that night, a "Consent Forfeiture Agreement" which, according to the City Attorney of Troy, she "voluntarily agreed" to the forfeiture of all her money they had seized, leaving her penniless and unable to hire a lawyer.
Booking Photo - Troy PD, February 26, 2008
Distibuted worldwide by the Troy Police Public Relations Specialist Lt. Gerry Scherlinck
A 20 YEAR OLD IN TROUBLE; NEEDED A CHANCE, A TRUE "CHOICE" IN LIFE, NOT ARREST/JAIL.
Secretary of State Trips
Post 911 Requirements made Alycia's driver's license very difficult to obtain, On July 22, 2008 Alycia received her first Michigan Driver's License.
Alycia Martin and Defense Counsel
All this girl needed, and probably other like her was some help.
Alycia Martin Appears in Court
Alycia has never missed or been late for a Court appearance. AP Photo.
Alycia Driving from SOS.
It took almost two months to replace her stolen identification, Alycia passed her written test and received her learner's permit.
Road Test Certificate
Next: Full License - Alycia's First
Through the Eyes of Children
A loving family embraces Alycia.
Alycia & Friend at Detroit Tigers Game
Alycia loves children and hopes to have a family of her own someday.
Unit 1822 "Unobstructed View" from Unit 1024 Loft Window.
Unit 1822 Door is behind tree and roof.
Protection of Politically Connected Johns and Cover Up by Law Enforcement Not New
Click on Image to Link to Washignton Times Article - No Powerful Washington D.C. Johns Arrested or Prosecuted in Homosexual Prostitution Ring 1989
The "Victimless" Crime
Users and Johns Steal Women and Children's Lives - Click on image for a survivor story.
Southeastern Michigan Safe House for Victims of Prostitution
Click on the picture for link and more information on a long overdue proposed recovery center for prostituted men and women in Southeastern Michigan.
EWL Video Link
Debunking the Myths - Click on portrait for Video Link of EUROPEAN WOMEN LEAGUE video
LOLA GREENE BALDWIN FOUNDATION
Click on for link. Named for first woman police officer in US in 1907. Baldwin focused on helping prostitutes instead of punishing them. Theodore Roosevelt and other citizens during this period were called "Progressives." They passed laws which should be enforced equally against Users as well as women caught in prostitution.
Pretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy and the film centers on down-on-her-luck prostitute named Vivian Ward (Julia Robert) who is hired by a wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) to be his escort for several business functions, and their developing relationship. Originally titled "$3,000," that title was dropped along with the entire theme of the original screenplay. 
by stony5000 (Sat Jun 27 2009 17:11:20) 
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