According to reports, 8 people have been arrested in connection with the trafficking of a 15-year-old girl at a Dallas Mavericks game earlier this postseason.
Authorities say the teen was nabbed in the restroom at the Dallas’ American Airlines Center on April 8 while attending the game with her father and never returned. She was reported missing for 10 days before she was located in Oklahoma City on April 18.
Police arrested Saniya Alexander, Melissa Wheeler, Chevaun Gibson, Kenneth Nelson, Sarah Hayes, Karen Gonzales, Thalia Gibson and Steven Hill in connection with the kidnapping and trafficking.
“We are thankful for the work of the Oklahoma City Police Department and the recovery of our daughter,” the girl’s mother said in a statement on May 5. “My heart breaks for the unimaginable things my daughter had to endure for the 11 days she was taken, and I am so glad she is safe as we work toward her recovery.”
The family called out the Mavericks organization for a lack due diligence in screening the kidnappers who entered the arena with fake IDs.
“The systems and organizations involved in this case continually failed the victim. She should never have had contact with the man at the Mavericks game. The Dallas Police should have worked quickly to investigate leads and locate the teenager before she was trafficked to Oklahoma,” Fortenberry told Fox in a statement.
“The Extended Stay America hotel in Oklahoma City put profits ahead of people by turning a blind eye to the sexual exploitation occurring right before their eyes. This victim’s life will forever be changed. We hope to hold accountable those responsible and create change within these organizations so that this never happens to any other child.”
Source: nypost.com
