Gilgo Murders: Most Sex Workers ARE Sex Traffic VICTIMS

 In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, host
Tony Brueski and former prosecutor Laurie Gilbertson shed light
on the daunting atmosphere created by former Suffolk County
Police Chief James Burke that prevented sex workers from
reporting crimes due to his own involvement in the industry.
Gilbertson remarked, "People like this, like [Rex] Heuermann and
sex workers and all that, they don't live in a bubble. This goes
on all over the country."
 
 The conversation delved into the terrifying reality that
there might be numerous Rex Heuermanns lurking around the nation,
creating an environment where the police dismiss crimes reported
by sex workers. Gilbertson expressed her dismay, saying, "It's
pretty disheartening. And horrifying and sad...there were people
who had Heuerman's description down to a T and they gave it away
10 years ago, but nothing was done."
 
 The situation is far from unusual, as many crime shows and
real-life incidents underscore the reluctance of the police to
believe and protect sex workers, who are not considered "victims"
in the traditional sense. However, Gilbertson emphasized the need
for a different mindset, starting from the ground up with
education and training for law enforcement officers, to change
this perception and ensure justice for all victims, regardless of
their background or involvement in illegal activities.
 
 Gilbertson shared her experience working in the Special
Victims Bureau in New York, where victims of sex crimes were
treated with the respect they deserved, regardless of their
background. This approach made a significant difference in
prosecuting crimes and encouraging victims to testify without
fear of repercussions.
 
 The discussion also touched on the alarming statistic that
approximately 90% of people involved in sex work are not there by
choice, but rather due to trafficking or coercion. Gilbertson
pointed out that investigating deeper into the networks of pimps
and traffickers could unearth the "queen bees" of trafficking
rings, which would be instrumental in dismantling these criminal
organizations.
 
 Using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations
(RICO) Act, originally intended for organized crime, to prosecute
conspiracies among many people involved in trafficking could be
one way to address the issue. Gilbertson emphasized the need to
target the heads of these organizations, who carefully choose
their victims based on their vulnerability and susceptibility to
coercion.
 
 Rex Heuermann, for instance, targeted women who he knew
would mostly not be missed or attract much attention from law
enforcement, thereby enabling him to evade capture for an
extended period. Gilbertson stressed the importance of
acknowledging the reasons individuals end up in sex work and
treating them as victims rather than criminals.
 
 The conversation underscored the need for a holistic
approach to addressing the issue, as many victims are too
frightened to cooperate with law enforcement due to their past
experiences. Gilbertson shared her own experience of being robbed
in New York City and the challenges she faced in navigating the
legal process, despite working in the industry.
 
 In conclusion, the episode of "Hidden Killers" highlighted
the urgent need for a change in mindset and approach towards sex
workers and victims of sex crimes. Treating all victims with
respect, regardless of their background, and digging deeper into
the networks of traffickers and pimps are crucial steps towards
ensuring justice for all and dismantling the criminal
organizations that perpetuate these crimes.
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