Human Trafficking
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Kenosha County judge agrees to let jurors see explicit videos in Chrystul Kizer case
A Kenosha County judge has agreed to let jurors see explicit video evidence in the case of Chrystul Kizer.
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Chrystul Kizer charged with bail jumping
A Milwaukee woman whose story gained international attention when she was charged with homicide for the killing of a man accused of sex trafficking is now facing new charges.
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New state effort to bring together police, victim advocates to fight human trafficking
A new statewide effort to fight human trafficking in Wisconsin will bring together law enforcement agencies, victim advocates and federal investigators in the hope of reaching those who are coerced into sex work or labor. Attorney General Josh Kaul announced the creation of the Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force this month. At a press conference…
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Ron Johnson, Mandela Barnes go on the attack in final U.S. Senate debate
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes were notably aggressive in their attacks against one another in Wisconsin’s final U.S. Senate debate before the Nov. 8 election. The audience was also heavily involved during the hour-long debate hosted by TMJ4 and Marquette University, despite moderators repeatedly warning the crowd to quiet…
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Milwaukee police launch program to protect victims of human trafficking, anti-LGBTQ crimes
On Monday, about a month after a second transgender woman was killed this year in Milwaukee, the city’s police department launched an initiative to protect survivors of human trafficking and anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes. Through the national Safe Place Program, the department will give rainbow badge decals to businesses that commit to allowing victims to stay…
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Court OKs immunity defense in alleged sex trafficker’s death
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that a woman may cite sex trafficking as an immunity defense at her trial for killing her alleged trafficker. Wednesday’s decision could help define the limits of criminal liability for trafficking victims across the country. Prosecutors allege Chrystul Kizer shot Randall Volar at his Kenosha home in 2018 when…
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Former school district superintendent sentenced to prison for child pornography
Editor’s note: This story contains language and descriptions surrounding sexual assault and trafficking. A former Wisconsin school district superintendent has been sentenced to spend eight years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. The sentence is part of a broader sex trafficking investigation that spanned multiple states. Former School District of Altoona Superintendent Daniel…
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Native American leaders, Wisconsin AG hope executive order sends more resources to address missing and murdered Indigenous women
Native American leaders and Wisconsin’s attorney general are hoping to see more resources and support to address missing and murdered Indigenous women under an executive order signed recently by President Joe Biden. Biden’s order directs U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to develop a federal strategy to prevent and respond to…
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‘We’re forgotten’: Report draws long overdue attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls
Eight days. That’s how long it took authorities to find 22-year-old Gabby Petito, the missing white woman from Florida. When Rae Elaine Tourtillott, an 18-year-old member of the Menominee tribe, disappeared in 1986, it took authorities six months to locate her. And last year, when 22-year-old Katelyn Kelley went missing from the same Menominee Reservation…
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Superior Creates Task Force To Combat Sex Trafficking
The Superior City Council has approved plans to create a task force to combat sex trafficking, with an emphasis on policies, programs, training and other resources to promote healing and support for trafficking victims. Council members unanimously approved the initiative Tuesday. The group would reach out to Superior and Douglas County law enforcement, prosecutors, public…
