Craigslist or Victims’ List, Part 1

 

It’s a wildly popular virtual community where you can post a job, find a job, buy and sell goods and services; even find romance…but at what cost?

NewsChannel 7’s Nicole Morten explains in her special report on what could be the newest potentially dangerous website. Is it Craigslist or victims list?

With nine billion page views a month, Craigslist has grown into one of the largest and most popular online classifieds community–serving 450 cities worldwide. With the ability to buy and sell just about anything imaginable, legal or illegal, users are pushing limits and in some cases, going over the edge.

If you’ve ever looked at Craigslist beyond the help wanted or for rent ads, you’ll find this section.

It’s filled with girls on the prowl for a buck, posting provocative images along with personal services guaranteeing a night that will not be forgotten. It’s no wonder law enforcement officials across the nation are calling Craigslist one of the largest sources of prostitution in America.

Captain Ricky Ramie, of the Bay County Sheriff’s Department, tells NewsChannel 7, “If there are 40 on there, I could tell you 39.9 of the 40 are there for prostitution.”

And Bay County officials are taking notice.

“It’s very dangerous,” Captain Ramie explained.

While police have been dealing with street prostitution for years, prostitution on the internet is a whole new ball game.

Bay County Public Information Officer, Ruth Corley said, “Craigslist is another way to advertise, perhaps a new twist on an age-old profession on the internet.”

But lately, that new twist taking a tragic turn.

“Look at what’s happening in the national media with the Craigslist killer.”

Earlier this month, Massachusetts authorities arrested Boston University medical student Philip Markoff, charging him with the murder of Julissa Brisman. Investigators say Brisman, who was from Manhattan, advertised massages on Craigslist as a front for sexual services.

Markoff allegedly arranged to meet her at a Boston hotel, then robbed and killed her.

Authorities have labeled Markoff the Craigslist killer, because he apparently arranged several similar meeting with other men and women through the website.

You might expect something like this to happen in a major city; but no city is immune…and Panama City is no exception.

Craigslist allows users to reach out to people in their hometown. That ability to target local customers makes it difficult for police to track prostitution.

“We can make a dent in it; we can slow it down,” said Captain Ramie. “But as long as Craigslist allows for this to be on their website, it makes it difficult for law enforcement, I know it does for us personally.”

Still, investigators know it’s going on. Last week sheriff’s deputies arrested Jessica and Jolie Coleman a pair of 18-year-old Port St. Joe twins at a Callaway hotel.

Inside their room, authorities say they found 24-year-old Korian Durrell Thomas, who they describe as the girls alleged ‘pimp’, $10,000 cash in a trash can and their Craigslist ad on a laptop computer.

“These girls could have been murdered,” said Ramie.

Ramie says two more were arrested on the very same charges just a few weeks ago. And they’re not the only ones from Panama City. In fact, officials nationwide say most of the ads under erotic services are in fact selling sex for money.

Captain Ramie said, “They try to skirt around the edges of the law for prostitution.”

CEO Jim Buckmaster said, “Craigslist does not condone or endorse illegal activity on its erotic services section.”

Ramie says Buckmaster could help law enforcement’s efforts.

“Craigslist could help us out by eliminating it period,” said Ramie.

But Buckmaster says that’s not happening anytime soon.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of ‘Craigslist or Victims list?’ As NewsChannel 7’s Nicole Morten interviewed a local woman who is lucky to be alive after one Craigslist close encounter.

Watch ‘Craigslist or Victims List’ Part 2 below.

 

more about “Craigslist or Victims’ List, Part 1“, posted with vodpod

Craigslist or Victims’ List, Part 2

We found out how local law enforcement is having a difficult time battling the sex for money trade advertised on the website’s erotic services section. But there is a far more sinister and dangerous side to this activity. After last week’s arrest of Philip Markoff, the so-called ‘Craigslist Killer’, you’d think women would be scared to solicit their services to strangers on Craigslist.

We went onto the website’s erotic services category and contacted a local woman who was a frequent advertiser. She told us, she’s fully aware of the potential dangers associated with her business.

It’s something she hoped would never happen. “He grabbed my arm and started snatching on me.” Just like thousands of others around the world, this woman, who we willl call “Ashlyn”, is a frequent advertiser in this section on Craigslist. She’s a local who says she’s just trying to get by.

“A lot of women are trying to make money right now, times is hard.”

One day her friends convinced her to post an ad on Craigslist, claiming she would cash in for something she already knew how to do best.

“I started out dancing. I was a dancer for 6 years.”

Offering private dances for $170 an hour, the money started rolling in.

“They would get a hotel and we would go there, and I would do a dance for an hour and then I would leave.”

But it was when the clients would hand over the money.

“That’s when I have trouble” She says that’s when the aggression and demands would get out of hand. One night she got a call from a man who took interest in her erotic ad on Craigslist. That night she compromised her safety for a little bit of extra cash, letting her worst fears get the best of her.

“I invited a man who I didn’t know was obnoxious and drunk and I did it at my own home. I basically told him what he’s getting…he’s only getting a lap dance…So I started doing the dance and he came out and was like ‘I didn’t ask for the dance I wanted to have straight up sex.’ “

Things got a little out of hand that night.

“I was thinking does this man have a knife, is this man going to cut me or shoot me?”

It turned out he did have a knife. Fortunately Ashlyn was armed with a can of pepper spray.

“That was my protection, I got away.”

When asked if it was all worth it…

“No, No Not really, I would rather be on the street than lose my life.” My mom and dad….they’re always talking to me saying well, we wonder if you know, were going to get a call the next day, calling us saying hey your daughter is dead.”

Although many might say this lifestyle is on the fringe of normal society, it’s very lucrative, making it more common then you might think. But even innocent Craigslist ads can attract the wrong people.

When meeting someone for the first time, please remember:
-Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe
-Tell a friend or family member where you’re going
-Take your cell phone along if you have one
-Consider having a friend accompany you
-Trust your instincts

more about “Craigslist or Victims’ List, Part 2“, posted with vodpod

Nicole Wants to Know: How to be Fashionable without Breaking the Bank

Whoever said you can’t look and feel good without spending a fortune? As the culture of spending shifts during this tough economic climate, more people are finding new ways to feel and look good without breaking the bank. NewsChannel 7’s Nicole Morten explains in her new weekly segment called “Nicole wants to know.”

For some women it’s shes or purses, but for this woman it’s jewelry.

“I’m a glass artist. I make my own beads,” said Lisa Hanna.

Lisa Hanna owns LH Bead Gallery, a jewelry Mecca nestled in downtown Panama City. This is where this blue-eyed charismatic Californian shares her creativity with others, to make inexpensive one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.

Customer, Lilyan Lewis said, “It’s fantastic and it’s fun to make jewelry because all of us girls love jewelry.”

Lilyan Lewis and her friends from the Gulf Coast women’s club were hooked after attending one of Hannas’ basic beading classes.

“We did necklaces about three weeks ago, we had so much fun were back again,” said Lewis.

Hanna said, “Now their making earrings to match their necklaces.”

Just walk in with an idea and walk out with a unique piece of handmade jewelry.

“You have jewelry to wear home when you’re done, and it’s beautiful,” said Lewis.

Hannah sells everything from gemstones, crosses, crystals and of course her forte…

“My beads, that’s my passion,” said Hanna.

But this is where the leg work takes place. Hanna has a workshop at home where she makes all of her beads from scratch. Although she says it’s a time consuming process she loves the challenge. Hanna said her beads set her apart from everything else. Along the walls of her cozy boutique you’ll find strand upon strand of beads in every shape, size and color…and if you don’t feel like doing making anything.

“You can come in here and I’ll provide you with a board and you can just do your own design and I charge a small fee to finish it for you,” Hanna explained.

But Hannah loves to join the girls and get creative.

“It’s a little bit less expensive than going out and buying pretty stuff and you’ve got exactly what you want,” said Lewis.

Hanna also said, “It’s a nice outlet for ladies night out or whatever, even on Saturdays if they want to bring a friend and come play.”

If you haven’t been to the LH Bead Gallery you should definitely stop by. Hanna is always looking to spread her creativity. For more information on the location and how to attend one of her basic bead making classes you can contact Lisa Hanna at (850) 257-5800. If you would like to head over to her website, visit the link listed below. You can visit the LH Bead Gallery website at: http://lhbeads.com/pages/aboutme.php

If you know of an interesting local person or business and feel it would add to this weekly segment, email Nicole Morten at: nicole.morten@wjhg.com.

I’ve jumped on the Twittering Bandwagon

Ok, so I have fallen prey to yet another social networking medium. I am twittering. It’s actually quite addicting, however, a little overwhelming. Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn and now Twitter…Sheesh! For those of you who are unfamiliar with twitter, it’s a platform /service that allows people to connect with one another by telling the world what they’re doing. I believe it’s called ‘tweeting.” I am a tech junky and to be honest, I was a little apprehensive about letting the world know what I am doing 24/7. But, on the bright side, it’s yet another perfect outlet for me to share your stories with the world. Check this out though….Sometime last week, actress Demi Moore’s frequent postings on Twitter put her in the middle of a life-and-death drama when a woman sent her an online message on Twitter threatening to end her life. Apparently some of Demi’s followers/friends on twitter notified Demi and authorities of the situation. Authorities then tracked down the woman at her home in California and saved her….Her life was saved. The power of technology is absolutely unbelievable. It’s a little scary too though.

If you’re a twitter-er feel free to say hi. http://twitter.com/nicolemorten Oh and if you want to jump on board and become a twitter-er, go to www.twitter.com and register.

Underage Drinking a Concern as Local High Schools’ Spring Break Underway, Prom on its Way

With spring break underway and prom on its way, many teens here in Bay County will face an overwhelming amount of peer pressure to drink alcohol.

Bryan Russell, with the Bay County Health Department has a mission to combat underage drinking.

On Monday Russell along with a few other members of the Health Dept. and Freedom 180 Abstinence Program had a hard day at work—They were out on the beach at Pineapple Willy’s giving away lots of freebies and spreading knowledge about the consequences of underage drinking.

 “We’re hoping to educate,” said Russell. “We can’t make anybody do anything; it’s just a matter of educating teens and letting them know the stats and dangers of underage drinking. That’s all we can do and hopefully they’ll make the right decisions.”

Russell says his main goal right now is getting the message out effectively.

“Recent statistics show 40% of Bay County teens drink every weekend and 42% of Bay County Parents approve of underage drinking,” said Russell.

The month of April is Alcohol Awareness month. According to the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco, during Alcohol Awareness Month, the public is encouraged to understand the issues of underage drinking and the devastating effects it can have on youth.

“It’s so important to be aware that underage drinking leads to other things such as: sexual assaults, rape, DUI crashes and deaths,” said Russell.

Rain or shine, Russell will be out on the beach again on Friday. For more information you can call the Bay County Health Dept. at: 872-4455.

Statistics from the Bay County Health Department :
• 42% of Bay County parents approve of underage drinking
• 88% of parents and teens know of parents who host teen alcohol parties
• 63% of Bay County students believe drinking one or more drinks daily is NOT harmful

Signs of Alcohol Abuse :

• Missing bottles of alcohol
• Withdrawal from peers and others
• Excuses for late hours and missed curfew
• Irrational desire for parents to go out for the evening
• Sneaking alcohol or drugs
• Sudden or unexplained drop in grades

Watch: Sky Cobras Precision Flight Demonstration Team Get Ready For Weekend

Among the many performers at the much anticipated air show this weekend at Tyndall Air Force Base is the Sky Cobras Precision Flight Demonstration Team.

News Channel Seven’s Nicole Morten took a ride in the AH1-F Cobra Helicopter just hours before this weather moved in!

The team consists of a dedicated group of veteran pilots who perform at events around the country in support of our country’s military and veterans.

LTC J.R. “Skip” Lam has been flying for 40 years and says this show is something you don’t want to miss.

“We’re very excited to bring the AH1 attack helicopter Cobra back to Panama City,” said Lam. We’ve been here before with the team and we really enjoy coming back. This team is unique and this cobra helicopter was born and bred in Vietnam. It’s served honorably for more than 20 years and silently retired from the U.S Army in 2001.”

The Sky Soldiers is composed of an elite group of decorated, veteran military aviators and ground support personnel who have served their country. Many have combat experience from Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

According to Lee Maynard, Executive VP of the Cobra Team, “The Sky Soldiers are one of the most flight-experienced of the military demonstration teams. Team Pilots have accumulated over 85,000 flight hours in military aircraft, 7000 combat flight hours, 10 distinguished Flying Crosses, 9 Bronze Stars, and 168 Air Medals.”

The Sky Soldiers Precision Flight Demonstration Team was founded in 2006 as one of three aerial demonstration programs that make up the performing arm of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.

Also performing at the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show is the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

 

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

So, I’m nearing three months here in beautiful Panama City Beach ….Time sure does fly by when you’re having fun. It’s seems like it was yesterday when I walked across the stage on graduation day. The feeling of uncertainty about the economy and what the future of my new career would soon bring was a little frightening. Now looking back, I had every right to be shaking in my boots. (or high heels….)

I love it here on the Emerald Coast . I couldn’t have been more blessed to begin my career in such a beautiful place. I do have to admit though…I’m still searching for an authentic Mexican Restaurant

A lot has happened in the past three months. I recently got engaged to my soul mate, Mathew. He’s my best friend. Before moving here, he had only been to the beach twice. And when I say beach…I mean Galveston. (If you’ve been to Galveston ….then you know the beaches here TRUMP Galveston )  It’s really been a challenge for him. He’s a CPA, (Certified Public Accountant), has a Masters in Accounting and so far…the economy has little to offer him here on the beautiful Emerald Coast .

All I have to say is that everyone is going through tough times. Right now it’s everyone. Sometimes you wonder…when will it give? Then I think to myself…Faith is what we must remember and believe in…during hardship.

In other news….After moving up here I somehow managed to get two nails stuck in my one of my tires. I apparently had been driving on the ‘injured’ tire for quite some time. One morning I walked out to my car and the tire was nearly flat. (and I secretly panicked)

((My dad probably would have reprimanded me for not ‘paying attention’ and checking the air pressure in my tires every 2-3 weeks. Sorry dad!! I love you! By the way…and…on a slight tangent …I’m going to give my dad a shout out! My dad is my best friend and my hero!! He also happens to be Mr. Fix it. He can fix anything and everything you name it! So, before I went to college he would always service my car. So when I went off to college he made sure I couldn’t go wrong. Underneath the hood of my car, he physically wrote “oil gasket” on the oil gasket; ‘Radiator” on the radiator; ‘Antifreeze,’ ok you get it.., basically dummy-proofing my car, which was so completely helpful.))

 

 

Back to the point of my story…I recently purchased brand new tires at Discount Tire back home in Dallas . So it was a little shocking when the tech at Walmart told me I would need a new tire. Well…the closest discount tire is about an hour and a half away….I called discount tire back home, and spoke to Marshall, I believe he is the assistant manager…long story short, he sent me a free, brand new tire. Thank you Marshall for going above and beyond for helping me out.

What Are You Thankful For?

Living and existing in a world that is always changing, sometimes we tend to get tangled up in life; sometimes forgetting about all of the little, or even not-so-little things that truly make us happy…and well, thankful.

 

At some point each day, I try and escape from work, stress, and the worries that each day may bring. My escape…is the beach.

 

What’s yours?

 

I don’t know what it is about the water, but ever since I was a little kid, hearing the sound of the waves crashing against the shore brings me to a state of serenity. It’s something I like to call: my Utopia. 

 

Thankgiving is soon approaching, and in a way, it’s a little saddening that we as a nation have to take a holiday, to give thanks. Shouldn’t we be thankful every day?

 

Despite all the worries that occur in this day’n age, I am blessed for many reasons.

 

I am thankful for…

• The gift of life.
• I am thankful for my faith.
• I am thankful that my family is healthy; we have a roof over our head, and food in the pantry.
• My wonderful parent’s who stood by me, believed in me and supported me through all of my successes and most importantly, my failures.
• My two sisters; Jen and Natalie.
• I am thankful for Mathew and his wonderful family. I am thankful for Marlin.
• I am thankful for Hurley and Deisle who are always so excited to see me when I walk through the door.
• I am thankful for being blessed with a very cultural and ethnically diverse family.
• I am thankful for the Benney family.
• I am thankful for Mack Roberts, Jimmy and Paula Roberts.
• I am thankful for Las Fuentes.
• I am thankful for wonderful neighbors, friends and peers who treat me with dignity, respect and compassion.
• I am thankful for all of my mentors who shared their knowledge and experiences with me for the betterment of my future.
• I am thankful for all of the brave and courageous soldiers who have fought or who are currently fighting for our nation’s freedom.
• I am thankful to have perseverance and an education.
• I am thankful for a career that allows me to travel the world and make a difference while using my voice.
• I am thankful for being brought up in the 80’s where you could leave your house without locking the door; play flash-light tag outside till the sun came down and being able to walk home at night without fear.
• I am thankful for those MC Hammer pants I used to wear in the 5^th grade, Lock-ins at the skating rink, Slap bracelets, Pogs, Paula Abdul cassette tapes (yes casettes), Popeye, New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), Nintendo(the old school one), Guess, Topsy-Tail Hairstyling thingy, Bell Bottom jeans, Umbro, The smurfs, Saved By the Bell, Giga-Pets and Nano babys, Skip-Its, The Babysitters Club books, Nickelodeon’s: “Are you afraid of the Dark.”, side-ways ponytails, Scrunchies, Oatmeal Creme Pies, Sneaking cookies before bed,  Lisa Frank Brand school supplies and stickers!!, Braces, most of all, getting off of the school bus when I was in elementary school and the only care in the world was getting home in time to watch Alex Mack and Pete and Pete.

My Summer Chasing The Sunset Has Finally Come To An End

Pill Popping Pets

Reporter: Nicole Morten
View Pill Popping Pets Video 

08/09 Bryan, TX–Pharmaceuticals are a multi-billion dollar industry in the U.S. As a result pet pharmaceuticals have turned into one of the fastest growing segments within the industry. The latest hype is a lifestyle drug called Reconcile.

It’s aimed at combating troubled canines for depression, anxiety and bad behavior.

It’s a trend that some say is resulting in pill popping pets.

“Everyone wants a quick fix so they want me to give them a pill to solve the problem,” says Bonnie Beaver, Animal Behaviorist at Texas A&M’s Small Animal Hospital.

Dr. Beaver said Reconcile is virtually the same as human Prozac except the doggy version is repackaged into a chewable, beef-flavored tablet.

The U.S Food and Drug Administration has approved this drug safe for dogs and puppies six months or older.

More than ten million dogs across the country deal with a form of depression such as pet separation anxiety–barking, whining and showing signs of stress when their owner leaves their sight.

So naturally pet owners will do whatever it takes to ensure their pet’s health and safety.

Paula Roberts and her husband have been raising Yorkshire terriers for more than decade.

She said recently a vet prescribed puppy Prozac to her granddaughters’ dog. But Paula quickly turned down the idea and came up with a solution of her own.

“We ended up giving our granddaughter another dog so that her dog had another mate,” Paula explained. “Then it completely solved the problem. No behavior issues whatsoever.”

According to Dr. Beaver drugs help but they are not the answer. That’s why she prescribes Reconcile in conjunction with behavior modification training.

“Ultimately it is the interaction and the behavior modification that is going to make the difference.”

Paula says animals need companionship, “People forget that they buy a Yorkie like Sky and they think oh this is wonderful, they don’t think about the quality of life on dogs it’s just as important as your quality of life.”

An underlying quality that many pet owners may take for granted–dogs forgive so easily and love unconditionally.