On October 8 of this year, after pleading guilty, an Israeli man was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for blackmailing dozens of minor girls into producing child pornography for him. Since at least 2010, the man has been executing a systemic “sextortion” scheme on dozens of victims, beginning with obtaining compromising or “embarrassing” material of young girls through social media. He would then release the compromising videos to the victims’ entire social media contact list, including parents and schoolmates, if the victims did not livestream sex acts according to a detailed script. For those who complied, his demands only intensified. It was an unending nightmare that has had an emotional impact for the young victims, who now range in age from 21 to 27, following them into adulthood. The Israeli government cooperated in extraditing him to the U.S. for prosecution where he has been represented by one of the defense attorneys involved in the Harvey Weinstein case.
During sentencing, four of the victims bravely spoke of the emotional impact they suffered from his actions, which led for some to substance abuse, suicide attempts, and lost educational and employment opportunities. Several victims also told the court that despite the trauma, they have managed to overcome what happened to them. As one victim concluded her statement in court, she told the criminal, “Not only am I a victim, but I am a survivor.”
On behalf of the Pet Prescription Team, my collie, Reign, and I were honored to be present at the Los Angeles Courthouse at the request of the U.S. Assistant District Attorney, for the emotional yet inspiring reading of victims’ statements. This was the first case to which we have contributed in a new arrangement between PPT and the U.S. District Attorney. We were there to provide comfort and support as only our gentle therapy dogs can do, to the courageous girls who appeared.
I cannot forget the grim faces of the young victims as they joined the attorneys and FBI agents who worked the case, in the offices at the courthouse prior to sentencing and reading of statements. I also cannot forget how quickly those gloomy expressions were replaced with smiles and laughter as they were greeted by the friendly dog that awaited them. During the wait to be called into the courtroom, Reign’s presence helped calm the nervousness they were experiencing as they lavished him with praise and affection. Some even asked him to pose for pictures.
When the courtroom business was concluded, all the participants returned to the office for another hour for final goodbyes. The attorneys expressed their gratitude to the girls for their presence (some had flown in from out of state) and their admiration for their courage in facing their tormentor. All felt that the words that were spoken had an impact on the criminal. As they stroked Reign’s fur, the girls, in turn, thanked the FBI agents and attorneys for their tenacity and determination and their refusal to give up over the several years their investigation required. One of the prosecutors said it was the most important case she has ever worked.
In the 11 ½ years I have been a member of our wonderful organization, I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to participate in many new and progressive programs for the use of therapy dogs in situations that other organizations would not consider. This willingness has opened doors to programs such as the Twin Towers, Men’s Central Jail, and L.A. County Women’s Jail and San Bernardino Valley Jail visits, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and many other unique volunteer opportunities. This was not our first time helping at court as Reign and I have assisted the Orange County District Attorney’s office in comforting young victims prior to court testimony and accompanied others to Los Angeles Superior Court. As with all of the regular visits in which our teams participate, PPT has had a considerable impact on those with whom we share our dogs.
The thanks Reign and I received from the Assistant U.S. District Attorney and her team for our participation was humbling, and the gratitude expressed to us by the young victims touched me deeply.
A day later, one of the girls sent me a private message through my Facebook account in which she said, “I just wanted to extend my thanks for the services provided on October 8th. Thank you so much, Ace and Reign. You helped me so much before I had to deliver my statement and I am forever grateful.”
As Krystal said, “And there ya go . . . Truly this is why we do what we do.”
Ace Mask & Reign
