This ancient African proverb, teaches an eternal truth, that no man, woman, or family is an island. In today’s world, it takes a
strong community network, “a village,” to work with the family, to raise a child and weather the storms of life.
Parents, who have suffered the pain, anguish of losing a child deals with this torment constantly. One such parent that suffered this
horrible anguish was Mark Lunsford. His daughter, Jessica Lunsford the 9-year-old girl been sexually abused, kidnapped, and buried
alive in Florida. This could have been your daughter, just imagine the anguish any parent would have to live with, if this happened
to them. John Couey, who convicted, had a record as a sex offender. Once John Couey was not required to wear GPS tracking
went for his next victim, Jessica Lunsford.
Jessica Lunsford came from Gaston County, North Carolina before moving to Florida. In the loving memory of Mark Lunsford’s
daughter Jessica, a law was introduced to enforce stricter laws pertaining to sex offenders called, Jessica’s Law.
North Carolina has many sex offenders who have fallen thought the cracks. By changing their identity and not re-registering once
moved, such offenders manipulate the system. There are many John Couey types and one could be living next to you?
This formed coalition was tired of all the prolonging games and excuses our lawmakers have made, when it comes to our children.
Jessica’s Law Now North Carolina worked Inco junction with Mark Lunsford and various state lawmakers help see HB 933 passed
aka. Jessica's Law. We needed our local and state officials push for stronger laws against molestation. The goal was to work with
people not a political machine.
The Jessica Lunsford Act aka. Jessica’s Law
* Increase the penalty for lewd and lascivious molestation of a child to life in prison or a split sentence of a mandatory minimum
25- year prison term, followed by lifetime supervision with electronic monitoring.
* Increase, from 20 to 30 years, the period before a sexual predator is allowed to petition to have the sexual predator designation
removed.
*Increase sexual predator/offender registration and reporting requirements.
* Sexual predators who murder their victims now qualify for the death penalty in capital cases.
* Failing to re-register as a sexual offender/predator, harboring, or assisting a sexual predator/offender is a third degree felony.
* Require those already convicted of sex crimes to have electronic monitoring for the remainder of their probation
* Require all county misdemeanor probation officials to search the sexual offender registry when a new offender is assigned to them.
We found that politics blind sides our politician's. We enforced a strong petition toward state legislators and made it personal than
political.
"One of the proudest moments in my life was being able to call Mark Lunsford tell him the North Carolina Legislators have passed
HB 933 aka. Jessica's Law and will become official December 1, 2008," said Mark A. Palmer, Executive Director of Jessica's Law
Now North Carolina.
Since 2005, our organization national has assisted eight other states obtaining a version of Jessica's Law. We have assisted with
over four hundred cases, in which a victimized child needed help. In 2009, we reformed as Jessica's Law Now. We are part of
a larger network of organizations, which help search for Missing and Exploited children. Jessica’s Law Now, is proactive not
reactive, in helping families deal with these issues fraught from cases like these. We continually helped steer victimized families
and children towards counseling and healing. We fight for harsher laws to make a difference for the welfare of our children.
Many feel program Stranger Danger has caused more harm than good. Many children were not prepared for other types
of predators they could encounter. The program does not attack the root of the problem our children face.
We truly believe, Mister Rogers had it right! We as a community need to know who the people in our neighborhoods are,
because an abductor is a person we meet each day, it is not just the stranger who is the danger.
The job of our schools is to teach our children and provide knowledge for learning in a safe environment. Sadly, many of our
schools do not provide the needed safety for our children. Many school districts get rid of educators or even swap educators
because of sexual or physical misconduct; administrators call this“Passing the Trash.”
Jessica’s Law Now is endorsing U.S. Congressman Adam H. Putnam's bill, Student Protection Act. This will put an end to our
school districts throughout nation allowing sexual or physical misconduct to continue. As parents and citizens, we need to hold
our educators responsible for our children’s welfare. Sadly, these behaviors have been too many and allowed throughout our
school districts.
Our government has a serious problem dealing with their responsibility for safety and welfare of our children. We have too many
families ripped apart by a missing child or the murder of a child.
In America 800,000 children are reported missing yearly, more than 2,185 children each day. Family members abduct 200,000,
and 58,000 are abducted by non-family members. The primary motive for non-family abductions is sexual. One in five girls and
one in ten boys will be sexually victimized before adulthood. In addition, one in seven children receives a sexual solicitation online.
Each year 115 children are the victims of the most serious abductions, taken by non-family members and either murdered, held for
ransom, or taken with the intent to keep. Most of these kids are in terrible danger of abuse and trauma or worse.
Human trafficking of children for sexual exploitation, illegal adoption has been going on throughout the United States for decades.
Our leaders have turned a blind eye for the sake of money. Our nation has a growing problem when comes to kidnapping and
selling of children. Data shows 600,000 to 800,000 individuals are trafficked across international borders each year: 80 percent
of them are women and under age girls.
Various dating services, escort services and strip clubs throughout United States have a connection with sex trafficking. These
businesses may appear legal, but are fronts for major prostitution rings. Even brothels have sprung up throughout various cities
and communities in United States. Several of these brothels, strip clubs and escort services are linked. These businesses have
pipelines not only to each other, but also other states as well as over seas. Most of the human trafficking has been under-aged girls.
Brothels have even lured local girls well as run a-ways. It been estimated that some states could have 80 or more brothels through
out some states, said federal law enforcement. In a discussion from various government agencies, they stated by 2012 that
trafficking of children would out do illegal arms and drugs.
Let us look at what these girls encounter in a brothel daily. First, these girls endure physical and mental abuse at all times. This will
place these girls in a state of constant fear, for their lives, as well as for the lives of their families. These girls are force to perform
various sexual acts every 12 to 35 minutes. Any kind of sexual act be performed on demand, or the girl will encounter harsh
physical consequences. We have found out that various known businesses, officials, politicians and well-known people been
linked with sex trafficking.
U.S. Department of Justice has funded 42 jurisdictions and 36 trafficking victim services providers to form human trafficking task
forces to identify and rescue victims of trafficking by proactive investigating such cases. These task forces bring together federal,
state and local law enforcement and victim services organizations to investigate all forms of human trafficking to assist the victims.
Data shows now, one million U.S.on-line child pornographer's and only 2% investigated because of funding deficits. Only 33%
investigated and identified. There is a 96% conviction rate of investigated child pornographer's. Jessica’s Law Now is concerned
about the alarming rate of children dying from abuse and neglect. The new figures show a rise of 35 percent from 2001 through
2007. We feel it is even higher than that, since many cases go unreported.
Data shows children are abused or neglected every 15 minutes and actual sexual abuse of children 15 times greater than officially
reported in many states. Girls that are 15 and younger that become pregnant, about 60 to 80 percent are by adult men. Girls
between 11 and 13, who have been sexually involved with men more than five years their age, are significantly likely to attempt
suicide. Today, junior high school girls are likely to become pregnant by an adult than by someone their own age.
Fatherless children make easy targets for sex offenders. Sex offenders love when a father is not around, because the child is
starving for male attention.
Men commit most child sexual abuse; studies show that women commit 14 % to 40 % of offenses reported against boys and 6%
of offenses reported against girls 11 to 16 years old. Most offenders who abuse per-pubescent children are pedophiles, 17 to 18-
years-old. However, small percentages do not meet the diagnostic criteria for pedophilia.
Approximately 15% to 25% of women and 5% to 15% of men sexually abused when they were children 11 to 15 years old. Most
sexual abuse offenders are acquainted with their victims; approximately 30% are relatives of the child, most often brothers, fathers,
uncles or cousins; around 60% are other acquaintances such as friends of the family, baby sitters, or neighbors; strangers are the
offenders in approximately 10% of child sexual abuse cases 11- years- old.
Presently, 10,000 registered Sex Offenders move to a new address or jobs daily. Our children, women, elderly, incapacitated or
handicapped people are especially at risk from sexual predators. Cities like Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh, North Carolina are
no different; each city has a large number of registered sexual offenders. One time, North Carolina had 13,900 sex offenders
register and with a population of 8,227 in thousand, it comes to 1,689.6 per million. This figure does not count unregistered sex
offenders.
Do for a Sexually Abused Child:
1.) Ever believe that your child been sexually abused, do not be afraid to report it nor blame yourself. Report the abuse to the police
immediately!
2.) You need stay calm to help your child.
3.) Provide a calm atmosphere and environment for your child.
4.) Stay with your child through each step of the investigation giving them support and encouragement.
5.) Convey that your child they are no way responsible for what they encountered. Being reassurance of encouragement and support
will help your child.
6.) Have a physician see your child for an examined soon as possible. This is not only important for your child's welfare, but it will
help the authority’s document evidence.
7.) Stay with your child; why the doctor is examining your child and give support with encouragement. Remember that this child
has gone through a horrible ordeal and they are terrified.
8.) Request a child advocate that will help you, as well as your child.
9.) Very important, your child receives experienced counseling from a counselor that is experienced handling child abuse.
10.) Talk with the doctor that examines your child and child advocate for suggestions of somebody. Remember that both parties are
familiar with the situation and will have child's best interest.
Psychological damage inflicted on a defenseless child lasts a lifetime, if they survive. Sexual predators are always looking for their
next victim.
Executive Director of Jessica's Law Now, Mark A. Palmer stated,“Over the past several years, I have given time to push for
tougher laws, regarding sex crimes, especially on sexual predators. Personally, I have worked with sexually abused children and
have seen the effects. Words cannot even begin to describe seeing the rape of child innocent soul. The soul becomes amputated and
takes a lifetime to repair, if ever!”
Jessica’s Law Now been asked to endorse castration of sex offenders. Why one can understand many reasons given for castration
upon a sex offender, we found will not stop the problem. Castration is the removal of the Male testicles, which is the male sex
hormone.
The male will not be able to perform sexually but will still have the desires too.In time, male desires can fade but various medications
can also reverse this. These medications can cause a change in his blood that will help bring back full sexual desires.In time, male
can have a full erection and orgasm again.
People that are sex offenders of children have the wants and desirer's toward a child. Sadly, we have not seen any program that has
made any major impact for sex offenders. Too many of these programs are lacking in direction and guidance. Our leaders in the
medical field need make a stand about the lack of procedures for victims, family members and better programs for sex offenders.
Jessica’s Law Now feels that harsher laws with strict sentences are the answer for sex offenders.
Internet is allowed show babies, children and teenagers performing horrible sexual acts.
Various adult sites claim their pictures are legal or barely, but are they? We found a large number of these adult sites with under age
boys and girls. Internet sites like these are full of Spyware and Trojans that cause other problems to computer and many times, this
Malware infects computers files. Which leads to other crimes, such as theft of personal information, etc?
In recent research, we have found rogue sites that use code words. The disgusting photos of sexually brutalized children should
haunt our lawmakers. Sadly, these codes not known always to law enforcement, because they are constantly changing and many
children are suffering from official’s lack of knowledge, as well as lack of state, federal laws and funding to combat cyber-child
porn.
A lot of these sites connect to one another forming a network. Many of these networks have touched upon various web sites
through out the United States.
Many of the sites use celebrity user names for email's like Elvis and Carmen Electra, as well as many young girls dolled up, as being
in a beauty pageant. Seen many of these so-called models fixed up to look like Jon Benet Ramsey. Sure that members of Presley
family and Carmen Electra would not appreciate their namesake's being linked to child pornography nor members of the Ramsey
family having Jon Benet’s image used promote child pornography.
What is sad and very upsetting, when these children are lured into this, it starts as innocent photography but the ramification to the
child is what is disastrous. Lawmakers seem stick their heads in the sand, instead of making a difference.
Our advice to all parents,”Awareness is your best defense."
Teens chat and post personal information on their computers daily. Your child could be chatting with a convicted sex offender.
Unlike many cities in United States, you will find a large number of sex offenders register and unregister. The FBI asks parents
to monitor your children on the computer. Remember, it could just save their life!
Predators look for ways find out information out about our children. One-way, they do is through proud parents displaying images
on vehicles like family image decals. It is sad that something so innocent can lead to, something as horrible as stalking, especially
when it is a minor.
Predators have been able to use the Internet to help select their next victim. Today, one can find anything they want, on the Internet.
A person can find locations of where a child lives, goes to school and personal family information too. This technology provides an
open window to children that predators come into threw and prey upon our children.
We at Jessica’s Law Now are saddened at the sudden and tragic death of Max Hernandez 7-year-old autistic boy and the choices
his father Conrad made, when he had so much to live for and he chose not only to probably end his life, but the life of his child?
Too many times, children and teenagers who have gone missing do not have an Amber Alert issued. Cases like Chelsea King,
Monte and Collin Walker, Max Hernandez and Gabriel Johnson, did not either have an Amber Alert issued or the Amber Alert was
delayed, by red-tape, miscommunication, or that the abduction doesn’t fit the criteria. We have seen incidents where authorities
felt that there was no need to issue an Amber Alert because missing child or teen did not fit a certain criteria, or they felt they did
not have enough evidence to suggest that an alert was needed or necessary. However, when a parent states that their child is
missing, it should be taken seriously, and not put off as a run-away.
Some states have to go betweens or liaisons, who decided if an Amber Alert is merited, unfortunately, when time is of the essence,
we do not have the luxury of red tape. It is naïve to think that there is a one-size fits all criteria, when it comes to abductions,
when there is clearly different cases, with unique circumstances.
There should be contingency plans when certain issues come up, that allows for immediate response such as: Mental and Emotional
state of the abductor or parent, potential harm or danger to the child, domestic violence history, and out-of-country flight risks, etc.
Too many times, we do not err on the side of caution, and we end up with a tragic ending, what is worse is we cannot honestly
say everything was done to curb what happened.
If a simple Amber Alert was issued, at the time of the disappearance, it may have stopped these events from unfolding in the manner
in which they had. The Amber Alert is a tool, which needs to be fully utilized in a more effective manner by law enforcement.
We prefer law enforcement to err on the side of caution than to stand by, and not enact in a timely manner.
Jessica's Law Now feels that Amber Alerts need to be mandatory under the right guidelines. How many children are missing or dead
because authorities did not issue Amber Alert?
Jessica’s Law Now is asking you to join in with us to make a positive difference for the safety and welfare of our children.
By signing our Petition, we are asking President Obama, Unitef States Congress and Senate make Amber Alerts Mandatory under
national guidelines, to streamline the processes in order to get Alerts out in a timely manner, and include parental abduction in the
categories and criteria of a National Amber Alert System. Once the guidelines are uniform and comprehensive, and governed
through a national system, we hope to cut down on incidents of children being abducted and murdered by their parent or the person
who abducts them. Our concern is the safety of the child and to find them once they go missing. It is past time to cut through the
red tape and bureaucracy, please lend your name to the petition, for change!
Sadly, we have found that Family Services are not protecting our children, as they should. Too many cases have not had the proper
investigation or fellow up that is required like Somer Thompson, Shaniya Davis and Gabriel Johnson. Another reason why, we
should not ever forget about these children.
Somer Thompson was a 7- year-old girl living in Orange Park, Florida, who went missing on October 19, 2009, after she did not
come home from school. Somer disappeared on her way back to home with twin brothers and 10-year-old sister. Mother said that
she (Somer) argued with other two children and ran away from them and then lost sight of her. When they did not find her at home
they ran back to find her after dropping their bags. Somer’s body was found in Southern Georgia in the Chesser Island Road
Landfill.
Friday, January 15, 2010, Central Florida News 13 reported a school social worker reportedly warned a northeast Florida girl's
mother about the danger of the child walking home from school a year before she was killed.
The unidentified worker told the Department of Children and Families that 7-year-old Somer Thompson and her three siblings got
lost at least once walking from Grove Park Elementary School and were found in woods with a stranger. Nevertheless, a DCF
probe concluded the allegation had no basis. It also found the girl's mother, Diena Thompson, properly arranged for her children to
be taken to and from school.
The 7-year-old girl vanished in late October as she was walking home from school. Somer’s body was discovered in a Georgia
landfill about 50 miles away. No one yet been charged in her death.
Somer’s father, Sammy Thompson was not aware that Department of Children and Families were investigating the welfare of his
children. Time of Somer’s murder, the Thompson’s were separated. Sammy Thompson should been notified of the investigation.
Department of Children and Families fell short of their responsibilities for Somer Thompson. Department of Children and Families
claims Diena Thompson had arranged for her children properly taken to and from school. If that was the case, why were the
children walking home without supervision from school on October 19, 2009?
In the case of 7-year-old Somer Thompson, the person who committed this crime, is likely a predator and has killed before. Person
that police have in custody and feel committed this horrible crime is a child predator.
Parents in any community need be more aware of their child's ware-abouts.In knowing always, where and whom your child is with,
it could mean life or death for your child!
Shaniya Davis was a lovely child until she was murder. Cumberland County Department of Social Services was investigating the
household that Shaniya Davis was living in. That is not how it is; they were only looking at Shaniya’s mother Antoinette Davis’s
and her 7-year-old son. This explains, why investigators drop the ball and the results affected a child.
You would think that Shaniya’s father been aware of an investigation, not so. Child services is no different of any government
agencies with all its red tape and bureaucratic procedures, they can spin any issue and do.
In the case of 5-year-old Shaniya Davis, the man that was arrested has a history of violent tendencies and drug use. Shaniya’s
mother, Antoinette Davis charged with human trafficking, felony child abuse, prostitution, obstruction of police and filing a false
police report. Antoinette Davis is pregnant again while sitting in a North Carolina prison awaiting trial.
February when Antoinette Davis made bail on a $51,000 bond various authorities were surprised. April 15, 2010, Antoinette Davis
appeared for court and still this drama continues.
Even though an Amber Alert issued for Shaiya Davis mother, Antoinette Davis gave wrong information to authorities.
Since the death last year of 5-year-old Shaniya Davis child abuse has risen. Still, no accountability ever been placed upon the
investigators of Child Services. State personnel law forbids release of information of such matters unless state employee charged
in a crime.
Childhood or adolescent sexual abuse is associated with a range of high-risk sexual behaviors, including the likelihood of being
battered; trading sex for drugs, shelter, or money; entry into prostitution; and less likelihood to use birth control.
(Boyer and Fine 1992, Finkelhor 1987, Paone et al. 1992, Ziegler et al. 1991)
Another child has gone missing that could have been prevented like Max Hernandez, Somer Thompson and Shaniya Davis.
Elizabeth Johnson fled Arizona to San Antonio, Texas with her 8-month-old baby on December 22, 2009.Authorities said that
Elizabeth was in San Antonio, Texas from December 22 to December 27, 2009. Authorities are being tight lipped on what motel
staff had informed them about. A source says various member of hotel staff was concerned about the appearance of 8-month-old
baby Gabriel Johnson. Sometimes, Gabriel appeared be limped and loose. If true, then Elizabeth Johnson more than likely was
drugging Gabriel. This can cause serious problems to a child's development, as well as death. Gabriel Johnson was last seen in
San Antonio, Texas on December 26, 2009, the next day Elizabeth Johnson left by bus to Florida.
Elizabeth Johnson was arrested in Miami, Florida on December 30, 2009. Authorities extradited back to Arizona. Elizabeth Johnson
held on a $1,100,000 cash bond and booked into Maricopa County Jail on charges of kidnapping, child abuse and custodial
interference.
Elizabeth Johnson will not disclose to authorities the whereabouts of Gabriel Johnson. The two possibilities are that Elizabeth
Johnson gave Gabriel away or harmed him. Authorities feel that Elizabeth more than likely harmed Gabriel.
Bob Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson's grandfather said that Elizabeth should have received more professional help. Bob Johnson made it
clear, that Elizabeth Johnson did get help for post partum depression. Elizabeth Johnson was taking medication that made her
mellow. Prior to Elizabeth Johnson's fleeing with her son, Elizabeth had stopped taking her medication.
Gabriel's father, Logan McQueary said that Elizabeth Johnson had display fits of rage. Logan made it clear, Elizabeth Johnson gets
angry at Gabriel's crying, and so he would take Gabriel to another room. This would keep Gabriel calm and allow Logan spend time
with his son.
Prior to fleeing Arizona, Elizabeth Johnson took Gabriel and told police that Gabriel was missing. Child Services and local police
investigated Elizabeth Johnson's claims. The police found 8-month-old Gabriel Johnson at her friend’s house. The same friends
that have mislead police and helped Elizabeth falsify information in the past.
Elizabeth Johnson has shown no concern over Gabriel’s welfare. Her behavior shows anger toward her son and Gabriel's father,
Logan McQueary. Elizabeth fled Arizona, so she could be free of her present life decisions and get back at Gabriel's father, Logan
McQueary.
Things will more than likely will become worse for Elizabeth Johnson as her behavior comes more pronounced by her acting out
more. Sadly, we see many similar mentality and signs behaviorally by Elizabeth Johnson that Casey Anthony has shown. Elizabeth
Johnson use of having her way by controlling or manipulating any situation fit her needs. What needs to take place is for her to put
and end to this charade, and tell where Gabriel Johnson is. Her behavior comes across that she wants people to feel sorry for her
and she is a victim. That is so far from the truth, Elizabeth Johnson has victimized Gabriel, Logan and McQueary Family they are
the real victims, not Elizabeth.
She made her decisions, now she must face the consequences of them, hopefully she will get the help she needs in jail. Reality must
come in at this time and slap her awake as to what she is facing, the evaluation may be best too, because they can get into her head.
The best thing that the authorities can do is make it clear to Elizabeth that she will face a long time in jail or the death penalty. Even
though Texas has their faults in some of the state laws, they do not take kindly to mothers that harm a child physically, mentally or
emotionally. Until the authorities or her lawyers press Elizabeth, they will more than likely play her game.
We have seen too many families like this because, they do not know where their child is and if, they are alive or dead.
Jessica's Law Now has assisted Logan McQueary, in his mission of finding his missing son Gabriel Johnson. Logan McQueary
has been in San Antonio, Texas in hopes of finding his son; in the last place, anyone saw Gabriel and his mother Elizabeth Johnson.
Despite the text and voice messages from Elizabeth Johnson, claiming the baby was dead, police say there are indicators Gabriel
may still be alive, including evidence that Johnson may have tried to give the baby up for adoption after the disappearance.
Sadly, it took over a month for the landfill be search for missing Gabriel Johnson. The landfill should been ruled out, so authorities
could have moved on. Texas landfill search ended after crews sorted through approximately 4,200 tons of trash at the Tessman
Road Landfill.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the 16-day search of the landfill produced no evidence in the case. Problem that has
affected this case other cases like it, lack of resources and policy in police departments. That comes from decisions made for them
by our local, state and federal leaders.
Amber Alert was not issued by Arizona or Texas for Gabriel Johnson when he was reported missing. Amber Alerts are authority’s
choices, still Amber Alert should have been issued for a missing baby. Amber Alert would have help prevented Gabriel Johnson
from being missing today.
Child Services found nothing to be concerned about Elizabeth Johnson prior to her fleeing Arizona, with 8-month-old Gabriel
Johnson. Logan McQueary the father of missing baby Gabriel Johnson informed Jessica’s Law Now, that he had received a
letter from Child Services closing the case. In other words, Elizabeth Johnson was not an immediate threat to 8-month-old
Gabriel Johnson, according from Child Service and despite irrational past behavior from his mother.
Child Services claims today that there is an open investigation (apparently reopened) regarding Elizabeth Johnson. So, what is it?
Child Services is a formed government agency to protect the welfare of children. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case.
Too many mistakes that occur throughout the United States with Child Services keep happing and innocent children found missing
or dead.
Child Services should become proactive in making policy changes, starting with better background checks of all their employees.
Caseworkers need to conduct more conclusive investigations with better accountability. In order make, this happen need hire more
personnel and obtain more funding. Sadly, our children take a back seat because of politics and funding.
Too many judges and lawyers are plea-bargaining too much of the time for repeat offenders. The victims and their families are the
ones that keep suffering. We are just fooling our selves, if we do not have stricter laws and procedures for sex crimes.
Our schools do not provide a safe environment for our children. It is not safe anymore for our children walk home from school,
play outside or sleep in their bed. We have government organizations willing to abuse and neglect our children, instead of protecting
their welfare. Until the politics takes a back seat and the bureaucratic red tape cut, these matters will only become worse. What is
wrong with this picture?
Many situations have occurred like these throughout United States and Jessica’s Law Now is fighting help make national difference.
All rights reserved by Jessica's Law Now, Inc.
Kids Come First
Our Angels Reaching Out By Contributing
P.O. Box 3456
Scottsdale, AZ. 85271
602-754-8576
jessicaslawnow@gmail.com
Scottsdale, AZ. 85271
602-754-8576
jessicaslawnow@gmail.com
