GAINESVILLE, Fla. – New Charge Reveals Details of Trafficking Case
Staff report
Introduction
A new charge against Mariam Foster, 42, has revealed more details about the trafficking of a 15-year-old girl that resulted in the previous arrests of Donovan Grimes and Darren Sheppard for lewd/lascivious battery.
Child Neglect Charge Against Foster
According to the arrest report charging Foster with child neglect, the victim disclosed in a trauma-informed interview that she was trafficked by Allison Reshena Berry, 42. Berry was arrested on April 11 and charged with human trafficking of a child under 18, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, and child neglect.
Victim’s Experience
Court documents reveal that during a period when Foster, the victim’s mother, was homeless and living in a car and various motels, Berry offered to let the victim live with her. The victim said she became addicted to “molly” while staying with Berry because Berry also “smoked it a lot.”
- The victim was locked in a bedroom upstairs when she expressed disinterest in performing sexual acts.
- Berry returned with a handgun and forced the victim to have sex with men.
- About 15 men paid Berry for sex with the victim.
- Berry received cash and drugs from the men, while the victim also received drugs.
The victim became addicted to drugs and felt compelled to continue having sex with men for Berry to obtain more drugs.
Involvement of Jelks
Berry introduced the victim to Kebris Doctaurus Jelks, 46, who allegedly had sex with the victim and provided her with money and drugs. Jelks was arrested on April 11 and charged with human trafficking of a child under 18 and sexual assault on a victim under 18.
Living Arrangements
The victim lived with Berry from mid-April to early May in 2023 before briefly entering a mental health facility. After her release, she lived with Jelks for about a week before being placed under Foster’s care. The victim reported that her bed in Jelks’ residence did not have any sheets on it.
Revelations to Foster
When the victim went to live with Foster, she disclosed what had happened with Berry and Jelks. The victim also stated that Foster gave her drugs and smoked them together.
Involvement of Grimes and Sheppard
Donovan Grimes stayed in motel rooms with Foster and the victim from the summer of 2023 through the end of the year. The victim reported that she and Grimes were sexually active during this period. Additionally, a witness confirmed that the victim’s mother was aware of their sexual activity and allowed it to continue.
During Grimes’ arrest in November 2023, Foster took the victim to stay with Sheppard, who allegedly had sexual intercourse with her despite knowing she was underage.
Background of the Suspects
Berry has one misdemeanor conviction for domestic battery. She is currently held without bail until trial.
Foster has 20 felony convictions and two misdemeanor convictions, none of which are violent. She has served two state prison sentences and is currently held on $165,000 bail.
Jelks has at least five felony convictions, mostly drug-related. He is also held without bail until trial.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article involve gender-based violence, human trafficking, child neglect, and sexual exploitation. These issues are connected to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. SDG 8 is relevant as it focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. SDG 10 addresses the issue of reduced inequalities, including inequalities based on gender. SDG 16 is also relevant as it aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
- Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are related to eliminating violence against women and girls (Target 5.2), eradicating forced labor and human trafficking (Target 8.7), promoting social and economic inclusion (Target 10.2), and ending abuse and exploitation of children (Target 16.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months
- Indicator 8.7.1: Number of victims of forced labor per 1,000 persons
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities
- Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:
– Indicator 5.2.1 can measure the prevalence of violence against women and girls.
– Indicator 8.7.1 can measure the number of victims of forced labor and human trafficking.
– Indicator 10.2.1 can measure the proportion of people living below a certain income threshold.
– Indicator 16.2.2 can measure the number of victims of human trafficking.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres | Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking | Indicator 8.7.1: Number of victims of forced labor per 1,000 persons |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation |
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Fuente: alachuachronicle.com
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