7 News Belize

Human Traffic Victim Speaks, Raises Worrying Historical Parallels
posted (February 24, 2011)
You may remember the name Erica Wills - she's one of the victims in the still unsolved "Jack" girl killings of the late 90's. Erica was 9 when she was abducted in July of 1999; she was found dead on the Gracie Rock Road on July 22, 1999. Well, now her older sister has turned up in the United States in a most remarkable situation. She has given a gripping testimony of being a victim of human trafficking.

Jamelia - who is now 23 - told a local television station in Fresno Califonia that she was sold by her mother in Belize when she was only 11-years-old, to a woman who eventually took her to live in Clovis, California.

Now, doing the math, when she was 11 - that was 12 years ago, bringing us to 1999, the same year Erica was killed. A jarring coincidence, all right, but back to Jamelia's narrative:

Untitled from 7News Belize on Vimeo.

Jamelia says that she was forced to work at a family house in Fresno, California. Jamelia spoke about the abuse she had to endure for more than a decade.

For 23 year old Jamelia it is very difficult to speak about the abuse she says endured for the past 10 years. Jamelia was sold by her mother in Belize when she was 11 years old to a woman who eventually brought her to live in Clovis.

Linda Richardson, Jamelia Attorney
"It was physical abuse, emotional and psychological abuse. That's what traffickers used."

Jamelia says she was force into domestic servitude, cleaning and caring for the family's four children. She tried to get help many times but nobody believe her.

Jamelia
"I had no phone. I had no way of communicating, I dig in a garage and got a phone and said 'who know what its time'."

Ronna Bright, Project Coordinator for the central valley freedom coalition says unlike Jamelia many victims of human trafficking are either hidden or afraid to come forward that's why public awareness of the problem is so important.

Ronna Bright
"in the last year that we've just started addressing, even saying the name human trafficking in our local area we have identified and serve 24 victims."

Sgt. Curt Chastian is in charge in the Fresno Police department new form Human Trafficking Task Force, he says victims are often force into prostitution like illegal massage parlors. Other are found in sweat shop and farm labors and even nail salons.

Sgt. Curt Chastian
"All cheap labor may not be legal it may be force and somebody is profiting from the service that the public might be getting out at."

Sgt. Chastain says if you are suspicious ask questions.

Sgt. Curt Chastian
"In your conversation with them if your hair raises on the back of your neck - if this is not right then you should report it."

Jamelia was finally rescued from her captor a year and a half ago thanks to the help of a friend. The riminal against her allege abductor is still pending. Jamelia has this message to other victims who may be watching.

Jamelia
"Not to give up even if just one person don't listen, even if two people don't listen. Keep trying."

23 year old Jamelia was set to be deported back to Belize in the coming days, but was just granted a Human Trafficking or T Visa -which is a type of visa allowing certain victims of human trafficking to remain in the United States if they agree to assist law enforcement in testifying against the perpetrator.

We contacted her father who lives in Belize - but he refused to comment…


Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize