Hunting Sex Traffickers (with Glenn Devitt) | Change Agents with Andy Stumpf - EP. 1

The speaker emphasizes the importance of not shying away from endless work and organizing social movements to end needless suffering. They stress the opportunity to lead by example and the power of growing the number of people involved in creating change. The introduction of Glenn Devitt, an army veteran with a background in human intelligence and counterintelligence, is made. His work with the Department of Homeland Security in computer forensic analysis to combat child exploitation is highlighted. The text also discusses the shocking statistics of human trafficking in the U.S. and the vulnerable targets traffickers seek. Glenn's transition from his work in the military and government to founding the Sentinel Foundation is outlined, including his motivations and the personal struggles he faced.

The paragraph details the speaker's journey from infantry to counterintelligence, driven by a desire to serve in the Special Operations community. It covers their deployment in Baghdad, the impact of their injuries, and their transition to teaching and recruitment. The speaker's passion for understanding human psychology and manipulation is discussed, along with the challenges of applying these skills in a military context. The paragraph also explores the speaker's discovery of child rescue efforts and their decision to use their skills for this cause, including their training in computer forensics and the establishment of their organization.

This section delves into the speaker's experiences in law enforcement, particularly in the realm of child exploitation and trafficking. It discusses the emotional impact of being exposed to the harsh realities of child abuse and the psychology behind the predators. The speaker talks about the prevalence of child sexual abuse material in the U.S. and the challenges of dealing with the sheer volume of offenders. The paragraph also touches on the speaker's personal motivations and the traits that drive individuals to fight against such heinous crimes.

The speaker recounts their undercover work in various countries and the realization of the need for professional assistance in the fight against child trafficking. They discuss the founding of the Sentinel Foundation, their approach to non-profit work, and the importance of operational secrecy. The paragraph also covers the process of preparing and training individuals for the difficult work of rescuing children and the emotional rewards and challenges of this work. The speaker emphasizes the need for public awareness and involvement in combating child exploitation.

This section contrasts child trafficking and exploitation in third-world countries with that in the U.S. The speaker discusses the in-your-face nature of trafficking in certain countries and the consumption of child sexual abuse material in the U.S. They highlight the underfunding and lack of prioritization of child crime fighting efforts and express frustration with the lack of political champions for the cause. The speaker calls for awareness, involvement, and a shift in societal priorities to protect children.

The speaker reflects on the mental health challenges of working in child trafficking, the difficulty of maintaining personal well-being when confronted with such darkness. They share a personal story of an undercover operation in Thailand that went awry, emphasizing the risks and the emotional toll of leaving children behind. The paragraph also addresses the existence of severe trafficking situations like 'sex dungeons' and the role of law enforcement in the U.S. and abroad.

The speaker describes a rescue operation in Bangladesh, initiated after uncovering a detailed trafficking route posted on the dark web. They recount the process of going undercover as a journalist, the challenges faced in convincing local law enforcement to assist in the rescue, and the successful extraction of two victims. The paragraph also discusses the importance of aftercare for rescued children and the speaker's call to action for individuals to get involved in the fight against child trafficking.

This section delves into the psychology of abusers, particularly those who were victims of abuse themselves, and the difficulty in understanding their transition from abused to abuser. The speaker discusses the long-term effects of child abuse, the importance of severe punishment for child rape, and the need for parents to be vigilant and communicate openly with their children. They also emphasize the ubiquity of the problem and the potential for anyone to be involved in the fight against child exploitation.

The speaker encourages listeners to get involved in the fight against child exploitation, suggesting that even those with busy lives can contribute. They provide information on how to contact the Sentinel Foundation and other organizations like Operation Light Shine and the Tim Tebow Foundation. The paragraph stresses the importance of awareness, education, and advocacy, and the potential for individuals to make a significant impact on the issue.

The speaker concludes the discussion with a call to action, urging listeners to engage with the issue of child exploitation and to educate themselves and their children about the potential dangers. They provide resources for further information and reiterate the importance of awareness and involvement in protecting children and combating trafficking.