It’s a crime that’s been referred to as “modern day slavery.” Human trafficking is taking place in areas all around the world, including the Delaware Valley. One survivor from North Philadelphia spoke to NBC10 to share her story.
Tyleah Eubanks was 15-years-old the day she checked her Facebook account, a normal occurrence that would ultimately change her life forever.
“I got a message from a Lisa Sanchez,” she said. “She asked me if I wanted to make quick money, easy money. So of course I’m gonna say yeah.”
The Facebook messages turned to texts about a job interview.
“At this point I’m thinking maybe I might dance,” Eubanks said.
Eubanks says she was eventually talked into sending naked pictures and then into meeting a man for an interview.
“I had to perform oral, an oral act on him,” she said.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Eubanks soon discovered that “Lisa Sanchez” was actually Rashaad McIntyre, a local pimp. Eubanks says he made her feel special with promises of more money than she could imagine. He made all of these promises while knowing she was only 15.
Eubanks eventually began turning tricks, mostly in motel rooms. Eventually she was having sex with more than a dozen men each day.
“Maybe eight will come through in the morning and maybe ten at night,” she said.
That was her life, seven days a week for one year, until police arrested McIntyre in 2012.
“That could be anybody’s daughter,” said Bob Parks of the FBI. “That could be your neighbor. That could be your daughter’s or your son’s friend at school.”
The Philadelphia FBI has worked 70 child trafficking cases since 2012.
