Women Detail Exploitation by Drug Gangs, Allege Police Inaction

Why it matters locally: While this national story details allegations of exploitation and police inaction in other areas, it highlights issues that could be relevant to ongoing discussions in Connecticut regarding law enforcement response to vulnerable populations and the efficacy of reporting mechanisms for victims of exploitation.

Four women allege they experienced exploitation and sexual violence by drug gangs during their teenage years. These individuals state police did not adequately address their reports. These women described specific incidents where criminal groups targeted them. They further explained that these experiences occurred when they were teenagers. Following these events, the women stated they contacted law enforcement. They each reported a lack of serious engagement or investigation from authorities regarding their allegations. The women's accounts collectively indicate a pattern of alleged exploitation by criminal organizations and subsequent dissatisfaction with the police response.