NCJ Number
96306
Date Published
1984
Length
31 pages
Annotation
The organization and operation of 55 sex rings exploiting children are described.
Abstract
Three types of sex rings are delineated. In 'solo' rings, the adult operates alone with a small group of children. In 'transition' rings, the adult has begun to exchange or sell pornographic photographs of children and tries to pressure the child into the next level ring. In this level, the 'syndicated' ring, a well-structured organization is formed to recruit children, produce pornography, deliver sexual services, and establish a customer network. The organization and operations of each type of ring are explained, and 19 particular rings are described. In addition, questionnaire results provide information on adult offenders who direct the rings, the prosecution process for these offenders, and the rings' components. Offenders were most often middle class and middle aged. Their primary access to the children was through occupation, living situation, and other children. Over 60 percent of the court decisions were guilty verdicts. The median number of children per ring was five to seven, but the number ranged from one to several hundred. Twelve references are listed.