At the age of 15, Leslie King was sex trafficked in Grand Rapids. For 20 years, she endured sexual exploitation, violence, and drug addiction, until finally escaping in the summer of 2000. Today, King runs an outreach organization in Grand Rapids called Sacred Beginnings. Its mission is to connect with others who may be victims of sex trafficking, and provide them with supplies and support. 

After years spent rebuilding her life, filling out applications, working with lawyers, and receiving denial after denial for expungement petitions, Leslie received a phone call she'd been waiting so long to hear: the governor had pardoned King for crimes committed decades ago when she was a victim of human trafficking.

Hear Leslie King's story of survival, and of her legal battle for a new beginning. 

GUESTS:
Leslie King, author, speaker, sex trafficking survivor, and founder of Sacred Beginings
Madelaine Lane, attorney, Warner Norcross + Judd

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Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions.

At the age of 15, Leslie King was sex trafficked in Grand Rapids. For 20 years, she endured sexual exploitation, violence, and drug addiction, until finally escaping in the summer of 2000. Today, King runs an outreach organization in Grand Rapids called <a href="https://www.sbtp.org/">Sacred Beginnings</a>. Its mission is to connect with others who may be victims of sex trafficking, and provide them with supplies and support. 
After years spent rebuilding her life, filling out applications, working with lawyers, and receiving denial after denial for expungement petitions, Leslie received a phone call she'd been waiting so long to hear: the governor had pardoned King for crimes committed decades ago when she was a victim of human trafficking.
Hear Leslie King's story of survival, and of her legal battle for a new beginning. 
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li>Leslie King, author, speaker, sex trafficking survivor, and founder of Sacred Beginings</li>
<li>Madelaine Lane, attorney, Warner Norcross + Judd</li>
</ul>
_______
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way.</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganradio.secureallegiance.com/wuom/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=SUSTAINER&amp;PAGETYPE=PLG&amp;CHECK=7xZmO7zqt1vzhRN6l0Ol%2B61gzMC6uhq5nDjkJobrCdg%3D">supporting our work.</a>
Additional music by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund