Angelica's Journey: Healing from Trafficking

Help Me Move Forward: Raising Funds for Legal Fees, Family Expenses, and Recovery

Hi, my name is Angelica, (Ann), and I am sharing my story today in the hope that you can help me and my family during this incredibly challenging time.

For over five years, I was abducted, trafficked, and held against my will. Taken across the country from my family, I was confined, manipulated, and exploited. I was routinely hurt, asphyxiated and lived in constant fear for my life. But thanks to the unwavering support of my now-husband and the courage to escape, I’m here today. I escaped my abuser with nothing but the clothes on my back. For months, I wanted to try to move on and forget what I went through. I found out through one of the few friends I made during this time that he (who is more than 20 years older than me) was actively trying to replace me with other vulnerable young women. I reported him to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and following a thorough investigation, the FBI, DHS, ATF, and several other agencies (led by the local Unadilla Township Police) were able to collaborate in his arrest.

I’ve been through more than anyone should ever experience, but I am not giving up. I want to heal, rebuild my life, and protect my family. However, I need help to do that.

The Situation I’m Facing:

I need funds to cover critical legal costs and expenses related to my case. After being taken from my family several time zones away to rural Michigan, he used my savings to buy the property we lived on. He took everything from me, even locking up my birth certificate and ID so it would be harder for me to run away. Eventually, he used some of my earnings to buy the plot of land beside us. We were living in a dilapidated trailer and he wasted all of my money on drugs. The man who held me captive for so long is still tied to the two property deeds, and I must legally remove him. Since his arrest, his adult son has been squatting in my trailer, and the taxes have not been paid. As such, I have recently received notice that my properties will be foreclosed unless I pay the full amount. My husband has been the sole provider for our family for years, but we have faced extreme difficulties from trying to get by in his home country of Canada. Additionally, there are travel and living expenses to handle in order for my family to testify in the criminal case and assist me in navigating this next chapter.

I have spent years trying to rebuild my life after enduring unimaginable trauma. I was told by victim services that almost half a million dollars of my funds were stolen during my time of captivity. I’ve struggled with PTSD, and I could not legally work for years while awaiting my permanent residency in Canada. My husband and I have since moved here, and he is in the process of applying for his green card. Now, with young children and the need to focus on healing, I’m asking for help to move forward.

Breakdown of How the Funds Will Be Used:

1. Legal Fees:

I need a real estate lawyer to help remove my abuser from the deed. The going rate for their retainer is $6,000, which will cover the work necessary to handle the legal side of this case.

2. Foreclosure Fees:

My two properties will be foreclosed this March unless I can pay the outstanding back-taxes. The current amount to prevent foreclosure is $2,348.07 for the 2022 tax year, due by the end of January 2025. There is more outstanding for 2023, but this is not needed to be paid off to prevent the immediate foreclosure. In our show cause hearing, my husband explained our situation and the undue hardship I have been through, but my trauma was not considered enough to even waive the accrued interest.

3. Immigration Expenses:

After waiting years to get permanent residency in Canada, I still could not receive any mental health care, being told by my assigned therapist that my problems were “too difficult” for her to deal with and to “go back to America.” Our son was not able to be seen by a doctor or physician since his birth at the hospital. My Canadian husband was unable to continue his career following the aftermath of COVID, and I was unable to work. We were far below the poverty line. From the exorbitant cost of living to having no access to health care for my infant son or I, we have relocated to be with my family in the United States.

Now that my abuser is in in secure custody, along with seeing how affordable it is to live here in comparison to Canada, we have since decided to stay. In order to financially support us, my husband is in the process of applying for his green card. This will cost us $2,375.

4. Travel & Family Expenses:

To testify in the criminal case and to be present during this process, I will need to travel with my husband and children. This is estimated to cost $3,240:

5. Miscellaneous Expenses:

Additional costs like gas, parking, and unexpected fees are estimated to be around $100.

Why a $15,000 Goal?

The total estimated cost for everything is approximately $14,065. We’ve set the goal at $15,000 to account for unforeseen expenses and to ensure that we have a buffer for anything unexpected that comes up during the journey. If we are fortunate enough to exceed this goal, additional donations will be be used to help my family’s stability as I seek therapy.

What Your Help Means to Me:

This is not just about legal expenses—it’s about rebuilding my life, protecting my family, and finally finding a sense of peace and security after years of trauma. Your support will allow me to:

A Step Toward Healing:

I’m sharing this with the hope that you will consider contributing to my journey toward healing, safety, and a future free from the shadows of the past. If you can’t donate, please share my story. Every act of kindness is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for helping me get one step closer to rebuilding my life.

The following news agencies have reported on my case: