ND senator's bill aims to corral sex trafficking
• DAVE KOLPACK, Associated Press
• FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- A North Dakota senator whose oil-rich state has become a target for child prostitution is sponsoring a bill meant to crack down on all forms of human trafficking.
• Sen. Heidi Heitkamp says the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act would encourage law enforcement officers and the courts to treat minors who are sold for sex as victims, not as criminals.
• It's a trend that has alarmed top federal prosecutors from North Dakota and South Dakota.
• Recent online prostitution stings in western North Dakota have netted 15 arrests in the Dickinson and Williston areas. Two men in South Dakota have received life sentences for human trafficking cases in Sioux Falls.
• Heitkamp says many of the victims are hesitant to come forward. Her bill includes a safe harbor provision that gives them protection.
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SD prison inmate missing from work release program
• YANKTON, S.D. (AP) -- Authorities are searching for a state prison inmate who failed to show up for his work release job in Yankton.
• Corrections officials say 26-year-old Frederick Little went missing Friday night. Officials say Little was supposed to return to the minimum-security unit in Yankton by 6:30 p.m.
• Little is serving 10 years for grand theft in Tripp County and three years for burglary in McCook County.
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UC Santa Barbara defeats South Dakota State 83-64
• SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) -- Alan Williams filled up the box score with a career-high 39 points to go along with eight blocks and nine rebounds as UC Santa Barbara defeated South Dakota State on Friday night 83-64.
• The Gauchos (3-2) took over after the break, as they scored 51 second half points after only leading by two in a low scoring first half 32-30. Williams went 10-of- (Continued on page 18)
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