The Berlin Turnpike

This is a true story of human trafficking in America as told through the testimony of the United States vs. Dennis Paris trial. This test of American law provides a unique and detailed account of how a specific type of trafficking commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) takes place throughout the United States, involving mostly female minors and young adults. While we touch on related topics, the overall objective is to closely examine this heretofore ignored truth. This one case contains every element of a crime so reliant on secrecy; hiding behind a scintillating veil of growing legitimacy. Indeed, American CSE is buried just below the surface of our culture's mainstream reality. The myth is that it disguises itself as a different monster; an evil face that is easy to recognize. The truth is far more devious and complex. In the shadows of our daily lives, this silent explosion of crime and abuse hides behind masks of false innocence and legitimacy. Through the testimony of the case we learn where and how these events take place from the perspective of the prosecution, defense, and witnesses. We also learn a great deal about the geographic locations where these and related historical events occurred in America: all within a tiny, wealthy area of central Connecticut. And, at its very core, BECHARD: a twelve-mile stretch of concrete called the Berlin Turnpike. While unique in its character and biography, the Berlin Turnpike is exceptionally ordinary in the qualities that attract prostitution, human trafficking, and all forms of commercial sexual exploitation to it. It accurately represents the dangerously magnetic commonalities shared by thousands of roadways, neighborhoods, businesses, print publications, and websites hiding throughout the nation. By exposing the truth behind what happens on the Berlin Turnpike in all its forms, we discover the difficult truth lurking in every American community.

This illustrated children's book is based on the true story of a wild turkey who wandered into the town of Wethersfield, Connecticut in August of 2017 and who residents and tourists alike nicknamed Kevin. He migrated from one side of Old Wethersfield to another, and for several months paraded around the main intersection of the town's historic district. It is the largest historic district in the state. Kevin must have been looking for a mate, because he was constantly attracted to his own image reflecting in both the shiny wheels of trucks and cars, as well as reflecting his own image in glass windows of both vehicles and buildings. He was a source of frustration for some people, but most folks learned to be patient. He came to be loved by many people, both children as well as adults. He was photographed constantly, a Facebook page was created for him, and people even put out signs saying things like "Vote Kevin for Mayor" and the slogan "Eat more fish." He was eventually removed by the State of CT's Wildlife Management for the bird's own safety, before Thanksgiving of 2017. This was because he was nearly killed by a town's snowplow during an early snowstorm in November and close calls with other large vehicles as he began to wander occasionally past the Department of Motor Vehicles and towards the busy Silas Deane Highway. Kevin the Turkey, both the actual bird as well as our children's book, serve as an inspiration to both children and adults to learn to share the road, be patient, and appreciate the wildlife here in beautiful New England. Children can learn from this story and their parents about the importance of sharing, being thankful, and respecting wildlife, along with other life lessons. This book fills a huge void in the children's literature, for there are few if any inspirational, illustrated books tied to the special messages all kinds of people of all ages can learn based around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Charles Monagan knows Connecticut. As editor of Connecticut Magazine he has spent years discovering and describing the people, places, and things that comprise the character of his home state. With this entertaining collection of photos, anecdotes, and little-known facts, Monagan presents fifty of his favorite icons—from the hot lobster roll to the Yale Bowl, the U.S.S. Nautilus to the Merritt Parkway—and shows native and newcomer alike the independent spirit and local pride at the heart of this great state of Connecticut.

Written by "one of America's most provocative and controversial authors," (just read the reviews for proof of that), The Berlin Turnpike is a true story of human trafficking in America as told through the testimony of a landmark federal trial which took place at the heart of one of the country's wealthiest states, Connecticut, over the course of eight days in 2007. The trial of United States vs. Dennis Paris provides a rare and detailed account of how a specific type of trafficking ― commercial sexual exploitation ― is thriving because it has left the street corners and entered our homes. This one case contains every element of a crime so reliant on secrecy; shrouded behind a scintillating veil of growing legitimacy. Yet it is buried just below the surface of our culture's mainstream perception.The myth is that human trafficking of this kind disguises itself as a different monster; an evil face that is easy to recognize. The truth is far more devious and complex. In the shadows of our daily lives, this silent explosion of crime and abuse hides behind a deceptive mask of false innocence and legitimacy. For the first time we will openly examine this heretofore ignored truth with no agenda or motive other than to expose its stark reality.This trip to The Berlin Turnpike will take you to the core of how and where these events take place from the perspective of all those involved: the victims, the police, and the perpetrators. Never before has one story so accurately represented the dangerously magnetic commonalities shared by thousands of roadways, neighborhoods, businesses, publications, private homes, and websites.The Berlin Turnpike: A True Story of Human Trafficking in America, is a compelling expose of the people who live with the realities of commercial sexual exploitation every day.- The witnesses. Melissa P., Eileen K., Marianne C., Jennifer D., and Kathleen C. Each has their own reason for testifying. And each has something important to hide.- The Lawyers. Passionate, calculating, and with their careers on the line, the prosecution and the defense try desperately to win over the jury with every possible strategy.- The defendant. Smart, charismatic, and looking at 30 years in prison. His story will surprise you.- The girls. Marie, Danita, Kayla, Simone and others are our tour guides down The Berlin Turnpike. They share their raw, honest stories without hype or drama. In their own words, you'll learn what life is like with a pimp.- The Road. Like America's continuing struggle for equality, The Berlin Turnpike has a long, sordid history of heroes and villains. For the first time, their secrets are revealed.

Did you know that there’s a Connecticut hotel room with a real helicopter inside? Can you guess who inspired the character of Indiana Jones, who was president before George Washington, and who flew before the Wright Brothers? Find the state’s most interesting and offbeat stories in Secret Connecticut: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. Are you interested in taking a safari or racing a chariot? Had you ever heard that Martin Luther King Jr. spent two summers in Connecticut? Included are more than eighty engaging stories that provide insight into one of America’s oldest states. Inside are tales of pirates, an underground prison, and a possessed doll. Aren’t you curious about the spectacular stained glass church that was unknowingly built in the shape of a fish by a famous architect? From the world’s smallest Native American reservation to professionally coiffed cows and a replica of Marie Antoinette’s palace, you’ll find intrigue around every corner of this small but surprising state. Author Anastasia Mills Healy brings to life the long history of intriguing people, places, and events that will fascinate even life long residents of Connecticut.