A new Facebook group in Angelina County, Texas is quickly gaining followers for a cause that many feel strongly about—exposing sexual predators in their community. The group, called “Angelina County Victims Speak Out! Exposing Predators!”, was launched just last week and already has nearly 700 members.
The goal of the group is simple: raise awareness and share information about people in the Lufkin area who have been convicted of sexual crimes, especially those living near schools.
How the Group Is Sharing Information
The group uses publicly available data from a website called familywatchdog.us to find out where registered sex offenders live. The admins then post photos, maps, and even personal stories of abuse. One focus is showing how close these offenders live to school zones, such as around Trout Elementary School.
The admins also revisit older cases that may have been forgotten by the public, hoping to keep the community informed and alert.
One Case That Sparked the Group’s Mission
Recently, the group reposted a 2012 news story from KTRE about Justin Delane Nash, a man from Lufkin. He was found guilty of abusing his roommate’s 14-year-old daughter and was given five years of probation.
Later, Nash was arrested again, this time for indecency with a child, a second-degree felony. A 7-year-old child had written in her journal: “I wish I had another life. I just got raped by Justin and I am scared to tell my mom.” During the trial, the girl, who was then 9 years old, had to testify in court.
Who Started the Group and Why?
The Facebook group was started by Jayna Laney and her mother Dana, who are survivors of abuse. Jayna initially created the group to share her personal story, but the page quickly grew as more people in the community took interest.
Jayna said, “The more awareness there is, the more it keeps people from doing these things. I just want people to be aware of the types of offenders in their area.”
A Community-Led Effort During a Key Month
The timing of the group’s rise is important. April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this initiative is helping shine a light on the issue at a local level. It also encourages others to speak up and seek help.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the Family Crisis Center of East Texas for help.