Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 14, 2025 Former Revere/Saugus resident shares heartfelt story of sex traffi cking that began at the Palace By Tara Vocino H osted by the Daughters of the American Revolution, a former Revere/Saugus resident shared her fi ve-year journey concerning sex trafficking at Saugus High School on Saturday morning. Jasmine Grace Marino, who grew up in Revere and moved to Saugus at age nine, defi ned sex trafficking as “someone gaining money for another’s exploitation.” What seemed like an innocent night at the Palace Nightclub with friends led the gullible, young Marino to a life that included changing her name, eventual homelessness, OxyContin/heroin addiction and a life spiraling out of control. At the time, she attended Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School, hoping to Sex traffi cking survivor Jasmine Marino was eventually able to land a job in real estate. become a hairdresser. “He took me shopping, met my family, acted like he was my He’s Back...and Better Than Ever! John A. Fitzpatrick (Fitzy) Sales & Lease Consultant Direct: 617.410.1030 Main: 617.381.9000 Cell: 617.279.9962 jfitzpatrick@mcgovernauto.com jfitzpatrick McGovern Automotive Group 100 Broadway, Rte. 99, Everett Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Shown from left: School Committee member Stephanie Mastrocola, sex traffi cking survivor Jasmine Grace Marino and Daughters of the American Revolution Regent Gail Cassarino. Former Revere/Saugus resident Jasmine Grace Marino shared her inspiring story of redemption and grace. boyfriend,” Marino said. “The traffi cker gave me a false sense of security.” The New Hampshire resident attended Grace Ministries in Saugus when she lived locally. She eventually left him when she was pregnant and he forced her to abort the baby. “I was tired of living a double life,” Marino said. “It led to eating disorders, OCD, a lump in my throat that wouldn’t go away, working out like crazy and washing my body often.” During a question-and-answer session, School Committee member Stephanie Mastrocola asked her son what sex traffi cking is, and he thought it was something learned in driver’s education. “We have to push this more in schools,” Mastrocola said. “Although no one wants to face it, it’s the world we live in now.” SEX TRAFFICKING | SEE PAGE 9 Revere resident Aleta Bransfield bought these awareness items on Saturday morning at Saugus High School. Shown from left: Daughters of the American Revolution Chaplain Jackie Smith, Town Meeting member Frank Federico, DAR Corresponding Secretary Judith Askey, DAR member Janice Jarosz, event host Jasmine Grace Marino, Town Meeting Precinct 2 member Matthew Parlante, DAR Regent Gail Cassarino, DAR Registrar Charlotte Line, DAR Vice Regent Wendy Rega, DAR Treasurer Linda Ross and DAR Librarian Justine Dolan.
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