The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
AD
The Epoch Times
Support Us
Social Issues
In-Depth

18 Is Not Just a Number: A Mother’s Anguished Search

Missing since the day after her 18th birthday, a teen’s disappearance raises suspicions about human trafficking.
18 Is Not Just a Number: A Mother’s Anguished Search
Police tape in a file photo. Kriston Jae Bethel/AFP via Getty Images
Sean Tseng
Sean Tseng
1/7/2024|Updated: 1/12/2024
0:00

Carla, a single mother juggling two jobs in the service industry, faces a heart-wrenching ordeal: her daughter, Anna, vanished the day after her 18th birthday. Despite desperate calls to multiple police departments and even the FBI, Carla has encountered frustrating roadblocks, prompting her to ask, “How do I get a militia together to get my daughter out of the place she’s in?”

Carla, like all the names used in this article, is a pseudonym.

A Talented Soul With a Tumultuous Past

Anna, Carla’s elder daughter, shines with artistic talent. Starting at 14, she channeled her creativity into the furry community, crafting elaborate animal costumes and building a sizable online following through platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram. Notably, these platforms cater to various communities including furries, anime enthusiasts, LGBT individuals, and transgender people.
Sean Tseng
Sean Tseng
Author
Sean Tseng is a Canada-based writer for The Epoch Times focusing on Asia-Pacific news, Chinese business and economy, and U.S.–China relations.
Author’s Selected Articles

Beijing Punishes Europe on Trade as It Seeks EU Support Against US Pressure

Jul 12, 2025
Beijing Punishes Europe on Trade as It Seeks EU Support Against US Pressure

Audit Finds Chinese Provinces Raiding Pensions as Local Debt Swells Toward GDP Size

Jul 08, 2025
Audit Finds Chinese Provinces Raiding Pensions as Local Debt Swells Toward GDP Size

Taliban’s Oil Deal Divorce With China Tests Beijing’s Checkbook Diplomacy: Analysts

Jul 01, 2025
Taliban’s Oil Deal Divorce With China Tests Beijing’s Checkbook Diplomacy: Analysts

Despite Export Deal, Further Delays in China’s Rare-Earth Shipments Could Trigger Renewed Trade Clash

Jul 01, 2025
Despite Export Deal, Further Delays in China’s Rare-Earth Shipments Could Trigger Renewed Trade Clash
Related Topics
Human Trafficking
Furry
transgender
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
furries
Save
The Epoch Times
To ensure we reach the high standards of reliability and neutrality that you expect from us, we are engaging with Ad Fontes Media to analyze our content. If you find an article you think falls short of the standard, please submit the link through this form.
Copyright © 2000 - 2025 The Epoch Times Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.