Our Story

My name is Travis Strait and I am a member of the US Navy stationed in San Diego, CA.  My daughter Alyssa was mentally, sexually, and physically abused while in the care of her mother and we are on a mission to first protect her and second see her abusers brought to justice in the proper manner.  I am going to do a breakdown of events below.  It includes facts and Alyssa's recollection of what happened as brief as I am able to make it.

In 2005 my wife and I got a divorce. She signed custody over to me and I have been the custodial parent and sole caretaker financially and physically (until I married my current wife) of Alyssa since.

Alyssa (eight years old at the time) left our home in Kailua, HI  to visit her mother and stepfather in Columbus, MS over the Christmas holidays of 2010.  She came back to us a totally changed child.  She began acting out violently towards our other children, crying uncontrollably, wetting the bed, and her grades dropped dramatically at school.  We had no idea what was wrong. We took her many times to psychiatrists and doctors for mental evaluation as well as for physical problems that were attributed to stress. After some time back in our home, Alyssa revealed that she had been sexually molested by her stepfather, Aaron Lorenz. 

We alerted the proper authorities (police and child protective services in both states).  NCIS began a thorough investigation. The investigation was for information gathering purposes and included forensic medical and psychological exams that all corroborated Alyssa's account of what happened.  The examiner states in her records that Alyssa should not be anywhere near her stepfather OR her mother until a thorough investigation is completed by CWS and law enforcement in both HI and MS.  She states that Alyssa shared with her fear of her mother as well as doubts that her mother would believe and protect her from her stepfather.

NCIS turned over their evidence to the Columbus Sheriff's Department. Mississippi District  16 Attorney Forest Allgood presented the evidence before a Grand Jury, who indicted Aaron on the charges of sexual battery on a minor under  13.  He was arrested on November 17, 2011 and released on bond.  In February 2012 District Attorney Allgood decided to drop the charges on Aaron Lorenz due to him allegedly passing a lie detector test, which Allgood admits is inadmissible in court.  He stated to me over the phone he was worried the evidence would not be compelling enough to convict Aaron. This is in despite Alyssa's willingness to be brave and testify in court.

During this entire investigation, for the safety of my daughter, I have sought out Temporary Restraining Orders against her mother so Alyssa would not have to visit the home of her abusers.  I say abusers because I believe Aaron is not the only one who has negatively impacted the well-being of my child. I interpret Mississippi state code (which I listed below from the website: http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/fcs_prot.html) as saying Alyssa’s mother was responsible to protect her from abuse, and in not protecting her I believe she herself committed abuse by allowing it to happen. Alyssa has shared with us, her journals, counselors, and the Guardian Ad Litem her fear of her mother.  She has expressed that she is scared her mother will physically hurt her, make her lie, not protect her from Aaron, put her in uncomfortable adult situations, and prevent Alyssa from ever seeing us again. Alyssa shared that both her mother and stepfather told her  that a private investigator would be watching her and shared pictures the PI took previously.  She says this scared her from telling about the abuse initially.

This abuse has to be stopped from ever happening again. 

Mississippi state code:

Section 43-21-105 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 states, "Abused Child means a child whose parent, guardian or custodian or any person responsible for his care or support, whether legally obligated to do so or not, has caused or allowed to be caused upon said child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional abuse,  mental injury,  non-accidental physical injury or other maltreatment."

A Temporary Emergency Custody, filed by Alyssa’s birth mother, was heard by Mississippi Chancery Judge for the Fourteenth Chancery Court District Kenneth M. Burns on March 22, 2012.  Judge Burns orders that:

1. Alyssa be flown in (at Travis’ expense solely) to BHM or GTR airport on or before April 2, 2012 where her mother will pick her up.

2. The Guardian ad Litem, if able to, will accompany, if not the mother will take her at her earliest convenience to meet with the GAL

3. UPON ARRIVAL ALYSSA WILL BE IN THE PHYSICAL AND LEGAL CUSTODY OF THE PETITIONER (mother) for the month of April unless the GAL, after meeting with the child, recommends otherwise

I don’t believe the compelling evidence that shows Alyssa was abused by both parties was taken into account during this brief decision. There should be NO ROOM whatsoever for this child to be abused again. The mother is on record saying that she stands behind Aaron and does not believe Alyssa's allegations despite evidence backing up what Alyssa says. There is nothing in the order that protects Alyssa from being alone with her abusers.  I am fearful for my child's well-being.  Alyssa says she is scared to visit and does not want to visit with her mother or Aaron supervised or unsupervised. Alyssa needs to be protected from these people until a full investigation of BOTH her mother and stepfather is completed and Alyssa is allowed to speak her opinion.  If there is even an inkling of a sign a child is being abused, they should not be allowed around the alleged abuser(s) until there is proof without a doubt the child was not abused.

Our goal is to prevent Alyssa from being abused again and further damaged.  She is safe with her loving and stable family in San Diego and should be allowed to remain here until she is ready to see her mother.  I feel my child is being treated as a piece of property and her wants are not being taken into consideration.  She is old enough (at almost 10 years old now) to talk about what is happening, yet no one is listening to her voice!  I feel  I myself am being punished for trying to protect my daughter.  I have gone about this via the correct avenues available to me, but I feel the system has failed my daughter.  I am at a loss as to what to do next.  It is seeming to me money is playing a huge part in this.  This is unacceptable when dealing with the safety and wellbeing of a child.

Please spread the word and send prayers her way!  We need all the help we can get