ShowBiz Feature
“Riding is my Prozac – it keeps me sane in my insane workplace. It is a sanctuary from which all of us benefit in many ways, seen and unseen.”
of criminal prosecutions and forensic investigations. The stakes are high, the victims are real, and the investigations and prosecutions require a gritty determination, many sac- rifices including long hours, and the inevitable emotional toll that such cases produce. Ms. Bock’s investigations and prosecutions have resulted
in some staggering and well-deserved sentences, includ- ing 420 years to life against a child molester, and the first prison sentence of the Cold Case/Cold Hit Unit, 180 years to life for a serial rapist. Her position in the District Attor- ney’s Office has led to her being shot at while conducting drug activity surveillance, often being threatened directly or indirectly by suspects and defendants, and even once having a defendant attack her in a Court Room. Through- out her travails, however, Ms. Bock has prevailed over the perpetrators – she has an overall 96% conviction rate, with 85% of her prosecutions resulting in life sentences. “Sadly, there is no better return on your money than
selling a kid for sex,” says Ms. Bock. The potential profits are large, the risk of detection is still low, and drug dealers, gangs, and criminal organizations are moving into exploit the especially vulnerable victims that human trafficking creates. Human trafficking is not what you think; the vic- tims are not just the stereotypical ones that most people associate with the crime. Sharmin wants people to real- ize that often members of typical middle class families get exploited. It should be noted that American girls are being exploit-
ed in record numbers, in part because it is so profitable, and in part because of the demand. Sharmin explains that knowledge and awareness of the exploitation of American children is the first step in preventing this tragedy. She hopes the ‘can do’ attitude of the horse show world can shed a light on it, help prevent its occurrence, and assist its victims.
Sharmin & Cosmos
her recently, in recognition of her service and dedication, include being honored by the California State Assembly as the Woman of the Year, and receiving the Fay Stender Award, presented by the California Women Lawyers As- sociation (CWL). The award is CWL’s most prestigious award, which is given to a woman attorney who has dem- onstrated her commitment to underrepresented or disad- vantaged people. Sharmin, however, doesn’t do it for the accolades, she truly believes in the mission, which is readily evident during any discussion with her about her work.
COOKIES TO THE RESCUE Sharmin’s appreciation of horses and their positive effect
on her and other’s lives inspired her to co-found Paddock Cakes, the recognized premier horse treat company on the West Coast, which has recently expanded nationwide. Her feeling that horses deserve the best possible and her col- laboration with her co-founder, Linda Lyles, has resulted in a line of all-natural horse treats that horses clearly appreci- ate. One needs only to provide a horse a sample of the baked goodies to understand. Beyond providing horses a tasty treat that horses love, Sharmin donates her share of the profits in the venture to fund a safe house for young victims of human trafficking, which includes a therapeutic riding program.
the results are reflected in her work, family (including horses), and even the Paddock Cakes horse treat business. Challenges presented and challenges achieved – at the end of the day, Sharmin has made the world a better place for both people and horses.
For more information, please visit...
www.sharminbock.com
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WORTH THE EFFORT Maximum effort is what Sharmin Bock is all about, and
Among the many honors and accolades bestowed on
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