Victor Lupis tried to outrun a traumatic childhood by snatching diamonds from jewelry stores, but the money couldn't save him from the pain of a substance use disorder.

A pregnant teen sought to support her family with a $9-an-hour job at a dollar store but wound up working for one of South Florida's biggest illegal bookies.

Bronx native Aethena Striplin dreams of being an entrepreneur like her beloved grandma, but the allure of fast money and the trappings of the justice system lead her down a traumatic path.