Chicago – Renee Olstead has proudly launched a new Change.org petition in support of trafficking survivor Chrystul Kizer, urging public action and judicial review in light of her upcoming appeal.
The Penthouse Pet of the Year and founder of The Coalition of American Sex Workers (CASW 304) created the petition in collaboration with Kizer at the suggestion of her legal team to demonstrate continued public support for her case as the legal process continues. The petition, now live at Change.org/FreeChrystulKizer, has already amassed more than 600 signatures.
Chrystul Kizer was just 17 years old when she was charged with the 2018 murder of Randall Volar, a 34-year-old man who had trafficked her since she was 15. Despite overwhelming evidence – including hundreds of videos documenting Volar’s abuse of minors – authorities declined to prosecute him and released him without bail. Kizer, in contrast, was given a $1 million bail and later sentenced to 11 years in prison under a plea agreement.
“Chrystul was failed by the system,” said Olstead of Kizer’s plight. “The very agencies charged with keeping kids safe chose to release a dangerous predator back into the community, despite a mountain of video evidence documenting his crimes against children.”
Kizer’s case sparked national outrage but has since faded from public attention. With her appeal underway, Olstead and CASW 304 are renewing calls for justice. Kizer remains incarcerated at Taycheedah Women’s Correctional Institution, where she has reportedly been denied mental health treatment and access to basic necessities through commissary restrictions.
“We can draw a clear distinction between consensual sex work and sex trafficking, while still recognizing that our collective liberation is very much intertwined,” added Olstead. “The sex work community continues to stand in support of trafficking survivors. We want to live in a world where all of our voices are heard – where trafficking survivors have access to the resources and support they’re entitled to, and sex workers can safely report violent clients without fear of arrest.”
CASW 304, founded by Olstead in Milwaukee in 2024, has worked closely with national and local organizations such as SWOP Behind Bars, New Moon Network, EPA United and BLOC MKE to advocate for both sex workers and trafficking survivors. Past efforts include a holiday card drive for Kizer co-hosted by Lotus Lain and exhibiting Kizer’s art in SWOP Chi’s fourth annual art exhibition.
Sign the petition at change.org/p/free-chrystul-kizer and learn more about CASW at casw304.org.
ABOUT RENEE OLSTEAD:
Born in Houston, Texas, Renee Olstead began her entertainment career at a young age, amassing over nine seasons of television appearances, notable roles in movies such as 13 Going on 30 and Michael Mann’s The Insider, and two studio albums produced by acclaimed music producer David Foster. In 2020, Olstead shifted focus, venturing into adult entertainment and returning to grad school.
Olstead’s adult career swiftly gained momentum, leading her to complete campaigns and pictorials for renowned brands including Hustler Hollywood, Playboy, and HoneyBirdette. She attained her Master’s in Psychology, along with the title of Penthouse Pet in 2023, and subsequently became a contributor to Penthouse Magazine, with articles appearing both in print and online at Penthouse.com.
A passionate advocate for sex worker’s rights, Olstead continues to advocate for various mutual aid organizations, including SWOPLA, Sunday Faire, and Pineapple Support, as well as The Coalition for American Sex Workers (CASW – LOCAL 304) which she founded in 2024. Currently, Renee divides her time between Los Angeles and Milwaukee, where she resides with her beloved rescue animals, Ume, Persephone, and Oscar.