30 August 2009

Sex trafficking doesn’t really happen in America, think again

Five of the six have been caught, there is information at the end of the article about the sixth and who to call if you have info.

Six Charged in Largest Domestic Human Sex Trafficking Case in Houston

Crime Blotter  August 29, 2009

HOUSTON—Five men and one woman have been charged in a 16-count indictment with conspiracy and sex trafficking of children and forcing and coercing adults to engage in commercial sex acts, United States Attorney Tim Johnson, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice´s Criminal Division Lannie A. Breuer, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, Special Agent-in-Charge Richard C. Powers of the FBI´s Houston Field Office, and Houston Chief of Police Harold Hurtt announced today. This case represents the single largest domestic sex trafficking case in the history of the Southern District of Texas.

"It is a horrible reflection on our society when adults prey on the vulnerabilities of children and reduce them to indentured sex slaves," Johnson said. "Whenever and wherever offenses of such a depraved nature occur, our law enforcement community will respond with the sum of our collective prosecutorial resources."

"The protection of the innocent and the most vulnerable among us is one of the most important obligations of law enforcement," said Breuer. "Sex trafficking, especially the trafficking of children, is unconscionable and federal law enforcement is working closely with state and local authorities to fight this most reprehensible sort of exploitation."

Five of the six defendants were arrested late Monday, Aug. 24 and early Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009, in a coordinated effort between federal and local law enforcement with warrants that issued following the return of a sealed indictment by a Houston grand jury on Aug, 4, 2009. The indictment, which was unsealed today, charges John Butler, 47, William Hornbeak, 34, Jamine Lake, 27, Andre McDaniels, 39, Kristen Land, 28, all of Houston, and Ronnie Presley, 35, formerly of Houston and currently residing in Tulsa, Okla., with conspiracy to traffic women and children for the purposes of commercialized sex; sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; transportation of minors; transportation; and coercion and enticement. Upon conviction, each count of sex trafficking and transportation of minors carries a maximum of life in prison. Each count of transportation carries up to 10 years in prison, while coercion and enticement carries up to 20 years in prison, while conspiracy carries up to five years in prison. All charges carry up to a $250,000 fine.

Butler, Hornbeak, Lake, McDaniels and Land were arrested in Houston. At least one defendant—McDaniels—is expected to make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Calvin Botley at 2:00 p.m. today. The United States will ask the court to continue to hold McDaniels and the other defendants in federal custody without bond pending trial.

A warrant remains outstanding for the arrest of Presley.

Anyone having information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact their local office of the FBI or the FBI Houston Field office at (713) 693-5000.

American Chronicle | Six Charged in Largest Domestic Human Sex Trafficking Case in Houston

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