St. Paul Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking a Minor

Earlier today, a 28-year-old St. Paul man was sentenced in federal court in St. Paul for transporting a girl from Minnesota to Illinois for the purpose of having her commit commercial sex acts. United States District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson sentenced Byronte Juwann Reed, also known as Santana, to 180 months in prison on one count of the sex trafficking of a minor. Reed was indicted on June 9, 2009, and pleaded guilty on October 13, 2010.

In his plea agreement, Reed admitted meeting the victim, who was younger than 18, in June of 2008, and recruiting her to commit sexual acts in exchange for money. From June of 2008 through July of 2008, the girl lived with Reed and others so she could participate in the commercial sex trade. Reed also admitted transporting the girl from Minneapolis to Chicago, Illinois, in order for her to engage in commercial sex. In addition, Reed agreed that physical force was used to ensure that the victim would participate in the sexual activity.

Following today's sentencing, St. Paul Police Chief Thomas Smith said, "This investigation was the result of the strong, ongoing partnerships developed by the St. Paul Police Department's Gerald D. Vick Human Trafficking Task Force. Working closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office, the task force and its partners were able to successfully prosecute this individual." The investigation of this case was also assisted by the Minneapolis Police Department and the Chicago Police Department. It was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LeeAnn K. Bell.

The Gerald D. Vick Human Trafficking Task Force was named for the slain St. Paul police officer who dedicated his professional life to eradicating the trafficking and prostitution of people. The task force was established with federal funds and is comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the police departments of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the sheriff's offices of Hennepin and Ramsey counties, and other agencies.