Federal Grand Jury Indicts Garland, Texas, Man for Sex Trafficking of a Minor

Defendant Faces Up to Life in Prison if Convicted

DALLAS—A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Kenzie Nelson, 31, of Garland, Texas, with two counts of sex trafficking of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Nelson, who is also known as "Swavey," is currently in state custody on related charges.

The indictment alleges that beginning on Dec. 15, 2010, and continuing until Dec. 20, 2010, Nelson knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored and transported a child, under age 14, to engage in commercial sex acts (prostitution). Count Two alleges that the defendant knowingly benefitted financially or by receiving something of value from that conduct.

An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. However, if convicted, each count of sex trafficking of a minor carries a statutory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to a lifetime of supervised release.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Irving Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason D. Schall is in charge of the prosecution.