Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Woman Across State Lines for Prostitution


Montell Williams, of Chicago, pleaded guilty today in Hammond, Ind., to violating the Mann Act by transporting a woman across state lines for the purpose of having her engage in prostitution.  Williams was indicted on Oct. 4, 2012 and indicted on additional charges on Dec. 13, 2012.
 
According to court documents, Williams admitted that on several occasions between June 2011 and Feb. 5, 2012, Williams drove an adult woman across state lines from Indiana to Illinois so that she could engage in prostitution. 
 
Williams faces up to 10 years in prison.  Sentencing has been set for April 25, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano.
 
“The guilty plea of Mr. Williams brings justice to the young woman who fell victim to his scheme and was led into prostitution at his hands,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.  “We are committed to combating human trafficking and prosecuting those who sexually exploit vulnerable women for financial benefit.”
 
"The FBI is the lead agency for investigating violations of federal civil rights and human trafficking is one of our top civil rights violation priorities.  Through partnerships with our local, state, federal and international law enforcement partners, we investigate human trafficking and sexual exploitation.  Our goal is to ensure the safety of victims and that those involved in this systematic abuse and degradation are brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Jones, FBI Indianapolis.
 
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Gary Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Koster, Civil Rights Division Special Litigation Counsel John Richmond, and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Amanda Gregory.

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