Four Sentenced for Using Threats to Compel Sex Trafficking of Minors

GALVESTON, Texas – The leader and three others involved in sex trafficking of minors conspiracy are headed to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Deadrian Quincy Morrison, 24, of Clute, pleaded guilty Oct. 4, 2017, to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors and sex trafficking of minors. Co-defendants Patricia Madison Cope, 21, of Angleton; and Malik Antonine Brown 21, and Lincoln Dewayne Hussey, 24, both of Brazoria, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy, conspiracy and misprision of felony, respectively.

Today, U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. sentenced Morrison to a total of 180 months in federal prison.

Also sentenced today were Brown and Hussey who received respective terms of 33 and 31 months. Cope, who was sentenced on June 12, 2019, received 38 months.

In Spring 2016, the group exploited five minor females, during which time the they made several threats of violence to the victims. The investigation revealed the defendants used online advertisements for victims’ services and rented hotel rooms where some of the commercial sex acts would be performed.

Brown and Hussey transported several minor victims to dates where they participated in commercial sex acts. On at least one instance, Hussey provided illegal drugs to the minor victims and rented a hotel room with money Cope had given him.

Cope taught the minor victims how to post ads for commercial sex and instructed them on how to deal with customers. She was in constant contact with Morrison about what the victims were doing and how business was going.

Cope and Morrison have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Previously released on bond, Hussey was taken into custody following the sentencing today where he will remain.

Brown was originally released on bond but had his bond revoked prior to sentencing and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The FBI and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri L. Zack and Kimberly A. Leo are prosecuting the case.