PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Hammond, Indiana, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempted sex trafficking, sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of a child, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Roderick King, age 31, as the sole defendant.
According to the three-count Indictment, from in and around July 2017 to November 2020, King knowingly attempted to and engaged in sex trafficking of a female minor, who is known to the Grand Jury, causing her to engage in commercial sex acts. In addition, the Indictment charges the defendant with two counts of producing material depicting the sexual exploitation of the same minor victim from in and around July 2017 to April 2019.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years to life in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Group, and special agents with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Child Predator Section, with the assistance of Butler Township Police Department, Butler City Police Department, Butler City School District, and Butler County Children and Youth Services, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now), an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania, formed and led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education and improved cooperation among law enforcement partners, victim service providers and community members, thereby enhancing the Office’s ability to empower victims of human trafficking to become thriving survivors.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment