Omaha Woman Sentenced for Transporting Minor Across State Lines for Prostitution

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Council Bluffs Police Department, announce the following information for the attention of the media:

Event Triggering this Release:

Devon Smith, age 26 of Omaha, was sentenced to two years in prison by Joseph F. Bataillon, Chief United States District Judge, following her conviction for transporting a minor across state lines for purposes of engaging in prostitution.

A 17-year-old prostitute was arrested in Council Bluffs and reported to law enforcement that her pimp was Amar Henderson. The girl reported that she, along with another prostitute she identified as Devon Smith, acting at the direction of Henderson, would advertise on the internet as an “escort.” She would then meet clients in Omaha and Council Bluffs and perform sex acts for money. The prostitute stated that on one occasion in November 2006, she performed her first act of prostitution together with Smith in Iowa. She stated that she and Smith were driven from Omaha to Iowa by Henderson’s stepfather, Charles Jones. It was shortly after that event that Smith became aware that the young girl was under 18 years of age. Subsequently, the minor female, Smith, and Henderson traveled from Omaha to Florida by commercial airline for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. Smith was the individual that routinely purchased the airline tickets for the three of them to travel to and from Florida.

The money that the prostitute and Smith earned would be turned over to Henderson. She and Smith were both physically abused by Henderson. Henderson and Jones have previously been convicted and sentenced for their roles in the crimes. Henderson was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Jones was sentenced to 37 months in prison.

Name of Defendant: Devon Smith

Age: 26

City of residence: Omaha

Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty (A CHARGE is merely an accusation and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty): 18 U.S.C. 2423(a) & 2 Transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in prostitution; 10 yrs - life prison, $250,000 fine, five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment

Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Omaha, Council Bluffs, Florida

Location of Arrest: Omaha

Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug: n/a

Others Charged in Same Scheme: Amar Henderson, Charles Jones

Relevant Dates:

Date of Alleged Crime: On or about April 16, 2007

Federal Arrest Date: January 6, 2009

Date Complaint Issued: December 30, 2008

Indictment Returned Date: January 22, 2009

Initial Appearance Date: February 3, 2009

Plea or Trial and Date(s):May 29, 2009

Sentencing Date: October 9, 2009

Next Court Hearing Type and Date: N/A

Assigned Magistrate Judge: The Honorable Judge Thalken

Held without Bond, or Released from Custody: January 20, 2009

In Continuous Custody Since:

Assigned District Court Judge: The Honorable Judge Joseph F. Bataillon

Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: SLD