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Press Release

St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty To Sex Trafficking Charge

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri
 

St. Louis, MO – MELVIN L. WILSON pled guilty to a charge involving transporting a minor under the age of 18 to travel to Illinois to engage in prostitution.

According to court documents, during an investigation into a report of a missing minor female, it was determined that in early 2013 Melvin Wilson began posting ads for the minor victim on www.backpage.com, which advertised her availability to perform sex acts in exchange for money.  The investigation also revealed that Wilson verbally, physically and sexually abused her while she stayed with him and worked as a prostitute. He also provided her with marijuana alcohol and ecstasy pills. 

Wilson, of St. Louis, Missouri, entered a guilty plea to one felony count of interstate transportation of an individual with the intent to engage in prostitution.  He appeared before United States District Court Judge Henry Autrey.  Sentencing has been set for June 8, 2015.

This charge carries a penalty range of up to 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Madison County Illinois Sheriff’s Department.        

Updated December 18, 2015

Topic
Human Trafficking