Two Charged with Sex Trafficking Children

Ernest F. McClain and Chardee D. Barfield were indicted on charges of sex trafficking of children and transportation of a minor, Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federau Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland office, announced today.

McClain was also charged with possession of child pornography.

McClain, 27, and Barfield, 21, both live in Cleveland, according to court documents.

“Stopping human trafficking is a top priority of this office,” Dettelbach said. “Forcing children to sell their bodies as part of the commercial sex industry is appalling.”

Anthony said: “The FBI and its partners are committed to rescuing victims of this horrible crime and bringing these predators to justice.”

The indictment charges that from on or about October 1, 2011, through December 5, 2011, McClain and Barfield recruited, enticed, harbored, provided, obtained, and maintained, by any means, a person knowing, or in reckless disregard of the fact, that the person had not attained the age of 18 years and would be caused to engage in a commercial sex act.

Also, from on or about December 16, 2011, through December 31, 2011, McClain and Barfield transported an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years, that is a 16-year-old girl, from Ohio to Pennsylvania, with the intent that such 16-year-old girl engage in prostitution, according to the indictment.

In addition, on or about January 3, 2012, McClain, possessed a cell phone that contained child pornography, according to the indictment.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences in this case will be determined by the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ role in the offense and the unique characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

This case is being prosecuted by Northern District of Ohio Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.