Elkhart Man Sentenced To 40 Years in Prison

SOUTH BEND – Khalil Jackson, age 25, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after being convicted following a four-day trial in June 2021, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. 

Jackson was sentenced to 480 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, a jury found Jackson guilty of various federal charges arising out of conduct involving human trafficking of a minor victim: specifically, Count 1 – sex trafficking of a minor, Count 2 – production of child pornography, Count 3 – transportation of child pornography, Count 4 – possession of child pornography, and Count 5 – cyberstalking.

“This conviction holds Jackson responsible for his reprehensible conduct targeting vulnerable youth whom he abused, exploited and groomed for sex trafficking for his own benefit,” said Acting US Attorney Tina Nommay.  “Today’s 40 year sentence imposed by the District Court reflects the seriousness of Jackson’s offense.  This case exemplifies the dedication by law enforcement and prosecutors in protecting the rights of the victims of human trafficking activity, and I commend them for their hard work and successful resolution of this case.” 

"It's imperative children are able to grow up without being offered for sale by adults who place a price tag on them and attempt to profit from their innocence,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Paul Holdeman. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure we hold those who prey on our children accountable for their heinous actions.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Police Department and Elkhart Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Maciejczyk, Kim Schultz, and Joel Gabrielse.