Federal Jury Finds Waukesha Man Guilty of Sex Trafficking

Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 15, 2023, a jury found Cornelius Jackson (age 34) of Waukesha guilty of all counts with which he was charged, including four counts of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion, and Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking.

The evidence presented at trial established that between 2014 and 2020, Jackson used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to compel female victims to engage in commercial sex acts in cities and states across the country, including in Waukesha, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Ohio.

 The evidence showed that Jackson recruited his victims through dating apps and social media. The victims all testified that Jackson kept and controlled all of the money they made, using violence to ensure they all continued to comply with his demands. The victims testified that Jackson strangled them and that they each saw him strangle other female victims. 

Jackson faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of 15 years of imprisonment.  Further, he will be required to register as a Sex Offender for life. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation with the assistance of the Waukesha Police Department, Milwaukee Police Department, Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department, and Oneida Police Department. 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Abbey M. Marzick.

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For Additional Information Contact:

Public Information Officer

Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

414-297-1700

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