California Man Charged with Human Trafficking

MEMPHIS, TN—Maurice Maxwell, 28, of Inglewood, California, was charged in a criminal complaint with interstate transportation of a minor for purposes of prostitution and criminal sexual activity in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423, announced United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton, III.

The complaint affidavit alleges that Maxwell originally transported a 15-year-old girl to Memphis from California to prevent her from testifying against another pimp who is currently charged in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, after bringing the girl to Memphis, he took her to an area in the city and ordered her to prostitute herself. The girl then gave Maxwell all the proceeds from her prostitution activities. The affidavit also alleges that Maxwell transported the minor across state lines on multiple occasions from Tennessee to Tupelo and Tunica, Mississippi for prostitution activities.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, Tupelo Police Department, and Las Vegas Police Department jointly investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Steve Parker is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Note: A criminal complaint is a form of accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.