U.S. Attorney Issues Sex Trafficking Charges Against Long-Time Milwaukee Pimp

United States Attorney James L. Santelle announced today that he has issued a four-count information charging former Milwaukee resident Sean D. Patrick (age 37) with a four-year conspiracy to traffic children in the sex trade and three counts of sex trafficking children by force, fraud, and coercion. The information was filed contemporaneous with a plea agreement signed by Patrick.

The maximum possible penalty on the conspiracy charge is five years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine; on each of the three sex-trafficking charges, a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, with a minimum mandatory term of 15 years and a $1,000,000 fine. As part of the plea agreement, Patrick has agreed to the forfeiture of $10,960 in previously seized cash as proceeds from his sex trafficking operation and a Chevrolet conversion van he used to transport to the children he prostituted.

According to United States Attorney James L. Santelle, “The charges and plea agreement that we have filed reflect the continuing, focused commitment of the resources of this office to the investigation and prosecution of those who prey on children and other vulnerable females by introducing them to the commercial sex trade. This conduct is not only illegal but also deplorable—ruining with dramatic consequence the lives of those victims who are trafficked and compromising the well-being and safety of our community.” United States Attorney Santelle specifically commended the participating, partnered agencies for their tireless, challenging, and professional work on the joint investigation of this matter, which was conducted by detectives of the Milwaukee Police Department and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph R. Wall. For additional information, contact Assistant United States Attorney Wall or Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig at (414) 297-1700.