California Man Charged with Sex Trafficking
| U.S. Attorney’s Office August 20, 2013 |
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Los Angeles, California man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for transportation for prostitution, inducing travel to engage in prostitution, and sex trafficking.
Joe Charles Becker, a/k/a “Moses,” age 32, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2013. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on August 19, 2013, and pled not guilty to the indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both; up to life on supervised release; and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations, and Becker is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
In early August 2013, Becker allegedly transported the victim from Minnesota to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with the intent that the victim would engage in prostitution and sexual activity for Becker’s financial benefit.
The investigation is being conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Becker was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has been set for October 22, 2013.