NORFOLK, VA—Alvin Norlee Moore III, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges of sex trafficking of a minor and use of the Internet to promote prostitution.

According to the indictment and other public documents, the government alleges that Moore met a 15 year old girl in November 2015 and immediately started using her as a prostitute at various hotels at the ocean front and other places in Virginia Beach. He advertised her services on www.backpage.com. After about three weeks, the victim was able to return home to her family, who then notified the authorities. Moore also had other women working for him as prostitutes for the past several years in the Tidewater area.

Moore faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; John S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ Norfolk Field Office; and James A. (Jim) Cervera, Chief of Police, Virginia Beach Police Department, made the announcement after the grand jury returned the indictment.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Virginia Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:15-cr-52.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.