Sex trafficking remains a serious issue in the United States, affecting thousands of victims each year. This form of human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals, often minors, for commercial sex acts through force, fraud, or coercion. That being said, many individuals may find themselves accused of sex trafficking and unsure of where to turn to for help.
If you or someone you know has been accused of sex trafficking, they must reach out to a confident and experienced criminal attorney immediately. The knowledgeable attorneys at LLF Law Firm have been trained to navigate this complex terrain and will ensure your due process is upheld every step of the way. Call the offices today at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.
Sex Trafficking Allegations
In October 2024, the former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, Mike Jeffries, was arrested for a sex trafficking scheme that ran from 2008 to 2005 alongside his romantic partner, Matthew Smith, and their employee James Jacobsen. Apparently, Jeffries, Smith, and Jacobsen used Jeffries' status, wealth, and power to convince at least 15 men to come to drug-laced, bizarre, and coercive sex parties in exchange for hiring the men to model for an Abercrombie & Fitch campaign.
The United States has a federal regulation that makes sex trafficking a federal offense. As such, it is illegal to knowingly recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, or maintain an individual over 18 by using force, fraud, or coercion. If the individual allegedly being trafficked is under the age of 18, they do not have to show such proof.
Moreover, Pennsylvania enacted its first comprehensive anti-trafficking statute in 2014. This law is similar to the federal law; however, it specifically states that the acting person must know or recklessly disregard that the victim will be subject to involuntary servitude. It goes on to explain that sexual servitude is defined as any sex act or performance involving a sex act for which anything of value is given, promised, or received and is induced or obtained from a minor or through involuntary servitude.
Thus, if you are accused of sex trafficking, your criminal defense team will work diligently to create a defense on your behalf. One defense that might be accessible for you is proving you were unaware that the alleged victim would be subjected to involuntary servitude. Without this knowledge, you should not be found guilty of sex trafficking in Pennsylvania.
How the LLF Law Firm Can Help
If you are accused of a criminal act, including alleged sex trafficking, you need a strong defense. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team will provide crucial assistance by developing a comprehensive and strategic defense and protecting your constitutional rights. As such, they will evaluate the specific charges and evidence against you, gather alternative evidence and witness testimony to bolster your defense and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
By working with an experienced criminal defense attorney, you will be prepared and advocated for the whole way through. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online.
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