A Detroit resident was convicted by a federal jury today on
charges of sex trafficking using force and coercion, distribution of controlled
substances, and maintaining a drug premises, announced United States Matthew
Schneider.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in
Charge Steven M. D’Antuono, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
Richard Knider Jackson, 70, of Detroit, was convicted
following a 5-day jury trial before United States District Judge Stephen J.
Murphy, III. The jury deliberated
approximately 2 hours before returning their verdicts.
“This defendant treated his victims like goods to be bought
and sold,” stated U.S. Attorney Schneider.
“He targeted vulnerable women and exploited them for his own profit. He
manipulated his victims’ drug addictions and provided them with a constant
supply of heroin and crack cocaine. We hope that cases like this one will raise
awareness that sex traffickers are exploiting victims in our communities."
Jackson was also convicted of distribution of heroin and
crack cocaine and maintaining a drug premises.
Evidence presented at the trial established that a woman
called 911 in 2016 pleading for help. When Detroit Police responded, the
officers quickly determined that the location was used for human trafficking.
In the home, officers observed a house in complete disrepair, with signs of
intravenous drug use throughout the home. Defendant had installed a security
gate within the home at the top of the stairs.
Sentencing is set for April 16, 2020. Jackson faces a
mandatory-minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, and up to life.
The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI and
was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara D. Woodward and
Barbara Lanning.
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