San Antonio Sex Trafficker Marcus Wright Gets Life Terms

San Antonio’s Marcus Deshawn Wright, 38, was slammed with two life sentences plus 30 years in federal prison today for his sinister role in a sex trafficking ring that exploited minors. The grim sentences were announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., Special Agent Christopher Combs of the FBI’s San Antonio Division, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Wright was joined on the bench by 22-year-old Malcom Deandre Copeland, 41-year-old Raymond Valas, and 20-year-old Amber Doak. Each received their own brutal sentences: Copeland got 18 years to life followed by supervised release; Valas was handed 15 years plus supervised release; and Doak faced six months behind bars with 15 years of supervision.

Chief U.S. District Judge Fred Biery made it clear that the exploitation of minors is a line that cannot be crossed, emphasizing the severity of their crimes by ordering them to register as sex offenders for life. Wright, Copeland, and Doak were also ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution to their victim.

“Today’s sentencings send a message: The commerce of sex with minors is intolerable,” Durbin said. Last year, Wright was convicted of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of child pornography, while Copeland and Valas were found guilty of the same crime.

The shocking evidence revealed that Doak, at Wright’s behest, coerced a 15-year-old girl into sexual acts for money, using photographs to promote her on an online prostitution site. The trio transported the victim across San Antonio and Corpus Christi for sex work. Valas solicited the girl via internet and had sex with her twice while on duty.

“Recruiting and exploiting minors is despicable,” Combs said. “Our children are not for sale.” Paxton praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, vowing to remain a leader in human trafficking prevention. The investigation was led by the FBI and San Antonio Police Department, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney Bettina Richardson and Special Assistant United States Attorney Geoff Barr from the Texas Attorney General’s Office.