El Paso Man David Milner Gets 15 Years for Sex Trafficking

David Milner, a 29-year-old from El Paso, is headed to federal prison for 15 years after being convicted of running a human sex trafficking operation that exploited women and a minor for profit. The sentence, handed down today by U.S. District Judge Frank Montalvo, marks the end of a years-long investigation into Milner’s exploitation of vulnerable women through online sex ads.

Milner pleaded guilty on August 9, 2016, to one count of conspiracy to sex traffic persons. In his admission, he acknowledged coercing, recruiting, and enticing women—including a 16-year-old girl—to perform commercial sex acts between September 2013 and August 2015. He used Backpage.com to advertise the victims, posting explicit content to lure customers while lining his own pockets.

The case was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI, with crucial support from the El Paso Police Department’s Gang Unit and the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department. Authorities described the operation as a calculated network of manipulation and control, where Milner exploited victims through psychological pressure and financial dependency.

“This sentence sends a clear message about how seriously HSI and its law enforcement partners take human trafficking cases,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Waldemar Rodriguez. “HSI will continue to employ its ample law enforcement authorities to eradicate sex trafficking. Our hope is that it will also serve to encourage trafficking victims to come forward to help law enforcement hold these traffickers accountable, and protect other potential victims of human trafficking.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas E. Lindquist emphasized the agency’s commitment to child protection. “The El Paso FBI is committed to aggressively investigating all federal crimes involving the exploitation and victimization of children. This sentence was the result of significant teamwork,” Lindquist stated, underscoring the multi-agency collaboration that led to Milner’s conviction.

In addition to his 15-year prison term, Milner will face five years of supervised release upon completion of his sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rifian Newaz and Patricia Acosta prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, ensuring accountability in one of El Paso’s most disturbing trafficking prosecutions in recent years.

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