TOLEDO, OH – A pillar of the Lucas County community has fallen. Laura Lloyd-Jenkins, 44, of Toledo, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison today after pleading guilty to one count of making a false statement. The charge stems from her deliberate obstruction of a federal investigation into the horrific sex trafficking of a minor. Lloyd-Jenkins wasn’t just a bystander; she actively worked to shield predators, betraying the trust placed in her as a member of the board of Lucas County Children Services and Lucas County Administrator.
According to court documents, Lloyd-Jenkins tipped off a defendant about the impending investigation on March 29, 2017. She then compounded her offense by lying to law enforcement on April 12, 2017, about her knowledge of the sexual exploitation. U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman minced no words, stating, “This defendant held a position of trust in the community. Instead of reporting the exploitation of children to the police when she learned about it, she kept the information to herself and then lied when asked about it.”
The case unfolded to reveal a deeply disturbing pattern of abuse. Kenneth Butler, Cordell Jenkins, and Anthony Haynes were all indicted on 13 counts, charged with conspiracy to sex traffic children. Court records detail how Haynes, Butler and Jenkins sexually assaulted a juvenile girl beginning in 2014, continuing through 2017. The victim was just 14 years old when the abuse began and was in the custody of Haynes, who also served as pastor at Greater Life Christian Center in Toledo. The depravity didn’t end there; Haynes routinely recorded the assaults on his cell phone, and routinely paid the victim after the acts, threatening to ruin his family and church if she spoke out.
Jenkins’ involvement was equally appalling. He repeatedly sexually exploited the minor at his home, his office at Abundant Life Ministries, and even a Toledo motel, paying her what he coldly referred to as “hush money” and documenting the encounters on his phone. The indictment further revealed Jenkins caused another juvenile girl to engage in commercial sex acts in March 2017, while Butler similarly exploited another young girl from 2015 through 2017. The entire operation was a calculated scheme built on manipulation, coercion, and the abuse of power.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith emphasized the severity of Lloyd-Jenkins’ actions, stating, “We are pleased with the sentence Ms. Lloyd-Jenkins has received for the untruths she told to law enforcement and for the efforts she engaged in to cover up abuses of an under-aged female being trafficked for sex. In a public position of trust, Ms. Lloyd-Jenkins was held at a higher standard. We encourage the public to report any suspicions of child exploitation to law enforcement.” The investigation was a collaborative effort by the FBI’s Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, comprising multiple law enforcement agencies.
While Lloyd-Jenkins received a 21-month sentence, justice has already been served for some of the primary perpetrators. Jenkins was sentenced to life in prison, and Butler received over 17 years. Haynes is scheduled to be sentenced later this month. This case serves as a stark reminder that those in positions of power who abuse their trust and enable exploitation will be held accountable, no matter how deeply they attempt to conceal their crimes. The FBI’s Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force continues to urge the public to report any suspected child exploitation immediately.
Related Federal Cases
- Toledo Teacher Bruce Omlor Jailed for Child Pornography · Ohio
- Avon Lake Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking & Drug Charges · Ohio
- Silk Road Vendor Handel Admits to Nationwide Drug Trafficking · Maryland
- Ohio Sex Offender Richard Doman Charged with Registration Failure · West Virginia
- Convicted: Partin’s Horrific Journey to Sex with Minor · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Public Corruption|Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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