Carl Mathews, Sex Trafficking, Missouri 2012

St. Louis, MO - In a shocking turn of events, Carl Mathews of Breckenridge Hills, MO, has pleaded guilty to charges involving the sex trafficking of two area women by force and intimidation.

According to statements made in court during today's plea, between 2010 and October 2012, Carl Mathews conspired with others to force the two women to engage in prostitution in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Mathews arranged for one of the women to work in a local hotel, where she was told to apply for state and federally-regulated food-stamp benefits and have sex for money. Their food-stamp identification (EBT) cards were kept from them to deprive them of food and drink as a method of control, and they were sometimes provided the drug MDMA and clothing in preparation for commercial sex dates.

Mathews, 35, pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, before United States District Judge Henry Autrey. Sentencing has been set for June 12, 2013.

Co-defendant Carla Mathews, also of Breckenridge Hills, is facing trial on one felony count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two felony counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison; each count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion carries a penalty range of fifteen years to life in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Investigations, and the Breckenridge Hills Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Noelle Collins is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/local-man-pleads-guilty-sex-trafficking-charges