Norfolk, Va. – A despicable predator who used his grip on vulnerable women to fuel a sex trafficking empire has been brought to justice, but not before leaving a trail of broken lives in his wake.
Devon Jay Caldwell, 26, of Norfolk, was sentenced to 18 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion.
According to a statement of facts filed with his plea agreement, Caldwell preyed on women struggling with serious drug problems, promising them an unlimited supply of drugs in exchange for their participation in commercial sex acts. He arranged their appointments, set quotas for their earnings, and withheld drugs to keep them in line.
Caldwell’s operation was a cruel and calculating business, with the 16-year-old boy and other co-conspirators serving as his enforcers and accomplices. They helped him set up appointments, dole out or withhold drugs, and silence anyone who dared to speak out.
The victims of Caldwell’s sex trafficking ring were often subjected to significant physical and emotional trauma, with some experiencing withdrawal symptoms when he withheld drugs from them. The full extent of the harm inflicted by Caldwell’s actions will likely never be fully known, but one thing is certain: he has left a community shaken and scarred.
Caldwell’s arrest in August 2016 marked a turning point in the lives of his victims, and the courageous women who came forward to testify against him deserve our gratitude and admiration. Their bravery has helped bring a predator to justice and has sent a powerful message that sex trafficking will not be tolerated in our community.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk; and James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney V. Kathleen Dougherty prosecuted the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Sex Crimes|Human Trafficking|Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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