Eight Indicted in Human Trafficking Conspiracy

Columbia, South Carolina – A 26-count indictment has been unsealed charging eight men with their roles in a Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking, a violation of Title 18, U.S.C. §1956(a)(1). Each defendant was also charged with substantive counts of Sex Trafficking.

The indictment charges Damon Jackson, 23, of Columbia, with two counts of Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 1591(e)(2) and §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2, and six counts of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U.S.C. §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2.

Bakari Shahid McMillan, 23, of Columbia, was charged with two counts of Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 1591(e)(2) and §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2, and one count of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U.S.C. §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2.

Kerry Taylor, 21, of Columbia, was charged with two counts of Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 1591(e)(2) and §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2, one count of Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion, a violation of Title 18, U.S.C. §1591(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), and 2, and one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, a violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 2251(a) and (e).

The maximum sentence each defendant could receive for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking is life in prison. The minimum sentences each defendant could receive for either Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion and Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion is 15 years in prison and the maximum sentence is life in prison.

“The prosecution of these types of cases is more than a job. It is our reason for being. To say we will aggressively prosecute this case and charges of this nature is one of history’s great understatements,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles.

Human trafficking is a serious crime that affects countless lives in South Carolina. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and bring hope to those affected by this heinous crime.

Contact: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Human Trafficking

Lorenzo Ortis Charles, Alien Smuggling, Virgin Islands 2024

Apr 26, 2024

Human Trafficking

U.S. Attorneys Office, Human Trafficking Funding, Louisiana 2023

Aug 13, 2020

Human Trafficking

White Cross Scandal: Fallen Women Left in the Lurch

Feb 16, 1888

Human Trafficking

Hector Vinicio Howell-Calvo, Alien Smuggling, New York 2024

May 10, 2019