A federal jury in Madison, Wisconsin, found Erin F. Graham, Jr., 37, of Madison, guilty on Friday, April 12, 2019 of seven counts of sex trafficking.
Evidence presented at trial established that between 2015 and 2017, Graham engaged in sex trafficking by force, coercion and fraud, and transported individuals across state lines with the intent that they engage in prostitution.
Graham posted advertisements on Backpage.com and forced or coerced individuals to commit commercial sex acts with those who responded to the advertisements. In addition, Graham transported two individuals between Wisconsin and Virginia with the intent that they engage in prostitution.
The scheme was uncovered in April 2017 when law enforcement officials encountered one of the victims at a Madison hotel when an employee called 911 after the victim ran from her room bleeding and hid behind the front desk.
The victims testified that they were forced to engage in multiple acts of prostitution and turn over money they earned to Graham and his girlfriend, Patience Moore, 28, of Madison. Moore pleaded guilty for her role in this sex trafficking scheme on March 14.
Graham faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of life in federal prison for his conviction. Moore will be sentenced on June 5 and also faces a maximum of life in prison.
The charges against Graham and Moore are the result of an investigation by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Madison, Grand Chute, Wisconsin State Capitol and Hampton (Virginia) Police Departments.
Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Category: Human Trafficking|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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