Eugene Latrell McNeely, Transportation of a Minor for Prostitution, California 2019

OAKLAND, California - In a shocking case of human exploitation, Eugene Latrell McNeely, 36, of Oakland, has pleaded guilty to transporting a minor for prostitution in Oakland, California. McNeely, also known as Sleepy, aka Slim Sleep da Mac, was charged with violating 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a), transportation of a minor with intent to prostitute.

According to court documents, McNeely drove from Oakland to Salem, Oregon on October 3, 2015, and picked up a 14-year-old minor female who he had been communicating with through text messages and Facebook messenger. He then drove her back to Oakland, California, where she was forced to work as one of his prostitutes for approximately three months.

McNeely's actions are a stark reminder of the horrors of sex trafficking and the need for increased vigilance in protecting our children. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Oakland Police Department, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Shailika Kotiya.

McNeely is currently in federal custody awaiting sentencing. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 16, 2019. The maximum statutory penalty for a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a) is life in prison, with a mandatory minimum term of ten years' imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.

The prosecution's efforts in this case demonstrate their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes and ensuring that justice is served. The Oakland community can rest assured that law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to protect its citizens from human exploitation.

McNeely's guilty plea serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit the most vulnerable members of our society. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the victims and their families, who have bravely spoken out against their abusers.

The case against McNeely is ongoing, with two counts of sex trafficking of children and two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion still pending. The prosecution will continue to pursue justice for the victims and hold McNeely accountable for his crimes.

Defendant: Eugene Latrell McNeely

Criminal Charges: Transportation of a minor with intent to prostitute (18 U.S.C. § 2423(a))

City and State: Oakland, California

Exact Date: October 3, 2015 (crime date), October 16, 2019 (sentencing)

Sentence or Outcome: Currently in federal custody awaiting sentencing; maximum statutory penalty is life in prison, with a mandatory minimum term of ten years' imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/man-pleads-guilty-transporting-minor-across-state-lines-prostitute-oakland-california