A Texas man and woman have been charged with human trafficking offenses in Louisiana, according to local authorities.
Gregory Massey, 28, and Patricia Hart, 24, were charged in an 11-count indictment by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2022, for violations of the Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
The indictment alleges that Massey and Hart conspired to entice individuals to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution, transported an individual in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution, and enticed an individual to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution.
According to the indictment, Massey and Hart face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee if convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
The indictment also alleges that Massey and Hart engaged in sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and that they transported individuals in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution.
The case was investigated by the Louisiana State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely charges and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The indictment includes a range of charges, including conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation of an individual in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution.
The maximum sentence for each of these charges is life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Patricia Hart is also charged with possession of documents in furtherance of trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of up to five years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Gregory Massey is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The case is ongoing, and the defendants have not yet entered a plea.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Sex Crimes|Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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