JASON PRAWL, Sex Trafficking of a Minor, Connecticut 2016

A Bridgeport man has been charged with sex trafficking of two minors, a crime that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years. JASON PRAWL, also known as Boots, 28, has been accused of recruiting, harboring and transporting two minor victims to engage in commercial acts.

According to the indictment, PRAWL trafficked the first victim in July and August 2015 and the second victim between December 2015 and February 2016. The indictment was returned on October 18, 2016, and PRAWL appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford, where he entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

PRAWL has been detained in state custody since March 9, 2016. The charge of sex trafficking of a minor carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt and that charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut State Police, Bridgeport Police Department, and Milford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and David E. Novick.

Sex trafficking is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for its victims. The Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force is working tirelessly to combat this crime and bring those responsible to justice.

PRAWL's case is a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activity and seeking help for victims of sex trafficking. If you or someone you know is a victim of sex trafficking, there are resources available to help.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/bridgeport-man-charged-sex-trafficking-2-minors