Jerese Blue, Sex Trafficking, New York 2012

Jerese Blue, 27, Guilty of Sex Trafficking Minors in Rochester, New York

In a shocking case of exploitation, Jerese Blue, 27, of Rochester, New York, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Jerese Blue, along with her sister Chellsie Blue, 23, conspired to recruit and entice two victims, both under the age of 18, into prostitution. The sisters used Backpage.com to advertise the minors as 'escorts' and provided transportation for the victims to meet with customers. They even allowed the use of their residences on Arnett Boulevard in Rochester for the minors to engage in commercial sex acts.

The investigation, led by the FBI's Cyber Crimes Task Force and the Rochester Police Department, began in April 2012 when a 14-year-old female runaway was found. The girl stated that she and another 17-year-old female had been introduced to prostitution by the defendants. Between April 15 and April 18, the 14-year-old had sexual relationships with numerous customers.

'The facts of this case represent a nightmare scenario for parents and children alike,' said U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. 'Here, vulnerable girls were taken by the defendants and transported into a life of misery. At sentencing, this Office will seek punishment appropriate for this reprehensible conduct.'

Chellsie Blue's sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2014, at 3:00 p.m., while Jerese Blue will be sentenced at 3:30 p.m., both before Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006.

The investigation and conviction of Jerese Blue serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our children from exploitation and abuse. The Rochester community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that justice has been served in this heinous case.

Jerese Blue, 27, of Rochester, New York, is currently facing a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of $250,000 for her role in the sex trafficking of minors. The exact date of the crime is not mentioned. The outcome of the case is that Jerese Blue pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/rochester-sisters-plead-guilty-sex-trafficking