Council Bluffs Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking

A federal jury previously convicted Jesse Cody, 34 of Council Bluffs, Iowa, of sex trafficking two teenagers between Iowa and Nebraska. Cody was sentenced to 16 years in prison, a sentence that includes no parole in the federal system.

The judge, Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr, handed down the sentence on July 26, 2022. Cody will have to register as a sex offender and serve a five-year term of supervised release after his release from prison.

The victims, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, were forced to engage in sex acts for money, with Cody taking most of the earnings for himself. The 18-year-old victim, who was in foster care, testified that Cody beat, raped, and choked her when she refused to comply with his demands.

Cody also induced the 19-year-old victim, a college student, into sex trafficking by misrepresenting the money she could make and the lifestyle she would lead. However, Cody took most of the money for himself, leaving the victim with little to no earnings.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the United States government to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department. The case highlights the severity of sex trafficking and the need for continued efforts to combat this crime.

Jesse Cody, Defendant/Respondent REAL full name: Jesse Cody

Exact criminal charges: Sex Trafficking

City and state: Council Bluffs, Nebraska

Exact date: July 26, 2022

Sentence or outcome: 16 years in prison, no parole, 5-year term of supervised release

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