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Knoxville Man Charged with Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion
A notorious sex trafficking and narcotics distribution ring has been busted in Knoxville, Tennessee. According to the indictment, 37-year-old Marcus Washington, a resident of Farragut, Tennessee, has been charged with two counts of sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion.
Washington is accused of exploiting two victims, with the indictment charging him with separate counts of sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion in relation to each of them. The indictment also charges Washington with conspiring with others to possess with the intent to distribute, and the distribution of, oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, also a Schedule II controlled substance.
Washington is also charged with possession with the intent to distribute oxycodone. If convicted of either trafficking charge, Washington faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison. Both narcotics charges carry a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI, with significant support provided by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Knox County Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Nicholas Durham of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooklyn Sawyers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against human trafficking and narcotics distribution in our communities.
The indictment, which is on file with the U.S. District Court, serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit and harm others for their own gain. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who work tirelessly to bring these perpetrators to justice.
As this case moves forward, it is essential that we continue to shed light on the devastating impact of sex trafficking and narcotics distribution on individuals, families, and communities. We must remain vigilant and committed to preventing these crimes from occurring in the first place.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|White Collar Crime|Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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