In a disturbing case highlighting the horrors of sex trafficking, a Little Rock man has been sentenced to life in prison for the sex trafficking of a minor. DeMarcus George, 28, was convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a six-year-old child. The child was taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in February 2018 after displaying symptoms that were later found to be caused by sexually transmitted diseases. During an interview with an FBI forensic interviewer, the child disclosed that George had raped her, along with another man, Mario Waters. The child provided a detailed description of the hotel room where the rape took place, which ultimately led law enforcement to locate the room and gather incriminating evidence. George and Waters both pleaded guilty, with Waters still awaiting sentencing. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of combating sex trafficking and protecting vulnerable victims.
Little Rock Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sex Trafficking of a Minor
The U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of Arkansas, recently announced the sentencing of a Little Rock man to life in prison for the sex trafficking of a minor. The individual in question, DeMarcus George, was sentenced by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller. The gravity of the offense is underscored by the fact that the victim was only six years old at the time. This case sheds light on the deeply troubling issue of child sex trafficking and the importance of justice for the victims.
Case Background
The victim in this case was a six-year-old child at the time the offense occurred. In February 2018, the child was taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital due to symptoms that were later determined to be caused by several sexually transmitted diseases. During an interview with an FBI forensic interviewer, the child disclosed that she had been raped by DeMarcus George. The child also revealed that another man, later identified as Mario Waters, had also raped her. The child provided information about the location of the rape, describing a hotel room with a curtain in the middle and a specific picture hanging on the wall.
Symptoms and Disclosure
The child’s symptoms and subsequent disclosure of the sexual assault prompted law enforcement to intervene and investigate the case. It is essential to commend the child for her bravery in coming forward and disclosing the traumatic experience she endured. Her disclosure was critical in revealing the identity of the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
Identification of Perpetrators
Thanks to the child’s description of the hotel room where the rape occurred, law enforcement was able to locate a hotel in Little Rock that matched the description provided. Additionally, financial records from the hotel confirmed that the child’s mother had rented a room at that hotel in March 2018, paying with a credit card. This evidence further corroborated the child’s account and helped identify DeMarcus George and Mario Waters as the perpetrators.
Involvement of Multiple Offenders
Medical professionals at Arkansas Children’s Hospital determined that it was highly unlikely for the child to have contracted all the sexually transmitted diseases from a single offender. This led investigators to suspect the involvement of multiple offenders in the sexual assault. To gather more evidence, law enforcement obtained search warrants for the blood and urine of both DeMarcus George and Mario Waters. The test results confirmed that both individuals had sexually transmitted diseases that matched those contracted by the child.
Indictment and Guilty Pleas
In September 2019, both DeMarcus George and Mario Waters were indicted on charges related to the sex trafficking of the minor. Subsequently, in November 2021, both defendants pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them. During their court appearances, both individuals admitted to having sexual contact with the minor and being involved in her trafficking alongside others. Mario Waters is currently awaiting sentencing.
Investigation and Evidence
The investigation into this case involved the collaboration of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Little Rock Police Department. The combined efforts of these law enforcement agencies were crucial in uncovering evidence and building a strong case against the perpetrators.
Medical Examination
As part of the investigation, the child victim received a comprehensive medical examination at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. This examination played a crucial role in confirming the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and establishing a link between the diseases and the perpetrators.
Matching Description to Hotel
Based on the child’s description of the hotel room where the assault took place, law enforcement was able to locate a hotel in Little Rock that matched the provided details. This discovery further supported the victim’s account and provided concrete evidence of the crime scene.
Financial Records
Financial records obtained from the hotel provided additional evidence against the perpetrators. These records showed that the victim’s mother had rented a room at the hotel in March 2018 and had paid for it using a credit card. This financial trail confirmed the link between the perpetrators and the hotel where the rape occurred.
Blood and Urine Testing
To gather further evidence, law enforcement obtained search warrants for the blood and urine of DeMarcus George and Mario Waters. The results of these tests revealed the presence of sexually transmitted diseases that matched those contracted by the child victim. This evidence solidified the involvement of both individuals in the sexual assault and trafficking of the minor.
Sentencing and Pending Case
As previously stated, DeMarcus George has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the sex trafficking of a minor. The severity of the offense and its impact on the victim warrant the harshest punishment available under the law. Meanwhile, Mario Waters, the second perpetrator involved, is currently awaiting sentencing. Once Waters’ sentencing is completed, justice will be further served, bringing closure to this painful chapter for the victim and her family.
Prosecution and Legal Team
The prosecution of this case was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Allison Bragg. Their dedication and expertise in pursuing justice for the victim ensured that the perpetrators were held accountable for their heinous actions. The relentless efforts of the legal team, combined with the collaboration of law enforcement agencies, were instrumental in bringing this case to a successful resolution.
Additional Information
For further information regarding this case or related matters, individuals are encouraged to reach out to AUSA Allison W. Bragg, the Public Information Officer for the case. Her contact information is available through the official channels of the U.S. Department of Justice. In-depth content related to child sex trafficking and other important topics can be found on the DOJ’s website and social media platforms.
In conclusion, the sentencing of DeMarcus George to life in prison for his involvement in the sex trafficking of a minor serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the issue of child exploitation and holding perpetrators accountable. This case highlights the tireless efforts of law enforcement and legal professionals in the pursuit of justice for the most vulnerable members of society. It is our collective duty to protect children from harm and ensure that those who perpetrate these abhorrent crimes face the full force of the law.