Daring Operation Brought to a Halt, Lexington Man Sentenced for Interstate Prostitution Service

FRANKFORT, Ky. – In a bold move to combat human trafficking, the Eastern District of Kentucky has convicted a Lexington man for operating an interstate prostitution service. Michael Allen Comberger, 57, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Gregory VanTatenhove on Thursday.

According to his plea agreement, Comberger admitted to owning and operating the Fantasys Escort Service, a business that facilitated prostitution across state lines. The website for the service showcased various female escorts in different locations in the United States, complete with pictures, biographical information, and hourly rates. Comberger would set up appointments for the escorts with commercial sex customers and would even drive them to their appointments in other states. The money gained from these appointments was split between the escorts and Comberger.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with the United States represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth. The sentence is a significant blow to Comberger, who must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Comberger pleaded guilty in June 2022. The fine imposed was a mere $10,000, a small price to pay for the serious crimes committed. The conviction serves as a warning to those involved in human trafficking, that the law will not tolerate such operations.

The Eastern District of Kentucky has taken a strong stance against human trafficking, and this conviction is a testament to their commitment. The Lexington community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that one less perpetrator is on the streets.

Under federal law, Comberger must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Comberger was also fined $10,000.

The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI and local law enforcement agencies. The sentence brings closure to the victims and their families, who have suffered at the hands of Comberger’s operation.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of the Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Sex Crimes

Jose A. Cortes, Child Pornography, Rhode Island 2020

Mar 31, 2021

Sex Crimes

Thomas Niemeyer, Attempted Child Pornography, Tennessee 2021

Jul 29, 2021

Sex Crimes

Adam Hosie, Possession of Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2018

Sep 20, 2019

Sex Crimes

Samuel Ernesto Mendez, Enticement of a Minor, Florida 2022

Sep 29, 2023