Michael Lilley, Teen Sex Trafficking, Tennessee 2015
A 51-year-old Millington man, Michael Lilley, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for running a sex trafficking ring that targeted underage teens.
According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Lilley trafficked four minors, aged 15, 16, and 17, for sex between May and September 2013. The victims were students at local high schools in the Millington area.
Lilley used text messages and explicit photos to market the teens to clients, who would pay between $60 and $unknown amounts for sex. He would split the proceeds with the victims.
The victims testified in court, recounting their experiences working for Lilley. Physical evidence presented during the trial included images of condoms and condom wrappers found in Lilley's home and vehicle.
Lilley was found guilty of four counts of sex trafficking of a minor, one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, and multiple counts of sexually exploiting a minor, attempting to sexually exploit a minor, and distributing visual depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
On December 17, 2015, U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. sentenced Lilley to 25 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Unit, with First Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Laurenzi and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Ireland prosecuting on behalf of the government.
Lilley will serve his sentence at a federal prison, with no chance of parole. The U.S. Attorney's office praised the sentencing, stating that trafficking minors for sex is 'reprehensible and will not be tolerated.'
Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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