Nicholas and Brittany Lawler, Child Sex Trafficking, Ohio 2015

Child sex trafficking case rocks Ohio as an Indiana couple is charged with transporting a minor over state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

Nicholas Lawler, 25, and Brittany Lawler, 23, both of Anderson, Indiana, were indicted on one count of transportation of a minor and one count of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity between January 1, 2015 and April 3, 2015.

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, confirmed the indictment against the couple. If convicted, the defendants' sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including each defendant's prior criminal record, if any, and each defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.

Nicholas and Brittany Lawler face a maximum of two life sentences if convicted of the two counts. The exact sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing the facts of the case.

The case was investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, the Tiffin Police Department, and the Anderson (Indiana) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman is prosecuting the case.

The indictment against Nicholas and Brittany Lawler is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The couple's case is a grim reminder of the ongoing problem of child sex trafficking in the United States. If you or someone you know is a victim of child sex trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/indiana-couple-charged-transporting-and-coercing-minor-engage-illicit-conduct