A Texas woman, Patricia Hart, 25, was sentenced on June 25, 2024, to nine years imprisonment for conspiring to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.
According to court documents, in 2021 and 2022, Hart and her boyfriend and co-defendant, Gregory Massey, 30, forced two adult victims to engage in commercial sex. Massey and Hart advertised the victims for commercial sex on websites, kept the money the victims made from commercial sex transactions, required the victims to meet a minimum dollar threshold from commercial sex every day, and restricted the victims’ access to food.
Massey also tracked the geolocation data on the victims’ phones so that they could not leave his control and used violence to accomplish the scheme. After Massey was arrested in state court, Hart continued the conspiracy by carrying out Massey’s demands via jail calls. Specifically, Massey told Hart to fire off a few rounds of a firearm to scare a victim into compliance.
Hart was sentenced in federal court by Judge Wendy Vitter to nine years imprisonment, followed by fifteen years of supervised release. She also agreed to pay $21,600 in restitution. As a result of her plea, Hart must also participate in the sex offender registration and notification program.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Louisiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement. The sentencing of Hart marks a significant step in the fight against human trafficking and sex crimes, and serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that await those who engage in such heinous activities.
The case against Hart and Massey is a prime example of the devastating impact of sex trafficking on its victims. The use of force, fraud, and coercion to exploit and control victims is a reprehensible crime that will not be tolerated. The Justice Department and law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice and provide support and resources to victims of sex trafficking.
RELATED: Hartford Felon Sentenced for Loaded Handgun Possession
RELATED: Hartford Felon Gaskin Gets 27 Months for Loaded Gun
Related Federal Cases
- Texas Man Pled Guilty to Child Pornography Transport · Texas
- James Fernando Rhodes Sentenced for Sex Offender Registration Violation · Texas
- New Orleans Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as Sex Offender · Texas
- Fort Polk Man Guilty of Sexually Abusing 13-Year-Old Girl · Texas
- Lake Charles Sex Offender Fails to Update Registration · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes