Renko and Lee Sentenced for Sex Trafficking of Minor in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO – Valentin Renko, the mastermind of a heinous sex trafficking scheme involving a minor, was today sentenced to 25 years in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release. His co-defendant, Karen Lee, has already been locked away for 20 years for her involvement in the case, according to United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and FBI Special Agent Christopher Combs.

The dark chapter began in December 2015 when Renko, now 26, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor. His plan was chilling: on July 1, 2015, he met with Lee and a 12-year-old girl, who had been reported missing just days before. The trio smoked methamphetamine together while Renko and Lee plotted to sell the child for commercial sex.

Lee, 30, didn’t hesitate to document their sickening activities. She took digital photos of Renko engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the minor. Her sinister scheme continued as she coerced the victim into making money by engaging in sexual activity for cash or drugs, all facilitated through a social networking website.

The nightmare unfolded between July 2 and July 6, 2015, when the young girl was forced to participate in these deplorable acts. Lee’s role didn’t end there; she encouraged the victim to continue meeting men online for similar transactions.

Lee was sentenced on April 25, 2015, for her part in the sex trafficking scheme. The investigation that led to their downfall was a joint effort between the FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Kirby Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Bettina Richardson prosecuted this case with relentless determination.

This grim tale serves as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of human trafficking and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to bring justice to its victims.