Samuel L. Spencer, Sex Trafficking, Wisconsin 2024

A Milwaukee man has been found guilty of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking after a two-week trial in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Samuel L. Spencer, alias ‘Bin Laden’, was convicted of four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Spencer used crack cocaine and heroin, as well as false promises of a romantic relationship, to lure female victims to earn money for him by performing commercial sex acts in southeastern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and other midwestern states between 2005 and 2020. The victims testified that Spencer took everything they earned, controlling them with severe physical violence, the threat of withholding drugs, isolation, and other forms of coercion to ensure they complied with his demands.

The jury’s verdict in this case was the result of tireless work by federal, state, and local law enforcement as well as Mr. Spencer’s victims having the courage to give voice to the trauma they suffered. January is Human Trafficking Awareness month, and this case serves as another example of the fact that sex trafficking and labor trafficking can happen anywhere.

U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad urged anyone who suspects someone is being trafficked to report it to law enforcement or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. The hotline is staffed around the clock.

Spencer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sentencing has been set for May 16, 2024, before Chief Judge Pamela Pepper.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with the assistance of the Milwaukee Police Department, the Glendale Police Department, the Oak Creek Police Department, and the Franklin Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Julie F. Stewart prosecuted the case.

This case is a reminder that sex trafficking can happen anywhere, and it is our duty to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. If you or someone you know is a victim of sex trafficking, please seek help immediately.

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