SCRANTON, PA – Mark Cook, 38, known on the streets as “Lucky,” is facing a potential life sentence after a federal grand jury indicted him on charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, drug trafficking, and attempted witness tampering. The indictment, returned October 25, 2016, details a disturbing operation allegedly spanning from April 2015 to October 2016, right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Cook conspired with others to exploit three female victims, forcing them into prostitution through intimidation, threats, physical assaults, and the use of illegal drugs. The indictment alleges Cook wasn’t shy about advertising his illicit services, utilizing websites to post advertisements for prostitution and renting hotel rooms in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and the Poconos specifically for these purposes. This wasn’t just a business; it was systematic abuse.
But the exploitation didn’t stop at sex. Cook is also accused of distributing heroin, cocaine, and “molly” – fueling both his trafficking operation and a separate drug trade. And when someone threatened to expose his criminal activity, the indictment claims Cook didn’t hesitate to attempt witness tampering, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and a willingness to silence anyone who stood in his way.
The investigation, a joint effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Scranton Police, paints a grim picture of Cook’s alleged activities. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is leading the prosecution, promising to bring the full weight of the law down on Cook if convicted. This case is a stark reminder of the dark underbelly that can exist even in seemingly ordinary communities.
The charges carry serious penalties. Each of the four sex trafficking offenses carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, with a potential maximum sentence of life. The drug charge and the attempted witness tampering charge each carry a potential maximum sentence of 20 years. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Resources can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Cook is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. However, if convicted, the judge will consider federal sentencing statutes and guidelines before imposing a sentence, taking into account the severity of the crimes, Cook’s history, and the need to protect the public. The statutory maximum is not necessarily the sentence he will receive, but the potential consequences are undeniably severe. # # #
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking|Drug Trafficking|Sex Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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