Stephen Ardrey, Sex Trafficking, Rhode Island 2013

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Table of Contents

Sex Trafficking: Missouri Man Faces Life in Prison

A 30-year-old Missouri man, Stephen Ardrey, has pleaded guilty to federal sex trafficking charges in Rhode Island. According to court documents, Ardrey transported a 17-year-old girl from the Boston area into Rhode Island with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

The victim, who was 17 years old at the time, met Ardrey in an online chat room in December 2012. Ardrey discussed selling the victim as an escort and would make money for them to "go away" together. The victim was reported missing by her parents on September 9, 2013, after she left the public library in Medfield, Mass. with Ardrey.

Video surveillance at the library showed the victim leaving with Ardrey late that afternoon. The victim and Ardrey then traveled to Boston, where Ardrey picked up money wired to him by an associate in Missouri. They then traveled to Providence by train and checked into a West Greenwich motel.

Ardrey posted an advertisement on backpage.com and other websites featuring provocative photographs of the victim, claiming she was 19 years old. The advertisement read: "Hey everyone! I’m the new girl in town. I am your sweet cute girl next door. So come see me. Older gentlemen only. 45 years of age and older."

The investigation revealed that Ardrey had sexual contact with the victim on several occasions while she was in the motel room. Ardrey gave the victim "pointers" and "instructions" on different sex acts so she could better respond when working as an escort. At least one person responded to the advertisement and negotiated a price with Ardrey of $40 and two packages of cigarettes for an hour with the victim.

Ardrey faces a sentence of between 10 years to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 15, 2014. The case was announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and other law enforcement officials. The investigation was a collaborative effort between several agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and local police departments.