CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a disturbing reminder of the scourge of human trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina has recognized National Human Trafficking Prevention Month by reaffirming its commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking.
"Human trafficking, which encompasses sex trafficking, forced labor, and domestic servitude, is a crime that impacts our society’s most vulnerable members," said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King. "The invisible nature of human trafficking poses a challenge for prosecutors and law enforcement, as perpetrators often commit this abhorrent crime in plain sight. Working with our law enforcement and community partners we will continue to raise awareness and shine a light on all forms of human trafficking, work together to identify and assist trafficking victims, and prosecute those who use fraud, force and coercion to profit from the exploitation of other human beings."
In 2021, the Office’s anti-trafficking efforts have resulted in the following prosecutions:
U.S. v. McIllwain: On April 19, 2021, Simone Cherelle McIllwain, 30, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor. As filed plea documents show, from December 2 to December 19, 2019, McIllwain did knowingly recruit, entice and transport a minor, recklessly disregarded that the minor was under the age of 18 years old, and that the minor would be caused to engage in a commercial sex act. A sentencing date for McIllwain has not been set.
Human trafficking is a crime that requires the collective effort of law enforcement, community partners, and the public to prevent. If you suspect human trafficking, report it to the authorities immediately.
Human Trafficking Prosecutions
U.S. v. McIllwain
Defendant: Simone Cherelle McIllwain
Criminal Charges: Sex Trafficking of a Minor
City and State: Charlotte, North Carolina
Date: April 19, 2021
Sentence or Outcome: No sentencing date set
Dollar Amounts: None
"The invisible nature of human trafficking poses a challenge for prosecutors and law enforcement," said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King. "Working with our law enforcement and community partners we will continue to raise awareness and shine a light on all forms of human trafficking, work together to identify and assist trafficking victims, and prosecute those who use fraud, force and coercion to profit from the exploitation of other human beings."
"If you see something, say something," said Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. "Human Trafficking Prevention Month is a great reminder to us all."
Related Federal Cases
- Juan Brandon Gray-Sommerville, Sex Trafficking of a Minor, North Carolina 2013 · South Dakota
- Kevin Harold Rudolph, Sex Trafficking, North Carolina 2022 · Connecticut
- Anthony Dale Helton, Child Sex Abuse, North Carolina 2023 · South Carolina
- James Edward Moss Jr., Transporting a Minor for Sex, South Carolina 2023 · South Carolina
- Dai Quan Matthew Felix, Child Sex Abuse, North Carolina 2024 · South Carolina
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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