Columbus Man Charged with Sex Trafficking
Terra el Alexander Alls, 28, a Columbus man, has been ordered to be detained after appearing before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Columbus, Ohio. Alls was arrested on March 31, 2023, in Licking County and made his initial appearance in federal court on April 3.
The complaint, unsealed on April 3, 2023, alleges that Alls engaged in sex trafficking by means of force, threats, fraud, and coercion. Two victims, whose testimony is described as ‘disturbing’ by U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, have come forward to describe their experiences.
‘Court records contain disturbing testimony by two of the numerous victims as they describe what they’ve been through,’ said Parker. ‘I admire their courage to come forward and encourage anyone else who may be a victim to reach out to law enforcement.’
According to court documents, an email tip received by the Columbus Division of Police led to the formation of the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which investigated Alls over the course of one year. The Task Force, comprised of resources from various law enforcement agencies, ultimately led to Alls’ arrest.
‘Human traffickers control their victims with abuse, fear and intimidation – which are difficult to overcome,’ said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. ‘Now that this defendant is in custody, we’re asking potential victims to contact law enforcement with any information about the case.’
Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation or knowledge of additional victims of human trafficking is encouraged to contact the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6446) or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888 and request to be connected with a member of the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force.
Sex trafficking by means of force, threats, fraud, and coercion is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life imprisonment.
A preliminary hearing has been set for April 17, 2023. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Jennifer Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Sex Crimes, Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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