Arkansas has seen its fair share of heinous crimes, but none as disturbing as the recent case of Tommy Handy and his nephew Everett Cooney, who have been charged with sex trafficking in the state.
The indictment, unsealed in Little Rock, alleges that Handy, aka ‘Tom Tom,’ and Cooney, aka ‘Bear,’ used force, fraud, and coercion to cause juvenile girls and adult women to engage in commercial sex acts. The duo allegedly benefitted financially from their crimes, which took place from January 2002 to May 2008.
Handy, 60, has also been charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, a charge that could add to his already severe sentence. If convicted, both men face a maximum sentence of life in prison and fines of more than $1 million.
The prosecution of human trafficking offenses is a top priority for the Justice Department. In Fiscal Year 2008, a record number of both labor trafficking and sex trafficking cases were filed.
The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe J. Volpe and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Jim Felte. The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
While the indictment is only an allegation, the severity of the charges against Handy and Cooney cannot be overstated. The pair’s alleged crimes are a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance in the fight against human trafficking in Arkansas and beyond.
As the investigation continues, the people of Arkansas can take heart in the knowledge that justice is being sought for the victims of these heinous crimes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Related Federal Cases
- Jayshon Moore, Sex Trafficking and Child Pornography Production, An… · Arkansas
- Samuel Rappylee Bateman, Child Sex Trafficking and Child Pornograph… · Arkansas
- Jeffrey Lee, Child Sex Trafficking, Little Rock AR, 2023 · Arkansas
- Tyler Trafficker Sentenced for Sex Trafficking Teens, Tyler TX, 2023 · Texas
- James Doe, Child Sex Trafficking and Possession of Child Sexual Abu… · Nevada
Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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