Wichita Woman Pleads Guilty in Sex Trafficking Case

A 17-year-old girl was exploited for sex, forced to travel across multiple states, and sold on an adult website.

Natasha L. Harper, 33, of Wichita, Kansas, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in a sex trafficking case that has left a community shaken. According to U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom, Harper admitted to transporting the girl from Kansas to Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa, and back to Kansas, so she could engage in sex acts for money.

Harper, who placed ads on an adult website offering the girl’s services, received part of the money. The victim was just 17 years old when she was exploited by Harper.

The investigation, led by the Wichita Police Department, uncovered a disturbing pattern of human trafficking. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart worked tirelessly to bring Harper to justice.

Harper’s guilty plea has brought some closure to the case, but the severity of the crime cannot be overstated. The parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 90 months in federal prison followed by 10 years on supervised release.

Sentencing is set for July 7, 2016. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.

The case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of human trafficking on victims and their families. It’s a crime that requires a collective effort to prevent and prosecute.