Pittsburgh Sex Trafficking Case Results In Prison Sentence For Man Who Coerced Women Into Engaging In Commercial Sex Acts
Former drug users who are willing to speak about their journey to sobriety may tell people about their worst moments brought about by drug addiction. To scare drug-naïve people out of using drugs, or to show fellow addicts that they are not alone in their traumatic experiences, they may enter dangerous and physically and emotionally painful situations they entered out of desperation to avoid drug withdrawal symptoms. Many of the desperate actions to which addiction has driven people are illegal, from stealing and presenting forged documents to selling drugs, obtaining money through threats and intimidation, and engaging in sex acts for money. The good news is that, if you get arrested for drugs, prostitution, or both, you can tell your criminal defense lawyer in confidence. If applicable, your lawyer may be able to persuade the court that co-defendants took advantage of your vulnerable state to pressure you into breaking the law. If your sex crime arrest is only the most recent incident in a years-long battle with drug addiction, contact a Pittsburgh sex crime lawyer.
When Drug Use and Commercial Sex Are Symptoms of a Larger Crime
Yes, it is against the law to possess illegal drugs, and it is against the law to accept payment for sexual favors. You are not the one who will get criminal penalties, though, if someone has coerced you into engaging in commercial sex. Accepting payment for sexual acts is one of the lesser sex offenses; you might be able to avoid prison time and sex offender registration if you get a conviction for it. Sex trafficking is one of the worst, though, because it is human trafficking. You can get charged with sex trafficking if you coerce or intimidate someone else into performing sexual favors for money, and you benefit from it financially.
In the News
In September 2022, Eric Jefferson of Pittsburgh was arrested on charges of sex trafficking. An investigation into his activities revealed that he would coerce women who were addicted to opioids into engaging in commercial sex with other men. He would provide the drugs to the women so that they were too intoxicated to refuse to meet with clients, or else he would threaten to withhold drugs from the women until they agreed to meet with the clients. He also faced charged for production of child sexual abuse content, although news reports did not include any additional information about this charge. In January 2025, Jefferson, 41, received a prison sentence of 25 years. News sources did not include details about the procedural history, such as whether he accepted a plea deal.
Contact Gary E. Gerson About Criminal Defense Cases
A criminal defense lawyer can help you if you are facing criminal charges for engaging in commercial sex for the financial benefit of someone else. Contact the law offices of Gary E. Gerson in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania about your case.
Source:
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