A Pentagon official and 25 others have been arrested in connection with a human trafficking sting in Georgia, which resulted in the rescue of six female victims. The arrests were made following an investigation by local law enforcement and the Department of Justice. The accused include a Milwaukee man, Samuel Spencer, who was found guilty of four counts of sex trafficking.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Wisconsin, evidence presented during the trial revealed that Spencer, operating under the alias “Bin Laden,” was involved in sex trafficking between 2005 and 2020. He used crack cocaine, heroin, and false promises of romantic relationships to lure female victims into performing commercial sex acts in various states.
The victims testified that Spencer controlled them through physical violence, threats of withholding drugs, isolation, and other forms of coercion. They also stated that he took all the money they earned from these acts. The jury’s verdict was a result of the victims’ courage in speaking out and the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad emphasized that this case highlights the prevalence of sex trafficking and the need for increased awareness. He stated, “January is Human Trafficking Awareness month, and this case serves as another example of the fact that sex trafficking and labor trafficking can happen anywhere.”
Samuel Spencer now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. His sentencing is scheduled for May 16.
This case sheds light on the serious issue of human trafficking and the efforts being made to combat it. It serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing awareness and collaborative law enforcement efforts in addressing this global problem.
