United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller handed Jovante L. Champion the punishment after a jury found the defendant guilty. He was convicted of four felony crimes: sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; interstate transportation for prostitution; sex trafficking of a child and by force, fraud, or coercion; and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
“Human trafficking is a horrific crime, and, with this sentence, the defendant will spend a long time behind bars,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, reported We Are Greenbay.com.
According to prosecutors, Champion, a member of the “Everything Business” street gang, had lured two women, ages 20 and 16, under a false premise of love and financial protection into prostitution. Furthermore, the defendant employed the usage of physical force, including the possession of a firearm, to facilitate the sale of the victims.
“The evidence in this case – including his own messages and social media posts – demonstrated that Mr. Champion had no problem abusing and dehumanizing others for his own financial benefit. This office is committed to working with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to support and seek justice for trafficking victims like those upon whom this defendant preyed,” stated United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Gregory J. Haanstad, reported U.S. Department of Justice.
During the sentencing hearing, Stadtmueller highlighted the trauma experienced by the victims and the lasting impacts of sex trafficking. He further described the act as a horrible and pernicious activity.
Champion was ordered to serve additional five years of supervised release.
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