A Canton man, Keion Rowell, was convicted of sex trafficking a 15-year-old girl, has recently concluded according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Rowell was found guilty of sex trafficking of a child and will face sentencing on December 11, 2023. His arrest and subsequent trial highlights the darker aspects of society that prey on vulnerable young lives and the tireless efforts made by law enforcement to protect them.
Rowell met the girl, who had run away from home and was reported missing, in January 2021 as reported by MassLive. He manipulated her through grooming techniques, eventually creating online commercials for sex ads containing nude photos of the victim. Rowell communicated with sex buyers and sent the young victim to engage in prostitution, pocketing the money she made, while the girl believed she was actually dating Rowell.
Thankfully, after approximately 10 days, law enforcement was able to rescue the girl through an undercover operation according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The evidence presented during the trial included Rowell's phone with photos of the victim, links to online advertisements for commercial sex, and communications with sex buyers. Moreover, the conviction brings with it the hope of healing for the victim and a sense of justice for the family and those invested in the case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy stated that, “Justice was delivered today. Mr. Rowell preyed on a vulnerable 15-year-old girl, grooming her and then trafficking her, and pocketing the money. This conduct is despicable and has no place in a civilized society.”
Special Agent Jodi Cohen of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, commented on the conviction, saying, “Keion Rowell forced a 15-year-old child into sexual servitude, for his own greed and financial gain.”
The conviction of Rowell carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
If you or someone you know may be impacted by or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please reach out for assistance at [email protected].
