A Boston man faces a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of trying to buy sex from someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl. Dimitri Shawn McKenzie, 29, was found guilty of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child following a three-day federal jury trial. Sentencing has been set for September 24, 2024, by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young. McKenzie had been arrested in November 2022.
"Every single person who considers paying to have sex with a minor better take notice – if you are caught you are facing at least a mandatory 10-year sentence in a federal prison," Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy announced, emphasizing the severity of the punishment for such crimes. "The reason people sell sex with little children is because there is demand for opportunities to engage in such morally reprehensible conduct," Levy added, according to a statement obtained by the Department of Justice.
According to Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New England, "It’s a horrible truth that there are predators ready and willing to pay to harm children." Krol elaborated that McKenzie was "fully prepared to pay to sexually abuse someone he believed was a child," but was instead met by undercover agents during a sting operation. The conviction sends a message that federal agencies are actively hunting those seeking to exploit minors, as reported by the Department of Justice.
The sting operation involved McKenzie responding to an online ad that advertised minor girls for sex. He agreed to pay $100 for sex with the 14-year-old girl who, unbeknownst to him, was fictitious, as detailed by an undercover law enforcement operation. McKenzie was caught in the act as he handed over cash and received a hotel key, only to be apprehended immediately by law enforcement.
The charge of attempted sex trafficking of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in prison, and possibly a fine of up to $250,000. The case was supported by various police departments and state agencies with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings and David G. Tobin prosecuting. Those who are experiencing or know someone impacted by commercial sex trafficking are urged to reach out to [email protected] for help.
