A Rockford man, Travis Thomas, has been handed a 35-year federal prison sentence for his crimes related to sex trafficking. This comes after his conviction in June on multiple counts, including coercing and transporting a victim across state lines to engage in prostitution.
The sentencing was presided over by U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. in a federal court hearing in Rockford on Friday. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Morris Pasqual, and FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Douglas S. DePodesta announced the news. Support during the investigation came from the collaborative efforts of the Rockford Police Department, the Hoffman Estates, Ill. Police Department, and the Winnebago County, Ill. Sheriff's Office, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Over the course of 2017 and 2018, Thomas specifically targeted the victim, fuelling her drug addiction with crack cocaine to maintain control over her. This dependency was then exploited, as he forced her to perform commercial sex acts. The profits from these acts went directly to Thomas, who spent them on personal luxuries, such as a new vehicle, gambling, and clothing.
Further abuse included financial manipulation where Thomas took over the victim's credit cards, filed fraudulent tax returns, emptied her bank accounts, and sold her personal belongings. The end of this ordeal came in April 2018 when, after a severe beating by Thomas, the victim was assisted to a hospital by a good Samaritan. A vigilant nurse at the hospital recognized the signs of sex trafficking and promptly involved law enforcement. "While at the hospital, a trained nurse identified her as a victim of sex trafficking and called law enforcement." as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
For those who may be experiencing similar exploitation, there are resources available. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can be reached at www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678, services are accessible around the clock to offer assistance.
