North Carolina Civil Rights News

Connecticut Woman Pleads Guilty For Role In Human Trafficking Ring

Shanaya Hicks of Hartford, Conn., pleaded guilty today to five counts related to her role in a sex-trafficking ring that involved minors. Hicks is the eighth of ten defendants to plead guilty to federal charges in this case.

On August 8, 2006, Hicks, along with nine other co-defendants, was charged in a 64-count superseding indictment. Hicks, and two additional co-defendants were also charged with the sex trafficking of minors and sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion. Specifically, Hicks has pleaded guilty today to two counts of sex trafficking of minors; two counts of sex trafficking adult women through force, fraud or coercion; and conspiracy to use interstate facilities to promote prostitution. In her plea agreement, Hicks has admitted to causing two juveniles to engage in prostitution and causing two adults to be held in prostitution through fraud and coercion.

Hicks waived her right to jury trial in open court before U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Droney. She faces a maximum penalty of up to life in prison and a fine of up to $1.25 million. “Sex trafficking is an abhorrent crime that too often occurs in our own backyards, and too often victimizes children,” said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “It is a top priority of the Justice Department to root out and prosecute those who so ruthlessly victimize others.” Read more at usdoj.gov.

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	In EEOC guidelines, minority is used to mean four particular groups who share a race, color or national origin