TOLEDO — Three people from Lima will spend extensive time in a federal prison for their roles in sex trafficking a 14-year-old girl, with the leader receiving a 24-year sentence.
Randy Thompson, 26, received a 24-year sentence for two counts of conspiracy to engage in the sex trafficking of a minor, one count of transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in prostitution, two counts of sex trafficking of a minor, and one count of obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation, according to a statement from Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony, and Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin.
According to court documents and testimony, Thompson forced the 14-year-old girl to engage in commercial sex acts from his apartment complex on Lima’s Fourth Street and from a nearby gas station, and he caused the victim to go to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she engaged in prostitution too. He also lied to investigators during the case.
Shemeric Cook, 30, received a 12-year prison sentence for obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation. Authorities said he lied to investigators and attempted to distance himself from the crimes while protecting others involved in the sex trafficking.
Precious Russell, 20, received a nine-year prison sentence for conspiracy to engage in the sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. Authorities said she assisted Thompson in his prostitution out of the Fourth Street apartment complex, including creating online advertisements offering the sexual services of the minor.
Megan Hitt and Jacqueline Young are scheduled to be sentenced June 27 for their roles in the conspiracy. Lorenzo Young and Aundre Davis, who were convicted at trial this year, are scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 7.
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