(CBS DETROIT) – A Warren man was sentenced to seven to 40 years in prison for human trafficking of a minor in 2017, according to the Michigan attorney general’s office.
James Madison-Crawford, 30, pleaded guilty to trafficking of minors for commercial sexual activity, accepting proceeds from prostitution, transporting a person for the purpose of prostitution, conducting a criminal enterprise, sexual conduct in the third degree, assault by strangulation and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Madison-Crawford is currently serving a sentence for accepting income from prostitution.
Officials said Madison-Crawford created an online account in 2017 that offered sex with a minor and facilitated “dates” with the minor. He also forced her to participate in sexual acts with him and threatened to make her perform those acts.
The Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Task Force received information about a sex trafficked minor and began an investigation. The task force responded to an online advertisement in an undercover operation, which led to the rescue of the minor.
“Human trafficking is a pervasive and horrific problem everywhere, and tragically, Michigan is no exception,” Nessel said. “But it is also a serious criminal offence, and I am grateful to the Court for handing down a significant sentence in this case. My office remains committed to apprehending human traffickers through our work with the State Human Trafficking Commission and in our prosecutions. and those who exploit children are responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”
