LAFAYETTE — A man from Illinois was sentenced to nine years in prison after he was convicted of child sex trafficking-related charges in March.
According to Tippecanoe County Prosecutor Patrick Harrington, James Williams, of Decatur, Illinois, was sentenced Friday to nine years in prison and three years on probation after he was convicted of promotion of child sexual trafficking and promoting prostitution.
In October 2020, a Lafayette Police Department officer found a 16-year-old girl alone in a car in a hotel parking lot, according to a probable cause affidavit. During the investigation, officers believed Williams was her "pimp" and was trafficking her.
“On behalf of the victim, and our community, I thank the officers and detectives for their prompt and thorough investigation," Harrington said in a press release. "The victim, who was 16 years old at the time the defendant began sexually trafficking her, is still working through her trauma and informed the court that everything changed for the better after she spoke to these officers. She is a strong and brave person whose cooperation during this case allowed us to obtain these convictions."
-
Charges filed against teen accused of threatening Center Grove Schools
A multi-agency police operation has tracked down the man they believe made recent threats to Center Grove High School.
2-year-old northern Indiana boy found safe following AMBER Alert, suspect caught
A Starke County Sheriff’s Office statement reads, "The child has been located safely." The alleged suspect remains at large.
Fishers mayor proclaims February "Go Pink for Hailey Month" in honor of teen
On Thursday, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness officially proclaimed February as "Go Pink for Hailey Month" in honor of Hailey Buzbee.
Advocates call for changes to Amber Alert system following Hailey Buzbee case
Advocates are calling for lawmakers to make changes to the Amber Alert system following the disappearance and death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee, after an alert was not released in her case.