FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Thursday, May 24, 2012
Docket #: 1:12-cr-160-LJO

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Diamante Alfred, 19, of Fresno, with sex trafficking, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to the indictment, between August 2011 and April 2012, Alfred recruited two girls to engage in commercial sex acts using force, fraud or coercion and knowing one was not yet 18 years old. One of the victims was only 15 years old at the time of the offense. Alfred benefitted financially from the sex trafficking venture involving the two victims.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Elana Landau is prosecuting the case.

The statutory penalty for participating in a sex trafficking venture is a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to life in prison. For sex trafficking using force, fraud or coercion the statutory penalty is a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison. Alfred could receive  a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. The actual sentence, if convicted, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

The charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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