JEROME EUGENE TODD, 28, of Everett, Washington was indicted last week for Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking, two counts of Sex Trafficking, and Interstate Transportation in Furtherance of Prostitution. TODD was arraigned on the indictment November 26, 2007, and entered a plea of “Not Guilty.” TODD is being held at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac pending a detention hearing scheduled for November 30, 2007 at 3:15 PM. A jury trial is scheduled before U.S. District Judge James L. Robart on February 5, 2008.

According to the indictment, in early 2007, TODD recruited two female victims to work as prostitutes in Lynnwood, Washington. TODD and an indicted co-defendant photographed the women and posted their pictures on the internet offering commercial sex acts. TODD set the prices for the sex acts, and provided female victims with cell phones so he could manage their activities. TODD allegedly told the victims that he was “watching them” and they needed to follow his rules or he would beat them. On at least two occasions TODD allegedly beat one of the women, grabbed her by the throat and smashed her cell phone. On another occasion TODD attacked the second victim, ripping out her hair. In July 2007, TODD allegedly took one of the women to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he had her work as a prostitute.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

TODD also faces additional penalties for allegations that he violated conditions of federal probation. TODD was convicted of Bank Fraud in September 2004, and has been under federal supervision since that time. The allegations of violations of the terms of probation include failing to submit monthly reports to the Probation office, failing to obtain approval from the probation officer for a new line of credit, failing to report a change of residence, possession of a weapon, committing the crime of promoting prostitution, and using marijuana. TODD may face up to an additional maximum term of imprisonment of five years if found to have committed these violations.

Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; Sex Trafficking is punishable by a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen years and a maximum of life; and Interstate Transportation in Furtherance of Prostitution is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years.

The case is being investigated by the Everett Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Seattle Police Department, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Karyn Johnson and Ye-Ting Woo.

For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110.

Return to Top