Denver Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking Crimes

DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Walter Conwell, age 41, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison followed by eight years of supervised release for two counts of interstate transportation of an individual for prostitution.

According to the plea agreement, Conwell recruited two victims to work for him as prostitutes and transported them between states. He advertised the victims on various websites and made numerous promises to each victim, to include providing housing, cars, health insurance, and clothing, which he never delivered. He coerced and harassed one of the victims, including withholding her money and property. The other victim was under 18 at the time of the crime. Conwell traveled to Texas and drove the underage victim to Colorado, where he engaged in sex acts with the victim prior to promoting the victim for prostitution.

“Federal prison is the appropriate place for a man who somehow convinced himself it was okay to take everything from these young women and sell them for sex,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for survivors of human trafficking.”

“Like all sex traffickers, this man preyed on people who were vulnerable.  The lack of respect he showed for basic human values is appalling,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek.  “His survivors face a difficult recovery process, but they are now on that path and their abuser is in prison, where he belongs. Combatting human trafficking continues to be an FBI priority as we work to keep communities safe.”

Senior United States District Judge Christine M. Arguello presided over the sentencing on August 21, 2025. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Melissa Hindman and Alecia L. Riewerts.

Case Number: 1:21-cr-00364-CMA