United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, man has been charged in federal court for Transportation for Prostitution, Coercion, and Commercial Sex Trafficking.Thomas Alexander Roberts, age 33, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on November 26, 2013, and pled not guilty to the charges. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. In November 2013, Roberts allegedly transported an adult female from Wisconsin to South Dakota with the intent to have her engage in prostitution and sexual activity.The charge is merely an accusation and Roberts is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case. Roberts was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
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