A Texas man is facing federal charges in Florida following an indictment unsealed Friday by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
Jazzmen La Vone Gaskins, 38, of Texas, has been charged with sex trafficking and transportation of an individual to engage in prostitution.
According to the indictment, Gaskins allegedly engaged in sex trafficking involving one victim between July 2023 and March 2024. The indictment claims Gaskins trafficked this individual knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion would be used to compel the victim to engage in commercial sex acts.
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Additionally, the indictment alleges that on December 22, 2023, Gaskins transported a second victim from Texas to Florida with the specific intent for that individual to engage in prostitution and sexual activity.
If convicted on all counts, Gaskins faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, highlighting the collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement in combating human trafficking. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry will prosecute the case.
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