Contact:  U.S. Department of Justice Department, Civil Rights Division (CRT), 202-514-2007; TDD, 202-514-1888

WASHINGTON, June 14 /Standard Newswire/ -- A federal jury in Hartford, Conn., found Dennis Paris guilty today for his role in the operation of a sex-trafficking ring.  The jury convicted Paris of knowingly using minors, including a 14-year-old girl, in his prostitution business and also of using force, fraud, and various coercive means to compel two adult victims to perform commercial sex acts for his financial benefit.  In addition to four counts of sex-trafficking, Paris was also found guilty of conspiracy and 13 counts related to the use of interstate facilities to promote and conduct a prostitution business, as well as three counts of money laundering.  The defendant faces a sentence that ranges from 360 months to life in prison, and a fine of up to $1.5 million.  

Paris was charged in a 21-count indictment in December 2006 for crimes related to his role in the operation of a prostitution and sex trafficking business from 2000 through 2004, in the Hartford area.  Nine co-defendants in this case have previously pleaded guilty to federal charges including the sex trafficking of minors and sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion.  

The evidence at trial proved that the defendant preyed upon the specific vulnerabilities of his victims including age, socioeconomic status, living situations, and drug addictions.  He used these vulnerabilities and whatever manipulative means necessary to cause all four victims to engage in commercial sex acts for his benefit.  The victims were also forced to engage in sex acts with the defendant against their will.  

"Sex trafficking is an abhorrent crime that too often occurs in our own backyards, and too often victimizes children," said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.  "It is a top priority of the Justice Department to root out and prosecute those who so ruthlessly victimize others."  

 "The defendant was found guilty of conduct that clearly shows that prostitution is not a victimless crime," said Kevin J. O'Connor, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.  "The federal government is committed to prosecuting sex trafficking crimes, particularly when minors are abused and women are forced to commit sexual acts against their will and under the threat of violence."   

Human trafficking prosecutions are a top priority of the Department.  In the last six fiscal years, the Civil Rights Division, in conjunction with U.S. Attorneys' Offices, has increased by six-fold the number of human trafficking cases filed in court.  In 2006, the Department obtained a record number of convictions in human trafficking prosecutions.

The federal trial was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Genco and Special Litigation Counsel Andrew J. Kline of the Department of Justice's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, Civil Rights Division.  This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hartford and Windsor Police Departments, and the Internal Revenue Service.