FORT SMITH (KFSM) – A Fort Smith man has been charged in a sex trafficking case, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas Conner Eldridge.
Odis C. Grant, 29, was charged with two counts of knowingly transporting minors with the intent that the individuals engage in prostitution, the release states.
On Nov. 23, 2014, two juvenile females and residents of Fort Smith were taken from Arkansas to Texas by Grant with the intent that the two minors become prostitutes in Houston, according to authorities. Grant made use of the website BackPage.Com to promote the prostitution of the girls, the release states.
Eldridge commented, “Human trafficking and child sex trafficking are horrendous, despicable crimes. We will vigorously enforce federal criminal laws against human trafficking, including against those who seek out, promote and use minors for prostitution.”
The statutory penalty for sex trafficking is not less than 10 years and not more than a life sentence.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and Fort Smith Police Department.
