An Indiana man on Jan. 10 was sentenced in New Mexico to 18 years in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
Matthew Woods was sentenced for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by means of force, threats, fraud, coercion, as well as aiding and abetting, according to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) press release.
"In his plea agreement, Woods admitted to his part in the conspiracy to recruit, maintain, advertise and transport victims for the purpose of prostitution," the release states. "The victims were expected to work when they were told, with no say over their hours, fees or the locations in which they were to perform sex acts. The victims were not allowed to keep any of the money paid for their services."
Woods had two conspirators, Cornelius Galloway and Marcus Taylor, according to the release.
Galloway was the leader of the pack, Taylor was in charge of transportation of the victims, and Woods physically punished the victims when they didn't comply, according to the release.
All three conspirators pleaded guilty, according to Newsbreak.
Newsbreak also reports that Woods must pay $5,000 in accordance with the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
The release states that in 2021, Homeland Security Investigations human trafficking arrests across the country increased to 2,360 from 1,746 in the previous year, with 728 victims identified and assisted.
