DALLAS, Texas - Johnathon Deontre Smith, 25, of Dallas, is in federal custody on a sex trafficking of children charge outlined in an indictment filed earlier this week, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Smith made his initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney. A detention hearing is scheduled for May 11, 2017.
The indictment alleges that from Jan. 23, 2017 through February 6, 2017, Smith recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, advertised, maintained, patronized, and solicited Jane Doe, a female under the age of 18 years old, to engage in commercial sex acts.
A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. However, if convicted, the maximum statutory penalty for each of the offenses charged is life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Dana is in charge of the prosecution.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
