Terre Haute, Ind. – A federal jury on Oct. 15 convicted Chicago‑born Jacquez “Joc” Brown, 31, on multiple child‑sex‑trafficking charges stemming from a 2022 incident in Vigo County. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana announced the verdict, noting Brown was found guilty of sex trafficking of a minor, sexual exploitation of a child, and three counts of distributing child sexual abuse material.
Investigation and Arrest
According to court documents, the case began on Dec. 14, 2022, when Vigo County 911 received an emergency text reporting that a 15‑year‑old girl was being prostituted by a 28‑year‑old man later identified as Brown. The tip originated from the Super 8 Motel in Terre Haute.
Terre Haute Police Department officers responded, locating the girl in a motel room with Brown. Investigators learned Brown had compelled the minor to engage in commercial sex acts for his financial benefit. He also took a sexually explicit photograph of the girl during the trafficking and distributed the image to multiple individuals in an effort to solicit payment for further sexual encounters.
Prosecution and Trial
The joint investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Terre Haute Police Department. Assistant U.S. attorneys Carolyn Haney and MaryAnn Mindrum led the prosecution, presenting evidence over three days of trial that included text messages, the victim’s testimony, and digital evidence of the illicit photographs.
The jury deliberated and returned a guilty verdict on Oct. 15. Brown’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled; it will be determined at a later date by the federal court.
Community Impact
The conviction underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities pursue child‑sex‑trafficking cases, especially those that cross state lines. Local officials praised the collaborative effort between federal and local law‑enforcement agencies, emphasizing the importance of swift action to protect vulnerable children.
Community leaders in Terre Haute urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity promptly. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of child exploitation and the need for continued cooperation among law‑enforcement, prosecutors, and the public.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
