Convicted Juvenile Sex Trafficker from Delaware Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

In April 2019, following a 14-day jury trial, the defendant was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion and three counts of sex trafficking of minors by force, fraud, and coercion.

The evidence at trial showed that Kristian Jones helped manage the sex trafficking enterprise led by co-defendant Dkyle Bridges. The multi-year sex trafficking conspiracy preyed on teenage girls and young women looking for a home and support. Once lured into the trafficking circle, the victims were compelled to engage in commercial sex acts in southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and elsewhere, for the co-defendants’ financial benefit. Co-defendant Bridges used violence and coercive tactics to force the victims to remain in his sex trafficking operation – including pouring water on them to keep them awake, choking them, and assaulting them. Bridges, the leader of this operation, was sentenced to 35 years in prison earlier this year.

Defendant Kristian Jones’ role in the sex trafficking operation included overseeing the trafficking of three minor girls brought to hotel rooms to engage in commercial sex acts. The defendant collected the money paid by the sex buyers, provided the condoms, controlled the victims’ access to food, and stayed on-site to ensure the victims engaged in the commercial sex acts. In doing so, the defendant fulfilled his role as the day-to-day manager of the sex trafficking of children.  

The defendant’s brother, Anthony Jones, was also convicted for his role in this sex trafficking conspiracy. Anthony Jones is scheduled to be sentenced later this summer.  

“Kristian Jones used the bodies of children for his own financial benefit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “His crimes are appalling, and today’s sentence of twenty years reflects the seriousness with which the federal justice system will treat defendants convicted of sex trafficking offenses. We will continue to work collectively to investigate and prosecute these destructive crimes committed against some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

“Jones exploited and abused his victims. His willingness to prey on vulnerable women and coerce them to engage in sex trafficking is a danger to public safety,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Today’s sentencing further affirms the FBI’s commitment to combating sex trafficking and protecting the survivors of these crimes. Together with our law enforcement partners across the region, we are dedicated to investigating and bringing federal charges against those like Jones who commit these reprehensible acts.”

The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia with assistance from the Tinicum Township Police Department; Newark, Delaware Police Department; Delaware State Police; Delaware River Bay Authority; and Philadelphia Police Department; and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Priya  T. De Souza and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Jessica L. Urban.