A man and a woman from Shreveport will spend decades in prison after being convicted of the human trafficking of a 14-year-old girl for the purpose of prostitution.

37-year-old Tyrone Larry Smith and 34-year-old Lacoya Washington, both of Shreveport, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 384 months and 240 months in prison respectively on one count of sex trafficking of a minor. Smith was also sentenced for one count of coercing or enticing a minor to travel to engage in prostitution. The defendants must also serve five years of supervised release and must register as sex offenders.

A press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office tells us how the two were convicted at trial.

According to evidence presented at the three-day trial, which ended July 27, 2016, Smith began conversing with a 14-year-old female from Texas over an internet dating service in June of 2015. He convinced her to travel to Shreveport saying he had feelings for her. Upon arriving in Shreveport, the female met Smith and Washington and stayed at their home. That same month, they brought her to local hotels where she engaged in prostitution.

If she resisted, Smith struck her and abused her in order for her to continue the illegal activity. Smith also took the money from the prostitution. The minor was contacted by authorities who later arrested Smith and Washington.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Cowles Jr. and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

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