Interim U.S. Attorney Recognizes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

MADISON, WIS. - January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To commemorate the month and continue to raise awareness about this important issue, Interim U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma reaffirmed his office's commitment to fight against human trafficking by bringing traffickers to justice, dismantling human trafficking networks, assisting trafficked victims, and enhancing public awareness through community outreach.

"Working with our law enforcement and community partners, we will continue to raise awareness and shine a light on all forms of human trafficking," said Interim U.S. Attorney Elgersma. "My office will continue to identify and prosecute those who use fraud, force, and coercion to profit from the exploitation of others."

Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Under federal law, methods of coercion include physical or nonphysical (for example, psychological, financial, and reputational), as well as using or threatening to use a legal process in an inappropriate manner. The exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion is used by the trafficker.

The U.S. Attorney's Office encourages victims to come forward. If you, or someone you know, has been made to engage in prostitution, unwanted sex acts for money, drugs, or any items of value, or forced labor, help is available. There are advocates committed to help you find support and resources. There are local, state, and federal law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating human trafficking. There are prosecutors who will work with law enforcement to hold traffickers accountable.

The U.S. Attorney's Office's ongoing anti-trafficking efforts have resulted in many prosecutions that have led to convictions and prison sentences. Recent notable sentencings and guilty pleas include:

United States v. Austin Koeckeritz. On April 11, 2024, Koeckeritz of River Falls, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and a life-term of supervised release for one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. Between August 2020 and August 2022, Koeckeritz used violence, threats of violence, emotional manipulation, isolation, and surveillance to compel an adult victim to perform commercial sexual acts online between eight and 12 hours a day, six days a week. Koeckeritz controlled and maintained all proceeds made by the adult victim from this online commercial sex work. Between October 2021 and January 2022, Koeckeritz also recruited a minor to engage in commercial sex acts and promote the adult victim's online commercial sex work. He also caused the minor victim to engage in sexual acts that he photographed with the intent to sell them online. As part of his sentence, Koeckeritz was ordered to pay over $400,000 in restitution.

United States v. Raymond Armour. On October 29, 2024, Armour was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for two counts of transporting an individual across state lines with the intent to engage in prostitution. His prison sentence will be followed by a term of 20 years of supervised release. Raymond Armour encountered two minors, ages 14 and 15, in Dubuque, Iowa, and drove them across the state lines to his residence in Cassville, Wisconsin. Armour posted photos of the victims on online platforms, offering for them to engage in various sexual services in exchange for money.

United States v. Dwayne "Swag" Davis. On January 12, 2026, Davis pled guilty to sex trafficking of a minor. According to court documents, Davis recruited a 16-year-old minor to engage in commercial sex acts for him in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Davis utilized online platforms to offer the minor victim for commercial sexual activities in exchange for money. Davis arranged for the minor to be transported to these meetups. Davis kept control of all the money that was paid for the sexual acts. The penalties for this charge are a mandatory minimum of ten years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison.

How to Report Human Trafficking

If you believe you or someone else are the victim of human trafficking or have information about a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888

Specialists are available to answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also send a text to 233733 or start a live chat or submit a tip online at humantraffickinghotline.org.