WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Smithfield man was sentenced to 300 months in prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. On July 23, 2024, Jarel Antonio Rayford, age 29, pled guilty to the charge.
According to evidence presented in court, Rayford prostituted a 17-year-old minor over the course of several months in 2021. He also took multiple sexually explicit images of her and posted them in online advertisements to sell her in prostitution. Rayford knew the victim was just seventeen and was also in a very vulnerable position, which he took advantage of to continue trafficking her. Additionally, Rayford used physical and emotional abuse to control the minor victim.
“We have launched two Human Trafficking Task Forces to expose and prosecute anyone who exploits North Carolina’s kids for sex or forced labor,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “Our victim-centric approach focuses on stabilizing victims, getting them resources, and helping them through the court process. If you have a tip about trafficking, text 233733 today.”
Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Raleigh Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations investigated the cases, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Blondel and Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case.
