Savannah, GA – Tracy Wayne Crosby, 42, of Waycross, Georgia, was indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in sex trafficking of a minor. The indictment alleges that, from at least August 2017 to November 29, 2017, Crosby recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, maintained, patronized, and solicited a minor to engage in commercial sex acts.
Crosby is further alleged to have used facilities of interstate commerce, namely a cellular telephone and the internet, to persuade, induce, entice and coerce a minor to engage in prostitution and sexual activity, and to have possessed one or more images depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “Those who solicit children online and pay to have sex with them are a horrible, driving force behind the dark underground of child sex trafficking. By holding these people accountable for their actions, we can help end this scourge. We continue to relentlessly work with our law enforcement partners to strike blows against this sick industry, to rescue children, and to put traffickers and customers behind bars.”
“Sexual exploitation steals the innocence of children, and the criminals who engage in these acts often inflict life-long trauma on their victims,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Greg Wiest of the Atlanta field office of Homeland Security Investigation (“HSI”), a directorate of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”). “As this case shows, ICE HSI is committed to investigating and seeking prosecution of child exploitation cases as one of the agency’s highest priorities.”
The indictment against Crosby charges three counts: sex trafficking of a minor, coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and possession of child pornography. If convicted, Crosby faces not less than 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.
Mr. Christine emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The indictment of Crosby arises out of an ongoing investigation led by ICE HSI. Anyone who suspects instances of child sexual exploitation is encouraged to call 1-800-843-5678, which is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with HSI, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies.
Assistant United States Attorney Tania D. Groover is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact Appellate Chief R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
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