Philadelphia Man Convicted Of Rape And Human Trafficking Of A Minor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- District Attorney Seth Williams announced on Wednesday that Jason Guerra was convicted of Rape, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Human Trafficking, Promoting the Prostitution of a Minor and related charges.
Guerra is due to be sentenced on May 20 and will become a lifetime Megan's Law registrant. Officials say he faces a maximum of 159 years in prison.
"This victim was just fourteen years old when these crimes were committed and I thank the jury for their verdict today," said Williams. "This child and the other young women who testified showed tremendous courage in facing their tormentor and holding him accountable for the devastation he wrought on their lives. The jury's verdict sends a powerful message to traffickers who profit off of the suffering of their victims that they will be held accountable."
According to officials, Guerra, 37, approached the victim when she was 14 to be in his human trafficking operation. Authorities say that from 2012-2013, Guerra forced the victim to engage in sex with men, several times a day at various hotels in the city as well as Chester. Law enforcement also says that Guerra raped the victim and threatened her life on numerous occasions.
Officials also say that Guerra beat the victim so badly that it resulted in a miscarriage during her pregnancy.
The victim was found by the FBI in 2013, uncovering Guerra's trafficking operation. Three other women came forward to testify against Guerra.
