TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Federal prosecutors announced a life sentence in a sex trafficking conspiracy that spanned several years and multiple states.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chad Seymore, of Dothan, Alabama, conspired with others to bond women out of county jails and forced them to commit commercial sex acts in Alabama and North Florida.
According to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil and the federal authorities who introduced the case, a detective uncovered one victim, which led to an entire network.
Prosecutors say the victims were bonded out of jail by Seymore and then forced into the sex trade.
This became a federal case after victims were found in Alabama and Florida. In fact, prosecutors say the scheme was so pervasive that they haven’t identified everyone who was victimized.
“Seymore would frequently tell the women that he was trafficking that freedom is not free, that they were his property and under his control, control that he affected through threat, violence, including sexual violence and addiction,” said John P. Heekin, United States Attorney, Northern District of Florida.
Seymore pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, alongside a slew of other felonies.
Seymore’s co-defendant, Kimberly Robinson Gandy, went to trial and was convicted. Her charges also include conspiracy and money laundering.
While Seymore will be imprisoned for life, Gandy received a 25-year sentence.
More on crime in our area:
This case drew media attention from across state lines, a bit reminiscent of when this courthouse was last swarmed by those covering another convicted sex trafficker: Ghislaine Maxwell.
Seymore, also known as “Circle City Pimp,” also preyed on women suffering from drug addictions at hotels and through online ads.
“Our investigation revealed over a hundred victims. Some we could not identify, others who were afraid to come forward, but all were ultimately vindicated by their fellow victims,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven.
Court documents show Gandy conspired with Seymore to traffic women in Panama City Beach and Destin, Florida.
“This is about people. It’s not about statistics. This case shows the importance of local leadership and the need for strong partnerships in staying committed for the long haul,” McNeil said.
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.