TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Federal prosecutors announced a life sentence in a sex trafficking conspiracy that spanned several years and multiple states.<\/p>\n
According to the U.S. Attorney\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors say the victims were bonded out of jail by Seymore and then forced into the sex trade.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t identified everyone who was victimized.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeymore 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,\u201d said John P. Heekin, United States Attorney, Northern District of Florida.<\/p>\n
Seymore pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, alongside a slew of other felonies.<\/p>\n
Seymore\u2019s co-defendant, Kimberly Robinson Gandy, went to trial and was convicted. Her charges also include conspiracy and money laundering.<\/p>\n
While Seymore will be imprisoned for life, Gandy received a 25-year sentence.<\/p>\n
More on crime in our area:<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Seymore, also known as \u201cCircle City Pimp,\u201d also preyed on women suffering from drug addictions at hotels and through online ads. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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,\u201d said First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven.<\/p>\n
Court documents show Gandy conspired with Seymore to traffic women in Panama City Beach and Destin, Florida.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about people. It\u2019s not about statistics. This case shows the importance of local leadership and the need for strong partnerships in staying committed for the long haul,\u201d McNeil said.<\/p>\n
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