One of four individuals accused of partaking in a multi-state sex trafficking ring that preyed on foreign-born women has admitted to her role in the criminal enterprise.
Fangyao Wu, 23, of Irvine, Calfifornia pleaded guilty on Thursday in Washington County District Count to one count of felony racketeering after reaching a deal with prosecutors. Wu was originally charged with six felonies, so while it may sounds like she got off easy, here’s a look at part of the agreement she signed. Wu will received a stayed jail sentenced for her conviction if she:
- Cooperates with authorities on the criminal cases still pending against the three other individuals charged in the bust.
- Forfeits more than $700,000 she earned in proceeds from the sex-trafficking scheme.
Authorities said they were willing to come to an agreement with Wu because she was willing to help the state formulate stronger cases against other more involved members of the sex-trafficking ring, and because authorities said in the grand scheme of things, Wu had a very limited role in the organization.
“She was far less culpable than the others and the county attorney recognized that,” said Eric Thole, Wu’s attorney. “She accepts responsibility for her part and wants to move on.”
Others Expected To Plead Guilty
Three others face charges for their role in the sex trafficking ring. Dongzhou Jiang, 29, and Hong Jing, 48, who happens to be Wu’s mother, are expected to plead guilty to their cases later this month. It’s uncertain if the fourth defendant, Sophia Wang Navas, will seek a plea deal ahead of her trial date.
A joint task force from Washington County and Ramsey County issued a statement saying they were pleased with Wu’s deal and believe it can help them cut down on sex trafficking a both local and national levels.
“While this massive sex-trafficking case is still ongoing with regard to other defendants, we are pleased with (the) guilty plea of one of the defendants,” the statement read. “Jointly, both Washington and Ramsey County will continue to pursue justice in this case and others as we are working in partnership to tackle this problem regionally. In addition, we are doubling our efforts to jointly engage the public to become more aware and to take steps to end the buying and selling of women and girls for sex in our communities.”
Jiang, of Blaine, was reportedly in charge of the logistics of the Minnesota operation. Her duties were to find places for the women to work out of, collect money from clients and women, and ensure the women paid their housing and transportation fees. Once the ring was busted, police reported that none of the trafficked women wanted help or services, and that almost all of them spoke very little English. Officers said this made them dependent on their handlers, and stuck in a cycle of violence and sexual exploitation.
Hearings for Jiang and Jine will take place on August 25 and 28.
If you or someone you know has been victimized by sex trafficking, reach out to Appelman Law Firm today. We can help you break free from the cycle.
