3/30/10—Federal Grand Jury Convicts Houston Man of Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Coercing and Enticing an Adult to Commit Prostitution

The Greater Houston RCFL (GHRCFL) supported the investigation, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. Barry Lernard Davis, aka “Sir Lewis," 34, a Houston resident, was found guilty of one count each of sex trafficking of a minor, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, as well as coercion and enticement of an adult to engage in criminal sexual activity. Davis' trial lasted three days, with the jury deliberating for 90 minutes.

According to a 3/24/10 press release issued by the FBI's Houston Division, "the federal charges brought against Davis are the result of an investigation conducted by the Houston Innocence Lost Task Force, led by the FBI. The investigation began in September 2006, when the Pasadena Independent School District Police Department received a report of a missing child. The child was recovered within several days and it was then learned the child had been transported from Texas to Louisiana for the purpose of engaging in prostitution...During its investigation, the FBI discovered that in addition to the minor, Davis had also coerced and enticed an adult to engage in prostitution."

GHRCFL Deputy Director Larry Hovey testified at trial regarding his findings on Davis' computer. The FBI's press release stated that, "Forensic analysis of Davis's computer conducted by the Greater Houston Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory revealed pictures of both victims on his computer. Hotel records verified that Davis traveled out of state with the victims, which was corroborated by photos of them in several different states."

Davis faces up to 40 years in federal prison, without parole, for sex trafficking of a minor, a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment for transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and a maximum of 20 years imprisonment for coercion and enticement of the adult. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, Davis also faces a maximum of a life term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is set for July 16, 2010.

For more information about the RCFL Program, visit www.rcfl.gov or www.ghrcfl.org.