BOISE, Idaho (AP) - A Boise man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex trafficking.
Michael Wayne Wade on Thursday was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to recruiting a 15-year-old girl for sexual services.
Wade had only been released from prison for a month when he contacted the victim, who he told he could make a “goddess” if she came and worked for him as a prostitute. The 31-year-old had served a five-year sentence for failing to register as a sex offender.
Wade’s conviction was the first in Idaho under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, passed in 2010. The act provides heightened sentences, with a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison.
“This case is a prime example of the cooperation that we see in the Treasure Valley among law enforcement agencies at all levels, particularly when it comes to protecting our children, our society’s more vulnerable members,” said U.S. Attorney for Idaho Wendy Olson. “Michael Wade callously victimized a 15-year-old girl, seeking to sexually exploit her for his own gratification and profit.”
Wade had a previous conviction for sexual contact with a girl younger than 14. He also had a conviction for aggravated assault in a case where the victim later died.
He was arrested when an Idaho probation officer found incriminating text messages on Wade’s phone.
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