Colorado man sentenced to 7 years for trafficking women across state lines

By Heather Willard | Fox 31

DENVER (KDVR) — A 41-year-old man will spend seven years in federal prison after he recruited two victims to work for him as prostitutes and transported them between states.

Walter Conwell, 41, was sentenced on Aug. 21 to seven years in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of interstate transportation of an individual for prostitution. Neighbors shocked after man says he was stabbed while fishing at McKay Lake

“Federal prison is the appropriate place for a man who somehow convinced himself it was okay to take everything from these young women and sell them for sex,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly in his office’s press release. “This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for survivors of human trafficking.”

According to the plea agreement, Conwell had advertised two victims whom he recruited to work for him as prostitutes, posting advertisements to various websites. Authorities also say Conwell made numerous promises to each victim, promising them housing, cars, health insurance and clothing, among other items, but none were ever delivered.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado said Conwell “coerced and harassed one of the victims,” which included keeping money and property from her. The other victim was a minor at the time of the crime, according to authorities.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Conwell traveled to Texas and drove the underage victim to Colorado. Once there, he engaged in sexual acts with the victim and then advertised the victim for prostitution.

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