Columbia, South Carolina – Human Trafficking Case Unfolds
Two women from South Carolina are facing serious legal consequences after pleading guilty to their involvement in a conspiracy that exploited minors as commercial sex workers. Monesha Tatayana Lapri Gary, 24, from Clinton, and Rebecca Melanie Perry, 30, from Columbia, entered their guilty pleas in front of U.S. District Judge Sherri A. Lydon in Columbia, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Carolina.
Details of the Conspiracy
Gary and Perry could face life in prison, accompanied by a fine that could reach up to $250,000. They also face the possibility of lifetime supervision should they be released, along with mandatory registration as sex offenders. As part of a plea deal, they will be responsible for paying restitution to the victims involved in this troubling case.
The conspiracy involved two other defendants, Antonia Marquis Nicholson and Terrell Counts, who remain under indictment. Evidence presented indicates that for at least eight months, the four worked together to recruit and exploit three minors in the sex trade. This operation relied on the internet for its workings, which included advertising and booking appointments while also collecting payments from customers exploiting these minors.
How the Recruitment Happened
Authorities reported a disturbing instance where one minor was recruited by Nicholson and Perry at a hotel. The scenario unfolded after the minor had run away from home. According to investigators, the pair drove the girl across state lines, misled her about the nature of the work she would be doing, and even bought lingerie for her. They took photos and advertised her online for sex, arranging customers to exploit her in various hotels around Columbia and beyond.
Roles within the Conspiracy
The hierarchy of the conspiracy was clear. Nicholson set prices, collected payments, and decided how the money was distributed among the minors. Meanwhile, Gary misrepresented herself as a minor to communicate with customers interested in hiring the minors for sex. She also assisted in transporting the victims to different cities, handling financial transactions, and resolving any issues that customers encountered.
Perry similarly played a significant role, as outlined in the release detailing the case. In total, two more minors were brought into this web of exploitation, having been recruited near a high school and used as sex workers during school hours.
The Impact on Victims
The ramifications of this operation were severe for the minors involved. The conspiracy maintained strict control over its operations, leading to incidents of physical assault against one minor. Additionally, some members of the conspiracy were reportedly armed and exposed the minors to drug-related activities.
Investigative Actions and Next Steps
This serious case has seen multiple law enforcement agencies work together, including Homeland Security Investigations, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. With Gary and Perry awaiting sentencing by Judge Lydon, the ongoing and pending indictments against Nicholson and Counts suggest that further legal actions may follow.
The disturbing nature of this case underscores the critical issue of human trafficking, shining a light on the exploitation of minors in South Carolina. Authorities stress the importance of vigilance and community involvement in combatting such heinous activities.
