Jennifer Bowen-Dodoo, 51, pleaded guilty Friday in District Court on St. Thomas to one count of transportation of a minor for sex, U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced Monday.
According to the plea agreement, Bowen-Dodoo admitted that she aided and abetted an adult male to transport her minor daughter for the purpose of sexual activity. District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez remanded Bowen-Dodoo into the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 4. Bowen-Dodoo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. She also faces a fine of as much as $250,000.
"Sex trafficking is a deplorable crime, especially when it involves underage victims who are particularly vulnerable," said Ricardo Mayoral, acting apecial agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations San Juan and U.S. Virgin Islands. “Prostituting young girls is a growing threat worldwide, and we encourage anyone with information about this activity to call law enforcement. Your call could save a girl from sexual slavery.”
Suspected child exploitation or missing children cases can be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children via its toll-free, 24–hour hotline at 202-514-5678 or Homeland Security Investigations at 340-693-2250.
The case was investigated by HSI, the V.I. Police Department and the V.I. Department of Human Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everard E. Potter.
