Jury convicts another member of family sex-trafficking ring
A Ramsey County jury today convicted another member of a family prosecutors say operated a wide-ranging sex trafficking ring in the Twin Cities.
The jury found 30-year-old Otis Deno Washington of St. Paul guilty on five sex trafficking and prostitution charges, including one involving a minor.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said the victims' willingness to testify secured the guilty verdict.
"That happens because we've been doing something that I think is really important, which is to embrace this victim-centered approach towards law enforcement and prosecution, where we're really focused on helping the victims and gaining their trust and confidence," Choi said.
Washington will be sentenced Jan 9. Most of the charges carry a maximum of 25 years in prison.
His brother was found guilty in November. Two other family members pleaded guilty in July.
A fifth person -- a one-time victim who Choi said testified against the others -- also has been charged.
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