In a significant development in a human trafficking case, Leon Blount III, 31, of Boston, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to transporting a minor for commercial sex. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs has set the sentencing for April 24, 2024. Blount was initially indicted in January 2023 and has been in custody since September 2022.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “Human trafficking is a gross violation of human dignity and has inflicted unimaginable harm upon its victims.” He reaffirmed the commitment of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit in bringing traffickers to justice and supporting survivors.
Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England, highlighted Blount’s pattern of preying on vulnerable individuals, a common trait in human traffickers. Krol expressed that Blount’s guilty plea is a step closer to justice for the victims.
The case involved Blount transporting a 17-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe 2, from Massachusetts to New York and Connecticut between July and August 2022 for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex. Blount had recruited the victim, who was living in a Massachusetts group home, and facilitated her travel out-of-state. He maintained close contact with her, directing her activities and ensuring her involvement in commercial sex acts.