United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill
Middle District of Florida
Tampa Orlando Jacksonville Fort Myers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2008
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/flm/pr CONTACT: STEVE COLE
PHONE:  (813) 274-6136
FAX: (813) 274-6300

VIRGINIA MAN CHARGED WITH SEX TRAFFICKING OF MINORS

Jacksonville , Florida —United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill today announced the return of an indictment charging Marvin Leigh Madkins, a 28-year-old resident of Newport News, Virginia, with two counts of sex trafficking of minors, one count of transportation of minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The maximum penalties Madkins faces, if convicted on all counts, are life imprisonment and a fine of $1 million.

According to the indictment, between April 1, 2008, and June 8, 2008, Madkins recruited and transported two minors from Virginia to Jacksonville , Florida while knowing that they would engage in prostitution and commercial sex acts. Madkins is also alleged to have possessed a shotgun in furtherance of the sex trafficking of the minors.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Intelligence Unit of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mac D. Heavener, III.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

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