A Woman Unaware She Rents Home Forfeited in Sex Trafficking Case
A woman in Colerain Township, Cincinnati, was shocked to learn that the home she is currently renting will be forfeited as part of a sex trafficking case. Payton Brown, a 26-year-old man, recently pleaded guilty to sex trafficking a 16-year-old girl for several months. As a result of his guilty plea, Brown will have to surrender his house, and the proceeds from its sale will go to the victim.
The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, moved into the house with her children in August. However, she was completely unaware of the dark history associated with the property until she started receiving visits from strangers. It became clear to her that the house had a questionable reputation, which raised concerns about her own safety.
People have been stopping by the house, asking about when I moved in or when I am moving out. Some of them have been angry about certain things, the woman explained. She also noted the unusual condition of the home, with some closets and rooms lacking doors and the garage having no entrance or exit.
Surprisingly, the woman had no idea about the forfeiture until a reporter from FOX19 NOW arrived at her house and informed her of the situation. She expressed her anxiety about the instability created by this revelation and expressed hopes that the issue can be resolved quickly. It should be noted that it is not common for individuals to lose their homes in cases like this, but legal analyst Mike Allen stated that it is a justified move in certain circumstances, such as this sex trafficking case.
According to Kenneth Parker, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Brown met the victim on an online dating app and established a relationship with her. The 16-year-old girl eventually moved in with Brown, who then exploited her by posting photos on a website advertising sexual encounters. The victim engaged in paid sexual activities with at least 40 men, and the money earned was given to Brown. Brown even recorded their sexual encounters and attempted to sell the footage to others.
Following Brown’s arrest in February 2023, he now faces up to 20 years in prison. The sentencing date will be determined at a future hearing.
In conclusion, it is imperative to shed light on cases of sex trafficking and take appropriate actions to support the victims. While it is unfortunate that the woman renting Brown’s former home had to discover the truth in such a distressing manner, it is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by such heinous crimes. The forfeiture of the property serves as a means to provide restitution to the victim and demonstrates that the justice system takes these offenses seriously.
