A Topeka man pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to operate an interstate sex trafficking business, acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Sean P. Hall, 46, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. In his plea, he admitted to conspiring with co-defendants to operate a Topeka-based prostitution business.
At times, as many as 20 females were working as prostitutes for the organization, according to prosecutors. The leader of the organization rented houses where some of the prostitutes were allowed to live. The organization used Web sites, social media and cell phones to advertise sexual services and to keep track of prostitutes.
Hall admitted that in 2012 he started working for co-defendant Frank Boswell at Club Magic, a nightclub in Lawrence, Kan. Hall became a trusted employee and learned from Boswell how the prostitution business operated, according to prosecutors. Hall transported prostitutes to and from meetings with clients. He posted photos of prostitutes on Internet sites advertising their services. He also promoted the business by posting reviews of prostitutes on other Web sites that advertised sexual services.
Sentencing is set for Oct. 3. He faces a penalty of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Co-defendant Frank Boswell, 42, Topeka, Kan., is awaiting trial. Co-defendant Rachel Flenniken, 34, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty earlier this month and is set for sentencing Oct. 17.
Beall commended the Topeka Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.