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Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don’t have a verifiable source on file yet. Know one?
What happened
Mariece Chevalia Sims and Dwayne B. Thigpen abducted a 16-year-old from Arkansas and forced her into prostitution in Texarkana, Arkansas; Gulfport, Mississippi; and Atlanta, Georgia. Sims and Thigpen sexually assaulted and continually threatened the victim. Sims and Thigpen were charged with kidnapping; transportation of minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Thigpen pled guilty to one count of transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Sims was found guilty at trial of kidnapping; forced labor; sex trafficking of children; and transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Thigpen was sentenced to 5 years in prison and five years supervised release. Sims was sentenced to life in prison; five years supervised release, and was ordered to pay $500.00 in fines.
Response and intervention
investigation led to arrest of Sims and Thigpen, and rescue of victims. case was investigated by the FBI’s Innocence Lost initiative with the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation-Obscenity Section and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. none posted