Atlanta Georgia, United States
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.