TWO INDIVIDUALS FACE FEDERAL CHARGE OF CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT SEX TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN

Department of Justice

DeWayne Eugene Hopkins, age 27, and Julia Young, age 19, both residents of South Salt LakeCity, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children in a federalindictment unsealed late last week in the first case charged as a part of efforts by the Utah HumanTrafficking Task Force.  Hopkins and Young allegedly recruited minor females to work asescorts and profited financially from commercial sex acts performed by the minors.  Theindictment, returned March 18, 2009, was unsealed late last week after Hopkins and Young werearrested.  Both defendants have entered pleas of not guilty and a four-day trial has been setfor May 26, 2009.  Hopkins will remain in custody pending trial.  Young, who had adetention hearing Friday, was released on conditions of supervised release.  The potentialpenalty for the charge is up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. 
(Salt Lake City, Utah)