United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced the sentencing of RAHMAD LASHAD GEDDES, a/k/a “Face,” a/k/a “Poo Poo,” 36, to 282 months in federal prison for trafficking an 18-year-old woman from Wisconsin to Duluth, Minn., for the purpose of commercial sex. GEDDES, who was charged in a superseding indictment on April 8, 2015, was convicted on April 27, 2015, following a six-day jury trial.
“This violent defendant preyed on the vulnerabilities of his victim and used force and coercion to sell her for commercial sex,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Provinzino. “The lengthy sentence handed down by the court underscores the seriousness of these types of crimes, which we will continue to combat through aggressive prosecution.”
St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin said: "I want to commend U.S. Attorney Andy Luger for recognizing the tremendous value of combining our offices' efforts. The collaboration between some of our finest prosecutors, as happened in this case, assures justice for a remarkably courageous victim. The work of Assistant United States Attorney Laura Provinzino and Assistant St. Louis County Attorney Jon Holets is an example of the kind of cooperative work we need to help build a safer world. It gives me hope."
As proven at trial, on January 6, 2014, GEDDES recruited the victim from her home in Eau Claire, Wis., for the purpose of trafficking her for commercial sex. The defendant and a friend took the victim to a motel in Duluth, Minn., where they took pictures of her to place an advertisement for commercial sex on backpage.com. GEDDES used an anonymous prepaid credit card to pay for the online advertisement. GEDDES and his friend used the victim’s cell phone to set up several “dates” between the victim and “johns.” On one occasion, after a meeting with a “john,” GEDDES accused the victim of hiding money. The defendant physically assaulted the victim and told her that he hit her because she did not do what she was told.
As proven at trial, on January 9, 2014, GEDDES traded drugs, which he referred to as “rocks,” for two semi-automatic handguns and ammunition. GEDDES has four previous felony convictions in Cook County, Ill., Hennepin County and Sherburne County, Minn., making him an armed career criminal under federal law.
As proven at trial, on January 14, 2014, GEDDES returned the victim to her home. She immediately reported to her pastor that she “had been used for prostitution.”
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Duluth Police Department and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura M. Provinzino and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Holets of the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office.
Defendant Information:
RAHMAD LASHAD GEDDES, a/k/a “Face,” a/k/a “Poo Poo,” 36
Blaine, Minn.
Convicted:
- Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion, 1 count
- Transportation with Intent to Engage in Prostitution, 1 count
- Armed Career Criminal in Possession of a Firearm, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 282 months in prison
- Lifetime supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600