INKSTER MAN SENTENCED ON FEDERAL KIDNAPING AND SEX TRAFFICKING CHARGES INVOLVING A 14-YEAR-OLD MINOR

A 33-year-old Inkster man was sentenced today to 25 years on charges of kidnaping, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and sex trafficking offenses, United States Attorney Stephen J. Murphy announced today.

Murphy was joined in the announcement by FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel D. Roberts, of the Detroit Division, and Col. Tadarial J. Sturdivant, Michigan State Police.

Clarence Howard Brown was sentenced in United States District Court by Judge Arthur J. Tarnow.

Brown was convicted by a jury concluding a four-day trial before United States District Judge Arthur J. Tarnow. The evidence presented at trial showed that Brown and his girlfriend Holly Marie Hollis, under the pretenses of transporting a then 14-year-old minor to her home, abducted the victim and, instead transported her to Fort Wayne, Indiana, forcing her into prostitution at a truck stop. During his efforts to instill fear in the child, Brown raped the victim twice and otherwise physically abused her. The victim eventually escaped after a female truck driver befriended her and agreed to take her home.

Hollis pleaded guilty on August 26, 2005 and was later sentenced to 46 months.

“This significant prison sentence is appropriate in light of the revolting conduct of the defendant in exploiting an innocent minor. It is an example of the clear and continuing commitment of this office to the Eastern District of Michigan’s Child Protection Initiative, which is intended to ensure that we are doing everything we possibly can to protect and take care of our children.” United States Attorney Murphy said.

Murphy commended the work of the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Michigan State Police in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison.