Man convicted of sex trafficking gets 40 years in prison

A man convicted by a federal jury of sex trafficking of a minor through force, fraud or coercion was sentenced last week to 40 years in prison.

Maurice Fitzgerald Alexander, Jr., 33, was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit sex with a minor by force, fraud or coercion; transportation with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; and production of child pornography in one county, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona.

In October 2021, Tucson police received a call from Alexander’s victim, a 14-year-old girl at the time, who said she was being trafficked for sexual exploitation, the press release said.

Investigation revealed that Alexander trafficked the victim through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado between August 19 and October 4.

Department of Homeland Security special agents and task force officers arrested Alexander on October 21, 2021, in Tucson.

An examination of Alexander’s phone revealed that Alexander also forced the victim to take photos and videos depicting sexually explicit conduct. These photos and videos were later used in advertisements on social media and on various other websites where prostitution takes place, the press release said.