Federal judge sentences Milwaukee pimp to 30 years

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A federal judge on Wednesday, November 6th sentenced Tyrone McMillian of Milwaukee to 30 years in prison following a June conviction by a jury of seven counts of sex trafficking of minors and adults.

31-year-old McMillian's trial included the testimony of one adult and four minors whom McMillian trafficked in the sex trade from 2006 through 2009.

McMillian also faces separate charges in federal court for his illegal possession of firearms and ammunition that could add an additional 10 years of prison time to his sentence.

In addition to the trial testimony, prosecutors introduced evidence at McMillian’s sentencing regarding his involvement in a February 2011 theft of more than $325,000 in protein supplements from a warehouse in Dallas, Texas.

An affidavit filed by an agent from the Criminal Division of the Internal Revenue Service detailed McMillian’s receipt and expenditure of funds obtained from the subsequent sale of those protein supplements.

McMillian used the proceeds to purchase, among other things, a Bentley automobile for $79,500 and more than $40,000 of custom-made jewelry.

In addition to the vehicle and jewelry, Milwaukee Police Department officers seized $94,600 in cash during a search of McMillian’s residence on July 6, 2011.

The cash, automobile, and jewelry – all presently in the custody of the Internal Revenue Service – are the subject of a separate forfeiture proceeding filed by prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

In making the public announcement of the sentence imposed on McMillian, United States Attorney Attorney Santelle stated: "Judge Clevert’s focus on McMillian’s exploitation of vulnerable juveniles mirrors the mission of this office in the investigation and prosecution of individuals who seduce our children with lies and false promises to bring them into the dirty, destructive business that is the sex trade. The sentence is an appropriate response to McMillian’s criminal conduct and sends a strong message to others who may somehow see the pimp lifestyle as profitable or glamorous, or both.”

Santelle also stated: "The investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases in Eastern Wisconsin is among the highest priorities of my office, and we will continue to pursue the perpetrators of this heinous conduct with all of the resources available to us."