A Hardin man has admitted to a prostitution-related offense involving a minor, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich. William Serges Joseph, 76, pleaded guilty to using interstate commerce facilities in aid of racketeering. He could face up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. A plea agreement suggests a minimum one-year prison sentence.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters is overseeing the case and has scheduled sentencing for April 18, 2025. The final sentence will be determined after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Joseph remains detained pending further proceedings.
Court documents reveal that during an interview in March 2023 in Hardin, a juvenile identified as Jane Doe reported interactions with Joseph beginning in September 2022. She claimed they communicated on Facebook and that Joseph was aware of her age. Doe alleged she allowed him sexual contact in exchange for alcohol and that he requested nude photos from her. She later stated that Joseph offered her $50 for sexual contact and sent her inappropriate messages.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution with investigations conducted by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide.