A resident of Euclid, Ohio, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for charges involving the sex trafficking of a minor and the coercion and enticement of an adult for commercial sex purposes. The announcement came from Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Donte Lashawn Cole, aged 40, admitted guilt to the charges before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. According to the court records, Cole transported both a minor and an adult to Monroeville, Pennsylvania, for commercial sex activities. Officials discovered items such as condoms and pregnancy tests in the rooms used by both victims.
The investigation revealed that Cole used online platforms to advertise these victims for commercial sex across Western Pennsylvania and other locations between April and October 2023. He directed the victims to perform these acts and report their earnings to him. Additionally, Cole exercised control over the minor's food consumption, restricting it to fast food when earnings did not meet his expectations.
Sentencing has been set for August 18, 2025. According to federal law, Cole faces a potential sentence ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, as well as a possible fine of up to $250,000. The ultimate sentence will consider the severity of the crimes and any previous criminal history of the defendant.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Schupansky and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer Carroll. The investigative efforts were led by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Section and Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh, with support from local police and task forces.
This case aligns with Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice since 2006 to tackle child sexual exploitation and abuse. More information on this program can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
Those who are victims or possess information about human trafficking situations are encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888, available around the clock.