A Multnomah County, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for transporting an adult victim from California to Oregon and selling access to her for sex.
Eddie Lewis West III, 37, was sentenced to 104 months in prison and a three years’ supervised release.
According to court documents and in-court testimony, West knowingly transported an adult victim across state lines, from California to Bend, with the intent of posting the victim on a dating website called Skip the Games for the sale of sexual services. In April 2019, local police saw the ad, set up an undercover meeting with West, and arrested him.
Upon further investigation, federal law enforcement authorities learned the victim felt trapped in an abusive relationship with West and feared for her safety. After West was arrested in September 2020 in a related assault case in Washington County Circuit Court, the victim felt safe enough to come forward and speak with authorities about West’s crimes.
On October 20, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging West with sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion and transportation of a person across state lines with the intent of having the person engage in prostitution. On August 3, 2021, he pleaded guilty to the latter charge.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Tigard Police Department and Bend Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natalie K. Wight.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
