Whatcom County investigation leads to federal sex trafficking indictments
A second man has been federally indicted for a sex trafficking conspiracy, the investigation of which began in Whatcom County.
Leanthony Palmer, 34, and Branden Barnett, 38, both of Seattle, have now each been indicted for their roles in sex trafficking, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington. Barnett was indicted this week on six counts related to trafficking adults and minors.
The investigation into Palmer and, later, Barnett stemmed from a narcotics investigation by the Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force. Palmer was identified by his connection to another individual who the task force was investigating for selling drugs in Whatcom County.
Agents found rap songs and social media posts from Palmer about sex trafficking, according to court records, and he was seen with suspected sex workers by law enforcement on multiple occasions – including in Bellingham.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that Palmer used force, threats of force fraud, and coercion to sex traffic at least three different adult victims and engaged in a conspiracy to transport them in 12 states, including Washington, as well as foreign countries, to engage in commercial sex acts. Palmer was also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering for his use of the proceeds of his sex trafficking scheme.
Palmer, who is a “prominent” member of a Seattle street gang, was ordered detained in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Nov. 19.
Barnett was charged in a six-count indictment with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion; sex trafficking an adult female through force, threats of force, fraud or coercion; conspiracy to transport an adult victim for purposes of prostitution; transporting an adult female for prostitution through coercion and enticement; and two counts of attempted sex trafficking of a minor, according to the justice department.
Barnett has been in custody since Nov. 24.
Palmer and Barnett both face a minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison if convicted.