Federal Prostitution Charges in Rhode Island

An Indiana couple has been charged with transporting two women across state lines to engage in prostitution.

A Providence, R.I. grand jury charged Nathan G. Pope and Jane M. Wales under a federal law known as the Mann Act. Pope was arraigned today.

If convicted, the pair faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Daniel Weiss, senior analyst for media and sexuality Daniel Focus on the Family Action Weiss, said just a few months ago such an arrest wouldn’t have happened in Rhode Island.

“Federal law enforcement officials left Rhode Island out of national trafficking initiatives,” he said, “until the state passed a law last October prohibiting ‘indoor prostitution.’”

He added that human trafficking is a growing problem across the U.S., and law enforcement’s job is becoming more difficult.

“There are still forces in the country that are working to enslave vulnerable women and children,” he said.

-- Roger Greer