A couple from Plano, Texas, has been convicted of serious sex trafficking offenses following a seven-day trial in the Eastern District Court of Texas. William McKinnley Garland, 43, was found guilty of coercion and enticement, as well as conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. His accomplice, Anastasiya Claire Lyons, 34, was convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. The verdict was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office on March 14, 2024.
During the trial, U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan presided over evidence that revealed the couple operated a sex trafficking ring in Plano from 2020 to 2023. According to the prosecution, a recruiter actively sought young women on social media platforms, convincing them that they would participate in modeling or escorting roles. Instead, these women were coerced into prostitution at various hotels throughout Collin County.
Victims testified that they were compelled to engage in sexual acts through force and humiliation. Many expressed their fear of Garland, detailing threats of violence directed not only at them but also at their families. Plano Police Chief Ed Drain commented on the emotional toll of the case, stating, “This case was long, complex, and emotionally difficult, but it stopped dangerous offenders and gave survivors a chance to reclaim their lives.”
In a related development, three co-defendants have pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges and are currently awaiting sentencing. Robberta Marie Khan, 29, from Euless, has pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement, facing a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. Jalen Alexander Bobo, 26, from Dallas, and Selena Rose McCombs, 25, from North Carolina, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. They could face life sentences when their cases are resolved.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Plano Police Department and the FBI Dallas Division, highlighting the ongoing commitment to address human trafficking crimes. R. Joseph Rothrock, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Dallas, stated, “Human trafficking is a heinous crime that often operates in plain sight and may go undetected for months or years. We will continue to work with our partners to assist victims and hold their traffickers accountable.”
Sentencing for Garland and Lyons, along with their co-defendants, will be determined by the court once hearings are scheduled. This case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of human trafficking and the critical need for vigilance in combating this crime.
