Waukesha man sentenced to 30 years for Sex Trafficking

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Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on April 23, 2024, Cornelius M. Jackson, 35, of Waukesha, was sentenced to a term of 30 years imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after being convicted of four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

In announcing the sentence, United States District Judge Brett Ludwig emphasized that it is “hard to overstate the seriousness” of Jackson’s conduct, describing how Jackson had “manipulated, used violence, and coerced many young women to sell their bodies for the sexual gratification of others” over a period of six years. Judge Ludwig recounted the “mental and physical torture” that Jackson to which subjected his victims, including strangling several of his victims on multiple occasions.

He also noted that Jackson’s “real failure to come to grips” with the gravity of his crimes or to take any meaningful responsibility, even at the sentencing hearing, impacted the Court’s sentencing decision.

“The sentence imposed in this case reflects the pervasive and relentless harm Mr. Jackson inflicted on his victims,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad.

“Along with our federal, state, and local partners, we are committed to pursuing justice for Mr. Jackson’s victims, who displayed strength and determination in making sure their stories were heard,” Haanstad added.

FBI officials remain committed to fighting sex trafficking.

“Sex trafficking is a horrendous crime, and the FBI is fighting it every day in communities across Wisconsin,” said Milwaukee FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle.

“The FBI will continue working side by side with our local and state law enforcement partners to prevent these crimes and bring those responsible like Jackson to justice,” SAC Hensle added.

Wisconsin officials agreed.

“Defendants who commit the despicable crime of human trafficking must face severe consequences,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul.

“Thank you to the many criminal justice professionals who worked together to secure this sentence and ensure that the public will be protected from the defendant for a long time,” Kaul added.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Waukesha Police Department, the Milwaukee Police Department, the Oneida Police Department, and the Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Abbey M. Marzick.