In a disturbing case, a Portsmouth man, Pierre De Romeo Smith, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for sex trafficking, production of child pornography, drug distribution, and illegal possession of a firearm. The court records and trial evidence revealed that Smith met a 16-year-old girl, Jane Doe, and within hours, he took explicit photos of her, including posing with a shotgun in her mouth. Subsequently, he posted these photos on a commercial sex website, offering her for commercial sex and arranging multiple encounters per night for three weeks, administering amphetamines to keep her awake and confiscating her earnings.
The Virginia Beach Police Department intervened during an undercover operation at a hotel where Jane Doe was found. Detectives discovered incriminating messages on her phone from Smith, leading to his arrest. In his possession were various controlled substances and a firearm, despite being prohibited from owning one as a convicted felon. Shockingly, after his arrest, Smith sanctioned Jane Doe's potential harm, indicating his involvement in criminal activities and gang affiliations.
Smith's conviction by a federal jury in April 2023 highlights the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victim, Jane Doe. The prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Montoya and Rebecca Gantt underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force, in combating human trafficking and related offenses in the region.
The case, part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation, emphasizes the importance of identifying and prosecuting individuals who exploit children online. U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber, along with Homeland Security Investigations and the Virginia Beach Police, announced Smith's sentencing, reflecting the commitment to ensuring justice for victims of exploitation and abuse.
The investigation and prosecution of Pierre De Romeo Smith shed light on the dark realities of human trafficking and child exploitation, urging continued vigilance and action to safeguard vulnerable individuals. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to address these heinous crimes and protect children from online predators. The sentencing of Smith sends a strong message about the consequences of engaging in such despicable acts and underscores the necessity of collaborative initiatives to combat human trafficking and protect the most vulnerable members of society.
