BURLINGTON, Iowa — Miesha Lasha Stanley, 32, and Rosella Marie Taylor, 36, both of Burlington, have been sentenced to federal prison for sex trafficking charges.
Stanley was sentenced to thirty years in federal prison for using force, fraud, and coercion to compel victims to engage in sex acts with customers in exchange for money. According to court records, Stanley took all the money the victims earned.
According to a press release, Stanley used the victims' vulnerabilities such as unstable housing, drug addiction, abusive relationships and lack of familiar support to compel them into paid sex acts. She allowed the victims to live at her residence in Burlington, posted sex advertisements for the victims online, communicated with customers, and arranged for customers to engage in sex acts either at her residence or another location.
Taylor was sentenced to 10 years and two months in prison for using force, fraud and coercion, and conspiring with Stanley to compel an adult victim to engage in paid sex acts.
According to a press release, Taylor invited the victims to live at her residence in Burlington. She posted sex advertisements for the victim online and drove the victim to meet customers for paid sex work. Taylor also took some or all the money the victim earned.
Additionally, Taylor attempted to sex traffic a minor, posting sex advertisements for the victim online, arranging for a customer to engage in sex acts with the victim and driving the victim to the customer’s residence. Court records say the customer did not answer the door, and the victim left with Taylor.
Stanley and Taylor will both be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“On behalf of the Burlington Police Department, I would like to recognize the efforts of the personnel and agencies involved in this case,” said Burlington Police Chief Adam Schaefer. “Special recognition should be given to the investigators, who began with some small pieces of information and actively pursued all leads which ultimately led to this resolution. And of, course, I commend the victims who came forward and cooperated with law enforcement even under the most difficult circumstances. It was not an easy thing to do and their bravery and courage must be commended. This case also serves as a reminder that human trafficking is everywhere, not just large metropolitan areas. It is important for everyone to be vigilant about their surroundings both for themselves and their community.”
This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department, assisted by the Des Moines County Attorney’s Office, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring, be it a minor engaging in paid sex acts, or anyone being coerced into prostitution or labor, is urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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