Couple indicted on sex trafficking, weapons charges

SCRANTON, Pa. — A former Edwardsville couple was arrested Thursday for sex trafficking, child exploitation and weapons offenses. The arrests follow an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance provided by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office.

Travis Humphrey, aka GT, 26, and Kyoni Humphrey, aka Kyoni Nieves, 24, allegedly conspired to force a minor female to engage in prostitution and illegal sexual activity between May 15 and June 3.

According to the indictment, the defendants used a cell phone to post escort service advertisements for the minor. The two then transported the minor from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and New York to engage in prostitution. Both defendants allegedly had a firearm in their possession, and as a result, they were charged with possessing a firearm to further a violent crime. Travis Humphrey is charged with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Kyoni Humphrey is charged with making false statements during the purchase of a firearm.

If convicted, the defendants face 15 years to life in prison on the sex trafficking charge. They face between five years and life in prison for carrying and possessing a firearm in connection with a violent crime and between 10 to 20 years in prison on the child exploitation charges, including coercing and transporting a minor to engage in sexual activity.

This investigation was conducted under HSI's Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 10,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2013, more than 2,000 individuals were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.

For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI's Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page.