By Dimitri Shawn McKenzie, a 29-year-old Boston resident, has been sentenced to 126 months in federal prison for attempting to purchase sex with a 14-year-old girl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young handed down the sentence, which will be followed by five years of supervised release.
The sentencing comes after McKenzie’s conviction in June 2024 on one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child, following a three-day jury trial. The case, prosecuted in federal court in Boston, stems from an undercover law enforcement operation conducted in November 2022.
According to court documents, McKenzie responded to an online advertisement purportedly offering two minor girls, ages 12 and 14, for sexual services in the Boston area. The advertisement was a fictitious post created by undercover law enforcement agents as part of a sting operation to catch potential child predators.
During subsequent text communications with undercover officers, McKenzie agreed to pay $100 for sex with the fictitious 14-year-old at a hotel. Upon arriving at the designated location, McKenzie met with an undercover agent posing as the seller in the hotel parking lot. He provided cash and accepted a hotel room key before being immediately taken into custody.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy emphasized the gravity of the crime and the importance of prosecuting those who drive demand for child sex trafficking. “The sad reality is that children are being sold for sex in our communities because of people like Dimitri McKenzie,” Levy stated. He warned potential offenders that undercover operations are ongoing, and those considering such crimes face severe consequences.
Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations in New England echoed these sentiments, stating, “It is deeply disturbing to know that people pay to sexually abuse children. McKenzie was ready and willing to pay to sexually assault a child.”
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and sex trafficking. Authorities encourage anyone who may be impacted by or have knowledge of commercial sex trafficking to contact [email protected] for assistance.
Source: DOJ
