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Suspected sex trafficker with ties to Whatcom County detained

2 weeks ago in Crime, Local

Photo: Contributed

SEATTLE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A suspected sex trafficker who’s believed to have operated around Whatcom County has been detained.

U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd announced on Wednesday that 34-year-old Leanthony Palmer will go to trial in December.

He’s charged with three federal felonies, including sex trafficking, facilitating prostitution and money laundering.

According to court records, Palmer is a prominent member of a Seattle street gang who repeatedly posted online about his sex trafficking business with photos of firearms and cash. He’s accused of using social media to recruit potential victims with the promise of money and overseas trips.

The indictment alleges he laundered money that was made from sex trafficking in Whatcom, King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties as recently as October.

If convicted of all counts, Palmer faces 15 years to life in prison.

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