Introduction to the Case
A man has been sentenced to two life sentences in a Miami-Dade human trafficking case involving a child who was in foster care and an adult, prosecutors said.
The Conviction
Keith Robertson, 36, was given the two life sentences Wednesday, after a jury convicted him in January on human trafficking and other charges, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office said.
Background of the Defendant
Robertson, of Detroit, had been arrested in Miami-Dade in 2024 for transporting a minor who was in foster care in California and a 20-year-old victim to South Florida to exploit them.
Details of the Arrest
According to an arrest report, an ad for prostitution featuring the minor was posted, and when undercover detectives contacted the number on the ad, they were told it would cost $300 for 30 minutes of "straight sex."
The victim, a 17-year-old girl, later showed up at a hotel to have sex for money, the report said.
The teen told investigators she’d driven to South Florida with a man, Robertson, and a woman, the report said.
Prosecution and Sentencing
"The skilled prosecutorial team of Assistant State Attorney’s Yaneth Baez and Shaymaa Shwel were able to successfully educate the jurors about the crime of Human Trafficking to obtain Robertson’s conviction," Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement Wednesday. "I want to acknowledge the hard work of these dedicated prosecutors and the efforts of the investigators and staff of my Human Trafficking Unit whose efforts have ensured that Keith Robertson will be unable to exploit our young people again in the future."
Conclusion
The sentencing of Keith Robertson to two life sentences marks a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking, particularly in cases involving vulnerable individuals such as foster care children. It underscores the importance of diligent law enforcement and prosecution efforts in bringing perpetrators to justice and protecting potential victims.
FAQs
- Q: What were the charges against Keith Robertson?
A: Keith Robertson was convicted on human trafficking and other charges. - Q: Who was involved in the human trafficking case?
A: The case involved a 17-year-old girl in foster care and a 20-year-old victim. - Q: What was the role of the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office in the case?
A: The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, with Assistant State Attorneys Yaneth Baez and Shaymaa Shwel playing key roles in securing the conviction. - Q: What is the significance of this case?
A: This case highlights the issue of human trafficking, especially involving vulnerable populations like foster care children, and the importance of legal action in preventing such crimes.
