Summary
The appellate court affirmed Aldridge's conviction under federal sex trafficking statutes. The evidence presented demonstrated a pattern of coercive behavior leveraging opioid addiction to facilitate sexual exploitation, thus establishing mens rea and satisfying the burden of proof for knowing participation in the crime.
Summary
The appellate court affirmed Aldridge's conviction under federal sex trafficking statutes. The ruling centered on the established link between Aldridge's opioid addiction and his coercive behavior, which exploited victims sexually. Sufficient evidence demonstrated Aldridge's willful participation in the criminal activity.
The Case Against Aldridge
The court recently affirmed Aldridge's conviction on sex trafficking charges. His addiction to opioids played a key role, forming part of a manipulative pattern that used drugs to exploit victims sexually. The court concluded that enough evidence existed to prove Aldridge knowingly participated in the crime.
The Case Against Aldridge
The judge agreed with the government and said Aldridge was guilty of forcing people into sex trafficking. Aldridge used substances, especially opioids, to control and hurt people. There was enough proof that Aldridge knew what he was doing was wrong.