Pimps sentenced for Las Vegas trafficking

Two men who lured Minnesotans to work in Nevada prostitution get a break for cooperating in the case.

By DAN BROWNING, Star Tribune

Last update: April 29, 2008 - 1:28 AM

Two men who helped recruit Minnesotans to work as prostitutes in Las Vegas were given a break on their federal prison sentences Monday for aiding in the prosecution of the case.

U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle sentenced Tivon Bandy, 36, of Minneapolis, to two years in prison. The conspiracy charge to which he pleaded carries a maximum term of five years in prison.

Bandy's defense attorney Leon Trawick noted that Bandy has already spent more than five years in custody on a Nevada conviction for the same offense.

Kenwaniee Tate, 32, of Golden Valley, was sentenced to one year and four months in prison. Kyle rejected a government motion to penalize Tate further because one of the girls he admitted trafficking was 15.

In addition to the prison time, Bandy and Tate must also spend three years on supervised release and they must register as sex offenders. Kyle ordered both men to steer clear of gangs.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Lewis had detailed the men's "substantial and timely" cooperation in private letters to the judge.

Kyle said Bandy helped the government more than Tate did, but Bandy's extensive criminal history justified a longer sentence.

Both men testified at the April 16 sentencing of their co-defendant, Darryl Taylor, 34, who got nine years in prison.

Bandy, who already has spent 10 months in custody, wiped away tears as he awaited his sentence. "I know what I did was wrong," he said. "I have two kids. I want to be around to see them grow up. I have a mother I haven't seen in 13 years and nine months -- until this day," he said.

After the hearing, deputy U.S. marshals let Bandy embrace his mother in a brief but emotional reunion. "My baby! I'm right here for you when you get out," she said amid tears. Then she kissed him goodbye. "Be good," she said.

Tate, who has spent nine months in custody, apologized at his sentencing hearing, which followed Bandy's. "I just want to get on with my life and take on my responsibilities as a parent," he said.

Dan Browning • 612-673-4493

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