A 38-year-old Chicago man was convicted by a Ramsey County jury Friday of sex trafficking involving a 15-year-old girl he brought to the Twin Cities in April.
According to court documents, Arteco Rhodes told the girl she could "be part of a family and make money," drove her to the Twin Cities and immediately had her engage in sex for money, using an online advertisement. He also took pornographic pictures of her, some with him in them.
Rhodes was acquitted of second-degree sexual assault and third-degree criminal sexual conduct. But he was found guilty of possession of child pornography.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi praised the 15-year-old for her testimony. "This is what sex trafficking of children looks like in our community," he said. "It is an ugly and evil act."
Rhodes will be sentenced Dec. 13 by District Judge Salvador Rosas.
Bill McAuliffe
