A Columbus man has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for interstate prostitution charges.
Prosecutors says the investigation into 30-year-old Carl Smith Jr. started after a 2013 traffic stop where he was suspected of having a female passenger conceal cocaine and heroin. Investigators say Smith transported that woman and several others to Pittsburgh and New York to meet men who’d responded to online escort ads.
Prosecutors say Smith also forced women into prostitution at several Columbus-area hotels.
Prosecutors say a subsequent search of Smith’s home turned up numerous guns he wasn’t allowed to own because of his felony record, and narcotics.
He pleaded guilty to transportation in interstate commerce for purposes of prostitution, and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
