Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
A Hillsborough County man, Jordan O’Keefe Woods, 32, of Seffner, Florida, has been indicted on charges of sex trafficking and inducement to travel for prostitution. The indictment, returned in the Middle District of Florida on Thursday, November 13, 2025, alleges Woods trafficked a victim using force, threats, fraud, and coercion, and enticed the individual to travel from North Carolina to Florida for commercial sex acts.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Woods faces two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of inducement to travel to engage in prostitution. If convicted on all charges, he could face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
Allegations in the Indictment
According to the indictment, Woods knowingly trafficked “Victim 1” on or about September 22, 2024, and July 22, 2025. He is accused of using or recklessly disregarding the fact that means of force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion would be employed to compel the victim into commercial sex acts.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that on or about September 20, 2024, and July 20, 2025, Woods knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced Victim 1 to travel from North Carolina to Florida specifically to engage in prostitution and sexual activity.
Investigation and Prosecution
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry is prosecuting the case on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a formal charge, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Next Steps
The indictment of Jordan O’Keefe Woods highlights the ongoing commitment by federal and local law enforcement to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals. Woods awaits further legal proceedings in this case following these serious allegations.
