Executive Summary
- Lajai Jamar Pridgette pleaded guilty to transportation for commercial sexual activity.
- The scheme involved transporting two women across state lines between May and December 2024.
- Pridgette profited approximately $79,000 from the operation.
- Sentencing is set for March 9, 2026, with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
BOISE, Idaho — A 40-year-old Boise man entered a guilty plea to federal charges of transportation for commercial sexual activity, admitting to facilitating a cross-state trafficking scheme, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced on Thursday.
According to court filings, Lajai Jamar Pridgette orchestrated the illegal operation between May 14, 2024, and Dec. 19, 2024. Federal prosecutors stated that Pridgette arranged for two women to travel across multiple state lines specifically to engage in commercial sexual acts. Investigators established that Pridgette managed the logistics of the operation, including making hotel reservations and posting online advertisements to facilitate the activity.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reported that Pridgette generated approximately $79,000 in proceeds from the scheme over the seven-month period. The investigation highlights the continued federal focus on dismantling financial networks associated with human trafficking operations.
Legal Ramifications
Following the acceptance of the guilty plea, the case moves to the sentencing phase, which is scheduled for March 9, 2026. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the charge of transportation for commercial sexual activity carries serious statutory penalties. Pridgette faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a mandatory minimum of five years of supervised release, and a potential fine of up to $250,000.
