HARRISONBURG, Va. — A Martinsburg man who used heroin to control several woman trafficked as part of a commercial prostitution ring in multiple states could face life in prison.
Kendall Wysinger, 42, was convicted on January 14 following a jury trial in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg, Virginia. According to evidence at the trial, Wysinger operated a ring with at least six victims in Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.
“Through the course of the conspiracy, Wysinger used heroin to coerce his victims into engaging in commercial sex, and employed threats and intimidation to ensure he maintained power and control over those victims,” said US Attorney Thomas T. Cullen in a news release. “Wysinger routinely advertised these victims for commercial sex using online classified ads in Winchester, Virginia and Shenandoah County, Virginia.”
The evidence also concluded Wysinger made his victims provide him with almost all of the money they received for commercial sex. At one point, Wysinger distributed what he said was heroin to victims. The substance was actually fentanyl, a more powerful opioid.
Both victims overdosed after ingesting it. One of them died as a result.
The investigation was completed by the FBI’s I-81 Human Trafficking Task Force (I-81 HTTF), the DEA and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force.
“The I-81 Human Trafficking Task Force continues to work vigorously to identify and bring to trial the perpetrators of these heinous crimes; and partner with victim service providers to ensure victims are able to obtain the necessary care to recover and rebuild their lives,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge MaryJo Thomas.
Wysinger faces one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, one count of interstate transportation for prostitution, one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of evidence tampering.
When sentenced, Wysinger faces a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life.
The I-81 HTTF is comprised of several law enforcement agencies and focuses on the interstate’s corridor through northern Virginia, the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and central Maryland.