Milwaukee City Wire

Samuel L. Spencer, also known as "Bin Laden," has been sentenced to 45 years in federal prison for sex trafficking crimes. The sentencing was announced by Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Spencer, a 53-year-old from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was convicted on four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

Evidence presented during the trial showed that Spencer used his access to cocaine and heroin to coerce women battling addiction into commercial sex acts for his financial gain. He employed tactics such as depriving victims of sleep and food, threatening them with firearms, and using extreme physical violence. This included strangulation, whipping with belts, burning skin, and even kidnapping a woman who attempted to escape.

Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper highlighted the severity of Spencer's actions over a span of 15 years at the sentencing hearing. She remarked on the violent nature of his conduct and its profound impact on the victims' lives.

U.S. Attorney Haanstad stated that Spencer's use of violence and manipulation aimed solely at maximizing his profits from forced commercial sex acts. He commended both the investigative teams' efforts in bringing Spencer to justice and the victims' bravery in testifying against him.

Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office commented on the physical and mental harm inflicted by Spencer over more than 15 years. He noted that the court's sentence reflects the seriousness of these crimes and affirmed commitment to investigating human trafficking cases.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with help from the Milwaukee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Julie F. Stewart.