Jamari Hodge, also known as "Hypnotic" or "Miracle", a 29-year-old Calumet City, Illinois resident, was charged with the exploitation of a child in November 2021. Hodge solicited and persuaded a 13-year-old girl into commercial sex activities by offering services via sexually graphic images and internet ads. Hodge's strategy was methodical, including explicit photography, web advertisements, hotel room rentals in Illinois and Indiana, and experience pricing. In 2023, Hodge pled guilty to a federal charge of persuading a juvenile to participate in commercial sex, was sentenced to 20 years in jail, and compelled to pay the victim $180,000. The FBI's Chicago Field Office and local police agencies provided assistance with the investigation and legal proceedings. The case emphasizes the significance of safeguards for victims of sexual exploitation.
Jamari Hodge. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Pittsburgh, PA. September 3, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.
Jamari Hodge, 29, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for recruiting and enticing a child to engage in commercial sex acts. Victim was a 13-year-old girl.
The full criminal complaint explains that a 13-year-old girl from Illinois was reported as missing to local law enforcement by her mother on November 9, 2021. On November 25, 2021, the Lansing Police Department (IL) received information that the minor was located at a hotel in town. Police responded to the hotel and found the 13-year-old there in a room with the 26-year-old accused, Jamari Hodge.
During a search of the room, authorities discovered lingerie, condoms, and notebooks that appeared to contain information detailing commercial sex appointments, commercial sex customer contact information, and prices associated with commercial sex meetings.
A day later, on November 26, 2021, a trained child forensic interviewer spoke with the 13-year-old who stated that the accused, who she knew as “Miracle” took her to hotels in Illinois for purposes of engaging in commercial sex acts with customers.
The minor further explained that Hodge gave her lingerie to wear, took pictures of her on her cell phone, and posted those photos online to advertise. After which customers called Hodge to arrange commercial sex meetings with the minor and Hodge.
Additionally, the 13-year-old said that Hodge set the prices and was the one who accepted payment. Hodge would give the minor some of the money and some would go to her incarcerated boyfriend/husband for his “books”.
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