Mississippi Couple Indicted For Sex Trafficking A Minor To Pennsylvania

Thursday, December 5, 2024, 6:15 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

WILLIAMSPORT, PA.- On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, a Federal Grand Jury for the Middle of Pennsylvania returned an indictment charging Craig Coins, 30, and Aubreanna Odendahl, 26, both of Mississippi, with Conspiracy; Sex Trafficking a Minor; Transporting a Minor Across State Lines to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity.

     According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam and charging information unsealed in the indictment, it is alleged that Coins and Odendahl transported the child from Mississippi to Tioga County, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere in April 2023 to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The criminal activity began in March 2023 and lasted through May of 2023.

     The indictment results from an investigation conducted by the Wellsboro Police Department, the Mississippi Capitol Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

     If convicted at trial, both Coins and Odendahl face up to life in federal prison. The actual term of imprisonment would be determined at the time of sentencing by a U.S. District Court Judge based on the seriousness of the offenses and Coins’ and Odendahl’s prior criminal history, if any.

     The indictment was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to Combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”