Lakewood (Colorado) Man Admits Role in Multi-State Sex Ring

Not our Lakewood, the other one.

James Roy Smith, also known as "Mister Smith," of Lakewood, Colorado, now awaits sentencing in New Jersey for his role in what federal prosecutors describe as a multistate sex operation.

In Newark, Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport women across state lines to work as prostitutes, and transportation of a victim across state lines with the intent of using the victim as a prostitute.

At his April 29 sentencing, Smith could be sentenced to 10 years in prison for running the business across state lines, and another five for conspiracy. Both charges carry fines as high as $250,000.

Prosecutors in the office of New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman contended that Smith's escort business flourished in New Jersey, New Mexico, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and elsewhere between February 2009 and late June 2010.

Smith conceded that he conspired to bring six women from New Jersey to Philadelphia for work in the sex trade in June 2010, and sent one across the border between the two states from a base at an Econolodge in Elizabeth.

Investigators said the victims were ferried by airplanes and in an Cadillac Escalade belonging to Smith's uncle, and that services were advertised on Craigslist and Backpage.com.