Opinion ID: 1442968
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sex Trafficking

Text: Zheng also contends there was insufficient evidence to support her two convictions for sex trafficking pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1591. She argues the government failed to show she had the requisite knowledge and intent. Viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, there was sufficient circumstantial evidence to support a rational jury finding that Zheng knew force, fraud, or coercion would be used to cause Chi and Lian to engage in prostitution. The government produced evidence that showed Zheng designed a scheme to induce Chinese women to pay $6,000 to move to the CNMI where the women were then required to become prostitutes. Chi and Lian testified they did not know they would have to be prostitutes in Saipan. The written materials used to recruit Lian and Chi stated sexual activities were prohibited, which supports a finding that Zheng intended to deceive Chi and Lian. Viewing this evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, we conclude there was sufficient evidence to support the jury's determination that Zheng was guilty of sex trafficking.