State AG Secures 120-Year Sentence for Human Trafficker

FL Attorney General News Releases

Filed February 10th, 2026

Detected February 11th, 2026

Summary

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a 120-year prison sentence for Marquett James, who was convicted of human trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy. This action follows a federal refusal to prosecute the case.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's office has secured a 120-year prison sentence for Marquett James, who was convicted on felony charges including human trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy. The sentence, to be served in the Florida Department of Corrections, includes terms running concurrently and ensures the offender will not be able to exploit victims. This prosecution was undertaken by the Office of Statewide Prosecution in conjunction with HSI, after the Biden DOJ reportedly declined to prosecute.

This enforcement action highlights the severity of human trafficking and racketeering crimes and underscores the state's commitment to punishing offenders. While this specific case involves an individual defendant, it serves as a strong message to potential traffickers and organized crime groups operating within Florida. Regulated entities and legal professionals should note the aggressive stance taken by state authorities in prosecuting such offenses, even when federal prosecution is not pursued.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General James Uthmeier Secures 120-Year Prison Sentence for Convicted Human Trafficker

View PDF Release Date Feb 10, 2026 Contact Communications Phone (850) 245-0150 TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a 120-year prison sentence for Marquett James, 50, of Hillsborough County; the incarceration will be served over 90 years, with some terms running concurrently.

“In a case that the Biden DOJ refused to prosecute, our Office of Statewide Prosecution worked with HSI under the Trump administration to deliver a sentence that ensures this offender will never have the opportunity to exploit another victim,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Crimes of this nature cause life-long harm and must be met with punishments that reflect their severity. In Florida, there will be no leniency for sexual predators and human traffickers.”

James was convicted in November 2025 on felony charges of Human Trafficking (2 counts), Racketeering, and Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering. He will serve his sentence in the Florida Department of Corrections.