Tiwan Robert Bailey, 49, of Charleston, was sentenced to 25 years in prison and five years of supervised release for leading a sex trafficking conspiracy in Kanawha County. Carrie Roy, 52, also of Charleston, received a 10-year prison sentence with five years of supervised release for her involvement.
A federal jury found both Bailey and Roy guilty after a five-day trial. The evidence presented showed that from November 2023 to July 2024, Bailey trafficked four female victims—including a minor—forcing them into commercial sex acts and taking their earnings. Bailey used violence, threats delivered through various communication methods, and the manipulation of drug access to control his victims. He also attempted to obstruct the investigation by interfering with the minor victim’s cooperation.
United States Attorney Moore Capito stated: “This defendant inflicted pain, violence, and abuse upon his victims to dehumanize and control them. He raped them. He beat them. He threatened them. Bailey went beyond exploiting their vulnerabilities with a sustained campaign of terror. Accountability should reflect that reality. Our office agreed with the Sentencing Commission guidelines that Bailey’s egregious crimes warranted life in prison. While this community will be protected from this thug for at least 25 years, in our view this sentence does not fully reflect the gravity of that harm or the years of suffering inflicted by the defendant’s actions.”
Roy assisted Bailey by transporting adult victims to commercial sex meetings and collecting money on his behalf. She also conspired with him in trafficking the minor victim.
Bailey became a fugitive after an arrest warrant was issued on July 23, 2024; he was apprehended by the United States Marshals Service on January 17, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky.
Bailey has previous convictions related to narcotics manufacturing and distribution.
Both defendants were convicted of one count each for sex trafficking of a minor and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor; Bailey was additionally convicted on three counts of sex trafficking by force or coercion and one count of obstruction of justice.
Capito praised investigative efforts from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Charleston Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office as well as support from MDENT and West Virginia Fusion Center.
Eric Weindorf, Special Agent in Charge at HSI Washington D.C., said: “This case demonstrates the serious harm caused by human trafficking and the deliberate actions of Bailey and Roy to exploit vulnerable individuals, including a minor. Through close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, HSI conducted a thorough investigation that led to their arrest and conviction. Upholding our mission to protect the public and dismantle criminal organizations, HSI remains committed to pursuing justice for victims and holding offenders accountable.”
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed sentences; Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Jennifer D. Gordon prosecuted.
Further details can be accessed via PACER by searching Case No. 2:24-cr-118 or viewed through official sources such as the press conference video published by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Southern District of West Virginia.
