Maricopa County Attorney's Office: Phoenix Man Accused Of Child Sex Trafficking Receives Guilty Conviction Sentenced To 141.5 Years

Press release from Maricopa County Attorney's Office:

November 4, 2021

Thursday, November 4, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) – After three years of arduous work, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announces the conviction of William James McElroy Jr. McElroy is a dangerous felon who took in a runaway minor in West Phoenix in 2018 and profited from the minor’s lewd acts. Last month, a jury found McElroy guilty of 27 charges, including 11 counts of child sex trafficking, 6 counts of sexual conduct with a minor, 2 counts of receiving earnings of a prostitute, and 1 count of sexual assault, among other charges.

“Today, the hard work of our prosecutors has made our community a safer place. This case was exhausting, difficult to prosecute, and an example that together with law enforcement, we are making strides at combatting child sex trafficking in Maricopa county,” said county attorney Allister Adel.

During the progression of the trial and while behind bars, McElroy was able to intimidate and threaten his victim attempting to avoid testimony to be heard by the jury. “For the peace of mind of this victim and other victims who came before her, our office is glad to see this dangerous man being put away,” added Adel.

This afternoon McElroy was sentenced to 141.5 years in prison. Since his arrest, other victims have come forward.

County Attorney Allister Adel is available for remarks on this case at our office at 225 W. Madison Street between 4:30 and 6 p.m. today. Please call Public Information Officer Karla Navarrete at 602-509-1764 to schedule a time for an interview.

This press release was produced by Maricopa County Attorney's Office. The views expressed here are the author’s own.