Grand Jury Indicts St. Charles County Man For Sex Trafficking Of A Child

From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri:

September 4, 2020

ST. LOUIS – A federal grand jury indicted Thomas J. Bowles, in a five-count indictment, for sex trafficking of a child. The 44 year old is a resident of St. Charles County.

According to court documents, between January 2016 and August 2020, Bowles used social media (Kik) to knowingly recruit, entice, transport, provide, obtain, maintain, patronize and solicit ‘Jane Doe 1’ and ‘Jane Doe 2’. Both under the age of 18.

Also during the time mentioned above, Bowles used interstate commerce and persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced twos minor, under 18 years of age, to have sex and engage in prostitution.

Bowles faces no less than 10 years and a maximum of life in prison if convicted. He could also face a fine of no more than $250,000. Bowles is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

"It's not uncommon for child predators to cast a wide net on social media to see who responds and whom they can victimize," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "In this case, that's how the defendant met his victims, underscoring just how careful we all need to be when engaging with strangers on-line."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Charles County Police, St. Louis County Police and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is handling the case.

Law enforcement is asking for help identifying other victims. Please contact the St. Louis County Special Investigations Unit at 314-615-8618 with info.

This press release was produced by the US Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri. The views expressed here are the author’s own.