California man sentenced to 30 years for bringing girl to LV for prostitution

A 31-year-old Sacramento, Calif., man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison Tuesday after he was found guilty of transporting a teenager to Las Vegas for the purpose of prostitution.

In March 2006, a jury convicted Mario Weicks of transporting a minor for prostitution, traveling for illicit sexual conduct and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Weicks' sentencing was enhanced because he committed perjury on the stand and had a lengthy criminal history.

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Weicks on Oct. 30, 2004 at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Louis Street. Officers recovered a revolver in Weicks' car. According to police, Weicks had told the 15-year-old girl that he carried the weapon to protect her during her work as a prostitute.

"Weicks also engaged in sexual relations with the juvenile in Nevada, and demanded that the girl provide him with the proceeds of her prostitution activities," according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

In addition to serving three decades in prison, Weicks will be under supervised release for 10 years and must undergo sexual offender treatment.