A man and woman from Plano, Texas, were convicted on multiple sex trafficking charges following a trial that lasted seven days. The verdict was announced on Thursday in the Eastern District Court of Texas, as confirmed by the United States Attorney’s Office. William McKinnley Garland, 43, was found guilty of coercion and enticement, as well as conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. His co-defendant, Anastasiya Claire Lyons, 34, was convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
The case was presided over by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan. “This case was long, complex, and emotionally difficult, but it stopped dangerous offenders and gave survivors a chance to reclaim their lives,” said Plano Police Chief Ed Drain. He emphasized the bravery of the victims, many of whom had endured significant fear for years.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Garland and Lyons operated their sex trafficking ring in Plano from 2020 to 2023. A recruiter associated with the organization targeted young women on social media, misleading them into believing they would be involved in modeling or escorting. Instead, these women were coerced into prostitution at various hotels throughout Collin County.
Testimonies from victims indicated that they were forced to engage in prostitution through threats and acts of humiliation. Many expressed fear of Garland’s violent threats towards them and their families.
In a related development, three co-defendants pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in 2025 and are currently awaiting sentencing. Robberta Marie Khan, 29, from Euless, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement, facing a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. Jalen Alexander Bobo, 26, from Dallas, and Selena Rose McCombs, 25, from North Carolina, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and could face life sentences.
The precise sentencing dates for the convicted individuals will be set by the court in the coming weeks. “Human trafficking is a heinous crime that often operates in plain sight and may go undetected for months or years,” remarked R. Joseph Rothrock, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Dallas division. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working alongside local authorities to support victims and ensure traffickers are held accountable.
This investigation was a collaborative effort between the Plano Police Department and the FBI Dallas Division, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Miller and Chalana Oliver. The case highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities involved in combatting human trafficking.
