DURHAM, N.C. — A Durham man accused of human trafficking was sentenced to six life terms in prison Friday.

Chester Wallace, 62, was arrested in March 2022 following a long-term investigation. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Wallace and his co-defendant, Leslie Chevonne Stout, promised drugs and a place to stay to women suffering from homelessness and substance abuse. 

What You Need To Know

  • Chester Wallace, 62, was given six life sentences following a longterm sex trafficking investigation

  • Wallace was believed to be part of a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud and coercion

  • Wallace is also ordered to pay $68,000 in addition to his life sentence in restitution

  • He is expected back in court on Nov. 14 to determine if any additional restitution fines will be added

Wallace was charged with three counts of human trafficking and one count of first-degree kidnapping. He was placed in the Durham County Jail and given a $10 million bond. 

A jury convicted Wallace in July of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud and coercion, and five counts of using force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to cause five victims to engage in commercial sex acts.

In a statement released by the United States Attorney's Office, Special Agent Ronnie Martinez said this ruling will not only prevent further harm, but also bring peace to the victims and their families involved.  

“The reign of unimaginable terrors that Wallace viciously inflicted upon his victims is over, and they can breathe easier knowing he will never again be able to victimize them or anyone else,” Martinez said.

In addition to a life sentence, Wallace has been ordered to pay $68,000 in restitution.

“Today’s sentencing handed down just punishment, and it brings to an end the cruel and inhumane misogyny perpetrated by this defendant,” United States Attorney Sandra Hairston said. "All of the victims involved were adult women and according to investigators have been offered continued resources."

Wallace has an additional hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 14 to determine whether more restitution fines will be added.

To report human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text to 233733.