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GirlsDoPorn Ringleader Michael Pratt Gets 27 Years in Federal Prison

Victim testimony coupled with the scheme’s breadth persuaded the judge to exceed prosecutors’ recommendation.

Overview

  • Pratt pleaded guilty in June to sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and to conspiracy tied to the San Diego-based GirlsDoPorn operation.
  • U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino imposed 27 years, exceeding the government’s recommendation and the guideline range after a probation report suggested 30 years.
  • Nearly 40 women addressed the court with accounts of coercion in hotel rooms, threats over flights and lawsuits, widespread online harassment, and lasting trauma.
  • Pratt fled during a 2019 civil trial, was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, was arrested in Spain in 2022, and was extradited to San Diego in 2024.
  • Co-defendants received sentences of 20 years (Ruben Garcia), 14 years (Matthew Wolfe), and 4 years (Theodore Gyi), further sentencings are pending, and related civil actions include a nearly $13 million 2020 verdict plus Pornhub litigation with one settlement and another suit stayed.