La Crosse Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Sex Trafficking of a Minor

MADISON, WIS. - Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Dwayne Davis, 31, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 12 years in federal prison for sex trafficking a minor. Davis pleaded guilty to this charge on January 12, 2026. His prison term will be followed by 20 years of supervised release.

The investigation of Davis began on June 4, 2024, when a 16-year-old girl called 911. During the frantic call, the girl said she needed help because Davis had threatened to kill her. Further investigation revealed that Davis was trafficking the girl for sex. The girl met Davis over the internet in the spring of 2024 and disclosed to him her history of prior trafficking and abuse. In response, Davis began transporting her from her home in Viroqua, Wisconsin, to La Crosse for prostitution dates. Davis posted ads for her online and kept almost all the money she earned from the prostitution dates.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson observed that Davis's actions were monstrous in that he recognized and preyed on the minor's vulnerability. Judge Peterson further noted that Davis's history of domestic violence, combined with the victim's call to 911, demonstrated his capacity for violence.

The charge against Davis was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department, the Vernon County Sheriff's Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger prosecuted this case.