Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking and Arson Offense

Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 18, 2026, Bobby McNeil (age 46) was sentenced to a total of 30 years' imprisonment.

McNeil was convicted at trial of five felony counts: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion; Arson in Furtherance of a Federal Felony; Arson of a Building/Rental Property; Interstate Transportation for the Purpose of Prostitution; and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. The evidence presented at trial established that between 2021 and 2022, McNeil used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to compel an adult female victim to engage in commercial sex acts on the south side of Milwaukee. Further evidence showed that McNeil committed a retaliatory act of arson by throwing a Molotov cocktail into the home of another adult who attempted to help the trafficking victim escape from McNeil.

Following his term of imprisonment, McNeil will also spend five years on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution.

At the sentencing McNeil, United States District Court Judge Lynn Adelman stated that McNeil's abuse of the victim was "extreme and borderline sadistic." Judge Adelman also stated that McNeil's prior record is "rife with violence, especially against women" and that the sentence "is necessary to protect the public from [McNeil's] violent and predatory behavior."

"McNeil is a dangerous and violent individual who preyed upon and exploited another human being for his own profit. His utter cruelty and willingness to use violence to control his victim make clear that he poses a serious danger to the community" said Attorney Schimel. "The 30-year sentence is well deserved, and the appropriate place for McNeil is in federal prison."

"ATF's investigative team brought certified fire investigation and firearms expertise to this case, helping hold McNeil accountable for weaponizing fire as retaliation and illegally possessing a firearm," said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Olson, of the St. Paul Field Division. "Thirty years in federal prison is a significant sentence that reflects the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to the community. We appreciate the dedication and partnership of the Milwaukee Police Department, FBI, and U.S. Attorney's Office in achieving justice in this case."

"The FBI worked alongside our partners to provide investigative tools which assisted in the conviction and lengthy sentencing of Bobby McNeil who terrorized his victims," said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. "The FBI is committed to pursuing justice for victims of human trafficking through our continued collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners."

"Today's sentence holds a violent and predatory individual accountable for his actions and brings justice to the victim," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. "No one should have to endure the abuse and exploitation suffered in this case. I am proud of the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners in holding McNeil accountable and working to keep our community safe."

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Milwaukee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Abbey Marzick and Porchia Lewand prosecuted the case.

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For further information contact:

Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero

(414) 297-1700

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