(Des Moines, IA) — A federal judge has sentenced a 46-year-old Des Moines man to life in prison for human trafficking. Marlin Thomas admitted to holding six women and a 14-year-old girl against their will, physically and verbally abusing them, and forcing them to have sex with strangers. Three died. Thomas was sentenced Monday in federal court. The lead investigator in the case, Des Moines Police Sergeant Brady Carney, says at least 10 more women declined to take part and he says the true number of those hurt by Thomas could be much higher. He preyed on victims with substance abuse problems.
