The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that David R. Parker, 39, of Saylorsburg, was sentenced Thursday to 30 years’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge James M. Munley for sex trafficking involving a minor.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, from June 1 to Aug. 31, 2010, Parker engaged in sex trafficking involving a minor. Parker was charged by way of criminal information on Aug. 3.

When he entered his guilty plea on Aug. 7, 2017, Parker admitted that he transported and provided a minor boy, approximately 9 years old, to an adult male knowing that the boy would be caused to engage in a commercial sexual act with the adult male. Parker admitted that his own sexual gratification was but one benefit he received in exchange for trafficking the minor.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Munley ordered that Parker be placed under supervision by a probation officer for the rest of his life. He will also be required to comply with the registration requirements of the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act upon release from prison.

“We will never stray from the duty to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Freed. “Instead of enjoying the care and comfort of his family, the minor victim in this case was abused and sold by the very man who should have protected him. Judge Munley clearly recognized that a lengthy prison term is the only appropriate response to such conduct.”

In the initial investigation, the boy told authorities he was forced to dress as Tony the Tiger at the parties where he was assaulted.

The assaults reportedly took place in several different counties, including Monroe, Lackawanna and Luzerne.

“This is a horrendous case. Thanks to the courage of this brave survivor, we were able to hold this man accountable for his crimes,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said.