Florida Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking Two Victims

A federal jury in Tampa convicted Jordan O’Keefe Woods, 33, of Seffner, Florida, on two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of inducement to travel to engage in prostitution, per a Justice Department release. The verdict came in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, with U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announcing the outcome on May 4, 2026.

The conviction affects Woods directly, as he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The charges stem from trafficking activities involving at least two victims, based on the two counts each of sex trafficking and inducement, per the release. This case falls under federal enforcement against human trafficking, which the Justice Department pursues through its U.S. Attorneys’ offices nationwide, handling hundreds of such prosecutions annually as part of statutory mandates under titles like 18 U.S.C. Sections 1591 and 2421.

Prior to the conviction, Woods was indicted and proceeded to trial in the Middle District of Florida. The new state post-verdict shifts him to the sentencing phase, with no date yet set by the court. Federal sentencing guidelines will apply, potentially including mandatory minimums of 15 years for sex trafficking under 18 U.S.C. Section 1591 when force, fraud, or coercion is involved.

The conviction triggers several operational steps: the court will schedule a sentencing hearing, where prosecutors can seek the maximum life term and restitution for victims per federal statutes. The Probation Office will prepare a presentence investigation report detailing Woods’ background and offense specifics, influencing the judge’s decision.

If appealed, the case moves to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, potentially extending resolution by months or years. Victims may access support through the Justice Department’s Victim Assistance Program, which provides resources like counseling and compensation funds.

This verdict aligns with ongoing federal efforts against sex trafficking, following a pattern of convictions in Florida’s Middle District, where the U.S. Attorney’s Office has secured over 20 such guilty verdicts in the past five years per department records.

The case reflects enforcement priorities established under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, reauthorized multiple times by Congress.