DC police officer admits guilt to federal sex trafficking offenses
Former D.C. Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Sex Trafficking Charges
In a shocking turn of events, Linwood Barnhill, a former D.C. police officer, pleaded guilty to federal sex trafficking charges on Thursday. The charges, which span from April 2024 to April 2025, involve forcing several teenage girls into prostitution.
The FBI was instrumental in an undercover sting operation that led to Barnhill's implication. Investigators arrested him before any transactions could occur. The U.S. Attorney who announced the charges is Jeanine Pirro.
According to the charges, Barnhill took inappropriate photos of a minor and promised her money for dates, with each date costing her $20. He is also accused of making $10,000 from this illegal activity.
Barnhill's criminal history dates back to 2013 when he was arrested for a similar offense. During this arrest, a missing 16-year-old girl was found in his apartment. However, no details were given about the status of the 2013 case or any subsequent legal actions against Barnhill.
Evidence was found suggesting that Barnhill had recruited other minors and women. No other individuals were mentioned as being involved in the sex trafficking charges against Barnhill.
Barnhill pleaded guilty in 2015, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence. With his latest guilty plea, Barnhill faces a minimum sentence of 10 years. He could receive a maximum sentence of life in prison.
It is unclear what Barnhill's current employer is following his conviction on state sex trafficking charges. He resigned from the Metropolitan Police Department by 2015.
No further details about the identity of the teenage girls involved in the current case were provided. This is a developing story and more information is expected to be released in due course.
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