In a recent development, a teenage sex trafficking victim, Pieper Lewis, has been resentenced to probation after fatally stabbing the man accused of abusing her.
Despite concerns about her willingness to change, the judge suspended any prison time for Lewis. Polk County Attorney Kimberly Graham acknowledged Lewis as a vulnerable individual, emphasizing the low risk of her engaging in further violence.
Lewis, who was only 15 years old at the time, pleaded guilty to killing Zachary Brooks, her alleged sex trafficker, by stabbing him 30 times in the chest, arms, and groin. Originally charged with first-degree murder, she explained in her plea agreement that the act was not premeditated but a result of overwhelming rage following the sexual assault.
In March, Lewis pleaded guilty to cutting off her GPS tracker, citing concerns for her safety. Breaking probation by removing the GPS could have resulted in a sentence of over 20 years in prison for the stabbing death. However, the judge suspended her prison sentence once again.
Lewis gained significant attention when her story went viral, and thousands of people across the country raised over half a million dollars for her on GoFundMe.
Despite the resentencing, Lewis will remain in jail until the Department of Corrections determines the appropriate facility for her.
If you or someone you know requires legal support in matters of human trafficking and women’s rights, contact the experienced attorneys at the Women’s Rights Group. We are here to provide comprehensive legal assistance and ensure your rights are protected.
