PHILADELPHIA, PA — Walter Tharrington, also known as “Black” and “Roaadblock,” 32, of Philadelphia, was found guilty on April 9 of sex trafficking a minor and multiple child pornography offenses. The verdict followed a federal jury trial that revealed disturbing evidence of exploitation.
Tharrington was indicted in August 2024 and convicted on charges of sex trafficking a minor, advertising child pornography, and possession of child pornography. According to evidence presented at trial, during the summer of 2023, the defendant coerced a 14-year-old, identified as Minor 1, into engaging in commercial sex acts. He advertised the victim via explicit online postings, set the terms for encounters, and profited from the transactions while providing the child with housing.
Testimony revealed that Tharrington physically abused Minor 1 and also tried to recruit another minor into similar exploitation. Injuries sustained by Minor 1 were corroborated by eyewitness accounts.
“Walter Tharrington made money by sexually exploiting a child, advertising her for sex with strangers,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. “Putting anyone through that, let alone a vulnerable minor, is unconscionable. Know that my office and the FBI are working every day to put traffickers like this defendant behind bars and ensure some justice for their victims.”
Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, emphasized, “Sex trafficking — especially when it involves a child — is among the most heinous crimes the FBI investigates. This conviction is a powerful testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
Tharrington is awaiting sentencing at a later date, facing a maximum possible penalty of life in prison.
The case was handled by the FBI Philadelphia Violent Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Task Force in partnership with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Ashenfelter and Amanda McCool.
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