In a monumental ruling that sends a powerful message to perpetrators of sexual exploitation, Michael James Pratt, the notorious founder of the GirlsDoPorn website, has been handed a devastating 27-year federal prison sentence.
The San Diego court found the 40-year-old New Zealand native guilty of masterminding a complex and predatory sex trafficking operation that deceived and coerced more than 100 vulnerable women into performing in pornographic films under false pretences.
A Web of Lies and Coercion
Pratt's criminal enterprise, which raked in millions of dollars, operated on a foundation of deceit. Young women, often students or those in financial distress, were specifically targeted with fake modelling ads on platforms like Craigslist.
Once engaged, Pratt and his associates deployed a ruthless playbook:
- False Promises: Victims were assured the videos were for private overseas collections or DVD sales, with explicit promises they would never be published online.
- Pressure and Manipulation: Those who expressed hesitation were subjected to high-pressure tactics, including refusing to let them leave hotel rooms.
- Breach of Contract: Many were coerced into signing contracts they were not allowed to read fully.
- Online Exposure: Despite the guarantees, the videos were immediately uploaded to their lucrative subscription website, causing immense and lasting harm to the victims.
The Long Arm of the Law
Pratt's downfall was years in the making. After being charged in 2019, he became a fugitive, fleeing the United States. His run from justice ended in December 2022 when he was captured by Spanish authorities in a town outside Barcelona, living under an alias.
His sentencing this week concludes a harrowing chapter for the dozens of brave women who testified against him, both in this criminal case and in a prior civil suit that awarded them nearly $13 million in damages—a sum that remains largely unpaid.
While four accomplices had previously received sentences, Pratt's lengthy term reflects his role as the central architect of this widespread exploitation.
A Landmark Sentence for a Modern Crime
This case is being hailed as a landmark victory in the fight against internet-facilitated sex trafficking. It underscores the Department of Justice's commitment to pursuing those who use online platforms to exploit vulnerable individuals.
The 27-year sentence demonstrates the severe consequences awaiting those who profit from such predatory schemes. For the survivors, it represents a hard-won measure of closure and justice after years of psychological trauma and public humiliation.
