A couple from Plano, Texas, has been convicted of multiple sex trafficking violations following a seven-day trial in the Eastern District Court. William McKinnley Garland, 43, was found guilty of coercion, enticement, and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. His partner, Anastasiya Claire Lyons, 34, was convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. The verdict was announced on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in a complex case that involved extensive investigation and numerous victim testimonies.
The operation, which ran from 2020 to 2023, involved Garland and Lyons recruiting young women under false pretenses. Many of the victims were approached on social media and led to believe they would be engaging in modeling or escorting jobs. Instead, they were coerced into prostitution at various hotels throughout Collin County.
Evidence presented during the trial detailed the harrowing experiences of the victims, who testified they were compelled to engage in sexual acts through force and humiliation. Many expressed fear of Garland’s threats of violence against them and their families. Plano Police Chief Ed Drain stated, “This case was long, complex, and emotionally difficult, but it stopped dangerous offenders and gave survivors a chance to reclaim their lives.”
In a related development, three co-defendants also pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in 2025 and are currently awaiting sentencing. Robberta Marie Khan, 29, from Euless, admitted to coercion and enticement, facing a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The other two co-defendants, Jalen Alexander Bobo, 26, from Dallas, and Selena Rose McCombs, 25, from North Carolina, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. They could each face life sentences.
The case was thoroughly investigated by the Plano Police Department in collaboration with the FBI’s Dallas division. R. Joseph Rothrock, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Dallas office, emphasized the need for vigilance against human trafficking, stating, “Human trafficking is a heinous crime that often operates in plain sight and may go undetected for months or years.”
The sentencing for Garland and Lyons, along with their co-defendants, will be determined in upcoming court hearings, as officials continue to work towards justice for the victims involved in this distressing case.
