Edward Earl Daniels will spend the next 15 years of his life in a federal prison.

The Oxford native was officially sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills on Thursday. Daniels, 39, pled guilty on May 19 to the charge of sex trafficking of a child by force, fraud or coercion.

Officers with the Oxford Police Department initially arrested Daniels on March 1, 2018 for a traffic a violation and suspected him of driving under the influence. They found narcotics in the car as well as a female passenger. The officers and FBI agents began to investigate the circumstances of why a minor was in the vehicle with Daniels. They determined Daniels had operated a prostitution ring with the minor and other victims.

Judge Mills’ sentencing also included five years of supervised release.

“You have made the decision to lead a life of crime and take advantage of others,” Mills told Daniels after reviewing his criminal history. “The facts you admitted to – you admitted to taking advantage of a young lady, and I can’t think of anything much worse.”

The investigation was a joint federal, state and local investigation with OPD, the Mississippi Attorney General’s office and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Paul Roberts.

Interim Oxford police chief Jeff McCutchen, along with Special Agent in Charge for the FBI Jackson Division Michelle A. Sutphin and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood made a joint announcement following Daniels’ sentencing.

“We are very proud of the effort and hard work by our officers and federal partners,” McCutchen said. “This is a perfect example of committed teamwork for the protection of our community. Thankfully, we have a determined team of federal agents and attorneys with the same passion that we have in keeping our children safe.”

In June, OPD joined the newly-formed Northeast Mississippi Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is a collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and victim service providers working to protect victims, prosecute offenders and prevent human trafficking through a coordinated partnership.