PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Philadelphia man has been sentenced to 192 months in federal prison following convictions related to human trafficking and unlawful image possession involving a minor, federal authorities announced.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf said Walter Tharrington, also known as “Black” and “Roaadblock,” 32, was sentenced Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Joel H. Slomsky. The sentence includes 10 years of supervised release following incarceration.
Tharrington was charged by federal indictment in August 2024 and was convicted at trial in April 2025 of sex trafficking of a minor and possession of illegal visual depictions involving a minor.
According to court records, the offenses occurred during the summer of 2023. Evidence presented at trial showed that Tharrington recruited a minor and facilitated commercial activity by arranging encounters and posting online advertisements. Prosecutors said he controlled pricing and proceeds associated with those activities.
The court also heard testimony that the minor resided at the defendant’s residence during the relevant period. Additional testimony from another minor corroborated portions of the government’s case.
Metcalf said the sentence reflects the seriousness of offenses involving exploitation of minors and emphasized that the outcome prevents further victimization.
Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, said federal law enforcement remains committed to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving human trafficking and offenses against minors.
Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said the case demonstrated effective coordination between federal and local authorities in addressing complex criminal investigations.
The investigation was conducted 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. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Ashenfelter and Amanda McCool.
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