HILLSBORO, Ore.- On November 30, 2018, Muizz Sosna was convicted of Sex Abuse in the Second Degree, Rape in the Third Degree, Menacing and Unlawful Use of a Weapon following a four-day jury trial.  

The convictions involve an incident from November 2017 when the victim was 14-years-old, and the defendant was 20-years-old.  The child met the defendant’s adult roommate, and co-defendant, John Wirtz, on social media.  The two communicated online and Mr. Wirtz arranged for the child to stay at their Washington County home in exchange for sexual favors.  Both defendants had sexual intercourse with the child at the home.  The men refused to allow her to leave the house, and at one point Sosna threatened her with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.  She was able to escape from the house and flagged down a USPS mail carrier for help.  The mail carrier called 911 and both defendants were arrested. 

Detective Cheryl Crecelius from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and Deputy District Attorney Allison Brown was the prosecutor.  Mr. Wirtz subsequently pleaded guilty on July 5, 2018 to the crimes of Sexual Abuse in the second degree and Rape in the third degree.  

Muizz Sosna’s jury trial began on November 27 and lasted four days.  The jury returned its verdict on the afternoon of the 30th convicting the defendant on all counts. On December 4, 2018, Sr. Judge Edward Jones sentenced the defendant to two years in prison. Deputy DA Brown urged the Court to impose a lengthy prison sentence because of the victim’s vulnerability and the State’s concerns for public safety. 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office continues efforts to combat human trafficking and hold these offenders accountable.  In March 2018, the DA’s Office joined forces with local law enforcement and community partners to form a task force to help address issues of sex trafficking in our community.  Community Partners, such as the advocacy group Safety Compass, are a great resource for victims of sex trafficking in our community.