Former Lawrence nightclub owner pleads guilty to sex trafficking charges

A former Lawrence nightclub owner has pleaded guilty to federal sex trafficking charges.

Frank Boswell, 43, of Topeka, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.

Federal prosecutors said that an organization headed by Boswell operated a prostitution ring in several states.

Prosecutors said that the organization recruited single mothers or women with drug problems, sometimes finding them at homeless shelters.

They were given drugs or threatened with violence and turned money they made over to Boswell. In exchange, he paid their rent, utilities and cellphone bills, prosecutors said.

As part of Boswell’s plea agreement, attorneys will recommend a sentence in the range of four to five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23.

Boswell was a part owner of the now-closed Club Magic in Lawrence.

Five others charged in the case have pleaded guilty. One has been sentenced to a little less than four years in prison. The others are awaiting sentencing.