Chicago-area man convicted in sweeping sex trafficking case

CHICAGO (AP) - Federal jurors have convicted a Naperville man in a sex trafficking case that accused him of using death threats and beatings to force nine women into sexual servitude.

Benjamin Biancofiori was found guilty Wednesday of more than a dozen counts including sex trafficking, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Several of the 33-year-old's victims testified during the trial, telling stories of being given drugs, being beaten and being threatened with being killed or having their families killed.

Biancofiori testified, saying he prostituted women but always split earnings with them and never forced them to do anything they didn't want to do. His attorney portrayed the women as untrustworthy drug addicts.

Biancofiori faces up to life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for May 30. He's been in custody since his May 2016 arrest.