Phoenix Man Accused of Child Sex Trafficking Receives Guilty Conviction Sentenced to 141.5 Years

After three years of working the case, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced this week the conviction of William James McElroy Jr.

McElroy is a dangerous felon who took in a 16-year-old runaway girl in West Phoenix in 2018 and forced her into prostitution, and then profited from her sexual acts. According to court documents, McElroy would direct the minor victim where to go, how much money to charge for specific acts, and then, the victim would bring all the money back to him.

Last month, a jury found McElroy guilty of 27 charges, including 11 counts of child sex trafficking, 6 counts of sexual conduct with a minor, 2 counts of receiving earnings of a prostitute, and 1 count of sexual assault, among other charges.


“Today, the hard work of our prosecutors has made our community a safer place.  This case was exhausting, difficult to prosecute, and an example that together with law enforcement, we are making strides at combatting child sex trafficking in Maricopa county,” said county attorney Allister Adel.

During the progression of the trial and while behind bars, McElroy was able to intimidate and threaten his victim attempting to avoid testimony to be heard by the jury. “For the peace of mind of this victim and other victims who came before her, our office is glad to see this dangerous man being put away,” added Adel.

McElroy was sentenced to 141.5 years in prison. Since his arrest, additional victims have come forward.