Durham man sentenced to life in prison for trafficking of 3 women

A Durham man will spend life in prison following a long-term human trafficking investigation.

Chester Wallace, 62, was arrested in March 2022 and charged with three counts of human trafficking and one count of first-degree kidnapping.

Wallace, who was being held under a $10 million bond, was later convicted in July 2023 of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion and five counts of using force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to cause five victims to engage in commercial sex acts.

On Friday, a superior court judge sentenced Wallace to six life terms in prison. He was also was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $68,000.

A hearing to determine additional restitution will be held on Nov. 14.

Wallace's criminal history dates back decades and includes dozens of charges that include kidnapping, robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Police said he trafficked at least three women. At least one of those victims was restrained and sexually assaulted. The warrant for Wallace's arrest alleges his intent "that she be held in sexual servitude."

Police said all three known victims are getting assistance, police said. None of them were identified, and it is not clear where they are from.

Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to contact Durham Police Department at 919-560-4440, ext. 29325 or Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.

Help for victims of human trafficking is available from the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by text to 233733.