GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — A Grand Rapids man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for sex trafficking of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced Wednesday.

Terrence Donte Clay, 39, met the girl in a Grand Rapids park in October 2022. Totten said Clay had sex with her several times and ordered her to have sex with others men for money; at one point he directed them to “make a sign” and “possess” to provide certain sexual acts at set prices.

Using nude photos of her, Clay advertised her online.

“Mr. Clay is a sexual predator who preyed on a minor victim, treated her as his property, ordered her to sell herself for sex, and has shown no remorse for his actions,” Totten said. “We are committed to fighting the scourge of human trafficking, including sex and labor trafficking, and I appreciate the investigative work of our law enforcement partners to hold Mr. Clay accountable and ensure justice for the victim “.

After police found her in a Grand Rapids library, Totten said the girl was taken to a foster home in the Upper Peninsula while they continued their investigation. During which Clay found her and took her from the foster home on Nov. 12, 2022 without the foster family’s knowledge, according to officials.

Law enforcement stopped the vehicle shortly after it crossed south of the Mackinac Bridge, where they found both Clay and the girl.

“Today’s sentencing of Terrence Clay is a decisive victory in our relentless fight against sexual predators who prey on children,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson in Michigan. “This result underscores the relentless dedication of the FBI’s WEBCHEX task. Force, especially our law enforcement partners from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Kentwood Police Department, Forsythe Police Department, Cheboygan Sheriff’s Office, Tuscarora Township Police Department and the Michigan State Police.”

Anyone who is a victim of human trafficking or knows someone who may be is encouraged to get in touch National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888 or by texting “INFO” to 233733.

Officials said the case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.