A Kirkland man was found guilty June 26 of promoting prostitution on the Eastside for the better part of the last decade. McKennon was charged with attempted leading of organized crime, promoting prostitution in the first and second degree, and domestic violence allegations.
The defendant recruited women through ruses, manipulation and in at least one instance, violence. McKennon sought women who were in desperate need or employment, struggled with substance abuse, or lacked self-esteem and sought the attention of older men, based on interviews with the survivors. One woman met him through Craigslist, where his ad implied he was a woman. When they met in person, he claimed to be a photographer from a private agency and soon started trafficking her in Washington, California, Nevada and Hawaii.
He also made her wear inappropriate clothing in public. Breaking his rules led to him physically assaulting her multiple times, she reported, providing photos of visible bruises on her face. Before she came forward, another woman who was trafficked had reported McKennon to the Kirkland Police Department in She told officers she was trying to get out of the situation and explained a similar arrangement of giving the defendant a cut of the earnings. Another victim in came forward with being trafficked and described how McKennon was extremely manipulative and preyed upon her insecurities to rope her in.
This woman had worked with him since , and said she knew she needed to leave when she became pregnant and McKennon made her work against her wishes. By Haley Ausbun Puget Sound artists adapt creativity, By Haley Ausbun Election Day results in for The following is from initial charging documents from the prosecuting attorney:. Universities and colleges may reopen in fall, governor says. By Haley Ausbun. Featured Local Savings.
