Man charged with sex trafficking high school girls

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MILLINGTON, TN - Sept. 10,2013

(WMC-TV) - A Millington man is accused of sex trafficking young girls from as many as three West Tennessee high schools.

According to U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton, III, Michael A. Lilley, 49, was recruiting girls as young as 15 years old to work as prostitutes at his home. A news release about the charges revealed Lilley and one other person would provide alcohol and drugs to the girls.

One of the victims told investigators that Lilley brought men to his home "for the purpose of engaging in prostitution."

According to Stanton, the men paid $60 or $75 per session. Lilley gave the girls about $30 from each customer.

Another victim told officials that she not only had sex with men at Lilley's home but also at the homes of the men paying for sex. Also, the victim said she had sex in Lilley's van that was parked at various restaurant parking lots.

The girls were reportedly recruited at their high schools by a boy, younger than 18 years old, who told officials he had been working for Lilley for six months. He was paid $20 for every $100 the girls brought in.

According to the affidavit, the minor recruited girls from Millington Central High School and Brighton High School. Those same girls told authorities Lilley would sometimes take pictures of them, both clothed and unclothed.

Authorities learned of the reports when one of the victims confided in a school crisis counselor, who then reported it to Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Shelby County Schools said they are aware of the incident but had no comment.

"The activities alleged in the sworn affidavit, if proven to be true, are reprehensible," said Stanton. "This office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to prosecute and bring to justice anyone who exploits children for profit."

Mattresses, bed frames and furniture littered Michael Lilley's backyard Monday night. Neighbors were shocked to hear what was going on in their community.

"Being the mother of a 13-year-old who walks around here, hangs out with her friends out here. That's absolutely insane to me," said neighbor Stephanie Dunning.

Out in front of the house, beer bottles and trash remained the yard. Neighbors are trying to understand what happened.

"I never seen anybody but him coming out of the yard. I'd see him get in the van, leave in the van and go back," said Lisa Ballard. "It makes you take a second look at everybody because you never know who the person beside you really is until something like this happens."

Lilley spoke to Action News 5 in 2007 when he was beside himself after a Shelby County sheriff's deputy shot a pit bull that attacked his dog. Lilley said he was emotionally drained after seeing the struggle.

Lilley is scheduled to appear at a hearing on Thursday, September 12. If convicted of the crimes, he faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison on each charge.