• 64-year-old charged with child trafficking, torture after basement imprisonment case
• Victims describe being starved, mutilated and sex trafficked for years
• Investigation began when foster parent reported child’s shocking disclosure

David Boyd, a 64-year-old Milwaukee resident, has been arrested and charged with multiple serious offenses, including child trafficking, repeated sexual assault of a child, and false imprisonment. Authorities took Boyd into custody on April 26 following a months-long investigation sparked by the courageous testimony of two young victims. The case reveals years of horrific abuse, with both survivors detailing their traumatic experiences to law enforcement.

Years of Abuse in a Basement Prison

One of the victims, now a teenager, told investigators that Boyd subjected her to relentless abuse from the time she was just eight years old until she turned 13. According to her account, Boyd frequently confined her in his basement, where she was kept in chains for extended periods. During these terrifying ordeals, she was given only a single piece of bread to eat and was forced to drink from a puddle on the floor when she was thirsty. To help investigators understand the conditions she endured, the girl provided a sketch of the basement, which depicted the chains and the meager portions of food she received.

Physical and Psychological Torture

The abuse extended beyond confinement. The victim described brutal physical assaults in which Boyd allegedly used a box cutter to cut her, including on her intimate areas. Police later recovered knives and hooked chains from Boyd’s home—evidence that corroborated her harrowing testimony. For years, she endured this unimaginable suffering before finally managing to escape.

Forced into Sex Trafficking

Even after escaping the basement, her nightmare was far from over. Boyd allegedly trafficked her to other men who sexually assaulted her. In one particularly horrifying instance, she was forced to choose the order in which the assaults would occur. The abuse only stopped when Boyd’s daughter called him away from the scene.

A Second Victim Comes Forward

A second girl, believed to be the first victim’s sister, also came forward with allegations against Boyd. She reported that he sexually assaulted her from the age of five until she moved away at 12. The similarities between the two victims’ accounts provided investigators with critical evidence, strengthening the case against Boyd. Further searches of his home uncovered additional disturbing items that supported the allegations.

The Investigation Begins with a Foster Parent’s Courage

The case came to light in January 2024 when one of the victims confided in her foster parent, who immediately contacted law enforcement. This act of bravery set in motion an extensive investigation that ultimately led to Boyd’s arrest. Without the foster parent’s quick action and the victims’ willingness to speak out, Boyd might still be at large, posing a continued threat to others.

Legal Consequences Await

Boyd now faces severe criminal charges, including:

• Repeated sexual assault of a child
• Child trafficking
• False imprisonment
• Child abuse
• Use of a dangerous weapon

His next court appearance will determine his plea and legal representation as the judicial process moves forward.

A Story of Resilience and Justice

Despite enduring years of unspeakable cruelty, both survivors found the strength to speak out, ensuring that 64-Year-Old will be Charged and could no longer harm them or others. Their bravery has been instrumental in bringing a dangerous predator to justice. This case also underscores the critical importance of reporting abuse and supporting survivors as they seek safety and healing. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring accountability for the crimes committed and providing the victims with the justice they deserve.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.