Wyoming Man Convicted in Billings Commercial Sex Case

A Wyoming man is facing significant jail time after being found guilty of arranging for commercial sex in Billings, and then lying about the incident to federal investigators. Mark Jay Albrecht, 66, of Gillette was convicted after a one-day trial by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters.

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Albrecht was charged with use of a facility in interstate commerce to aid racketeering and making false statements. He faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for each crime. Sentencing is scheduled for March 20.

Web of Lies Leads to Federal Conviction

U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich praised the prosecution and investigating agencies, stating that Albrecht's "desire and actions to have commercial sex contributed to the sex trafficking of a minor." Original investigations began in April 2021 when law enforcement responded to a report of potential commercial sex activity at the Quality Inn in Billings.

Albrecht repeatedly lied to police and FBI officers about his intentions before ultimately admitting his illegal activity.

Later, when subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury regarding the sex trafficking investigation, Albrecht once again gave false statements and denied his involvement in commercial sex.

Case Background

This case initially involved Ashley Stella of Reno, Nevada, who was convicted and sentenced to eight years in federal prison for transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution. It was discovered that Albrecht's illegal activity was connected to this case.

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