“For over 10 years, Michael Pratt owned and operated GirlsDoPorn. I represented 22 young women, who sued Mr. Pratt and others in 2016, alleging he and GirlsDoPorn coerced and defrauded them into online pornography, forever upending their lives. These women lost family, friends, had to move, change their appearance, and some attempted suicide. On the eve of trial, over 4 years ago, Mr. Pratt fled the country. The women prevailed in our lawsuit, obtaining a judgment of over $21 million. During the civil trial, the Department of Justice indicted Mr. Pratt and his employees on sex trafficking charges – and several employees have now pleaded guilty and gone to prison. Not resting, the FBI and their partners hunted Mr. Pratt, captured him in Spain, and just extradited him to San Diego. His return to face criminal charges is the beginning of the final chapter in the victims’ pursuit of justice in this case.”
Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire
Michael Pratt, owner of now-defunct website GirlsDoPorn.com, has been extradited from Spain to San Diego. He is facing charges involving the coercion and tricking of numerous women to appear in pornographic videos under false pretenses. He made a federal court appearance on sex trafficking charges on the same day his former business partner, Matthew Wolfe, was sentenced to prison for 14 years.
Pratt’s appearance was a welcome surprise to many women who had come to the courthouse that day to deliver impact statements against Wolfe. He had fled the country during a civil trial over 4 years ago. The civil trial resulted in a judgment of over $21 million for 22 women who were represented by attorney John J. O'Brien of Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire.
The case work laid down by John J. O’Brien has helped victims obtain justice and closure for their losses, and has played a crucial role in the subsequent investigations surrounding the incidents.
Pratt was arrested in late 2022 by Spanish National Police in Madrid, and at one point was on the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted list. His current 19-count indictment includes charges of sex trafficking, conspiracy to launder, production of child pornography, and sex trafficking of a minor.
A hearing has been set to discuss further steps for the case. These heinous acts involve the most serious violations of privacy and have resulted in intense trauma for the victims. If you or a loved one have been affected by similar violations, contact Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire at (619) 236-9363 to discuss your case in a private, confidential setting.
GirlsDoPorn Owner Extradited: Case Background
The Michael Pratt charges state that he and his associates recruited young women to work online as models in their San Diego-based company. However, when the women arrived in San Diego, Pratt and those who worked for him pressured them to have sex on camera.
The victims were told that the videos would only be distributed to private collections overseas; instead, the videos were widely distributed and posted on the network of GirlsDoPorn sites. They were also posted on other free porn sites such as Pornhub.com, where many of the videos received millions of views.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that if the women changed their minds about filming scenes, the defendants threatened to post footage online, cancel their flights home, or sue them.
The defendants would physically prevent some of the women from leaving their San Diego hotel rooms or short-term rental units where filming took place. They would often barricade doors with cameras or recording equipment. Pratt and Wolfe played central roles in orchestrating these deceptive and abusive acts.
Lives Upended: Survivors Describe the Effects on Their Lives
Several of the victims suffered relentless torment after online trolls discovered their names and connections with the videos. Links to their videos were sent en masse to friends and co-workers, sabotaging their social relationships and employment prospects. For many victims, an online search for their names still turns up images and links to various posts.
Many victims described name changes, unfinished college degrees, lost relationships, substance addiction, and loss of careers as they dealt with the aftermath. A few even mentioned suicide attempts.
One woman said her particular video was viewed “tens of millions of times,” and had to change her name, profession, and even her appearance.
Another victim stated she had undergone so much cosmetic surgery to alter her appearance to the point that facial recognition software no longer identifies her.
The victims describe the ordeal as “exhausting,” and have dealt with years of emotional struggle and turmoil.
These experiences are painful, but legal action helps uncover these violations, shed light on other instances of abuse, and hold the proper parties accountable for their actions.
Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire attorney John J. O'Brien received an Outstanding Trial Lawyer award for his work in Jane Does No. 1-22 v GirlsDoPorn.com, where his clients were awarded over $21 million in damages. As a result of his efforts in the case, federal authorities were able to indict the GirlsDoPorn defendants for sex trafficking and conspiracy.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sex trafficking, sexual abuse, forced prostitution, or other violations, contact Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire online or by calling (619) 236-9363. We are dedicated to keeping our communities safe and pursuing justice on behalf of sexual abuse survivors.
Additional Defendants Charged After GirlsDoPorn Owner Arrested
Several of Pratt’s co-defendants pleaded guilty and most have been sentenced to prison, including Matthew Wolfe, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison on the same morning Pratt made his first appearance.
In his plea, Wolfe admitted that his responsibilities included running day-to-day operations for the GirlsDoPorn.com website, marketing the content, and managing finances. He also admitted to serving as cameraman for about 100 videos.
Aside from the main cases against Pratt and Wolfe, the GirlsDoPorn case has also uncovered other related crimes and civil lawsuits. Others defendants charged include:
- Porn actor Ruben Andre Garcia, who was sentenced 20 years in prison
- Videographer Theodore Gyi, sentenced to four years in prison
- Alexander Brian Foster, who pleaded guilty to creating a video intended to harass women who sued GirlsDoPorn sites, and received one year in prison
- Douglas Wiederhold, charged with sex trafficking in connection with websites
Thus, the groundwork laid by Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire attorney John J. O'Brien has helped to uncover related instances of abuse and trafficking. This is why it is important to report sexual misconduct to the authorities and reach out to a lawyer if you need assistance. The prosecution of Michael Pratt is another step towards closure for the many victims in these cases.
Contact a Sexual Abuse Lawyer If You Need Help
Sexual abuse and trafficking can happen on a broad scale when they are kept hidden and in the dark. They can sometimes occur in situations or circumstances that are closer to us than we know. Even seemingly legitimate businesses such as websites or hotels can play a role in sex trafficking or labor trafficking.
The GirlsDoPorn cases illustrate the need to shed light on such incidents. Uncovering one instance of abuse can often reveal others that are related or connected to the overall situation.
At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we are committed to protecting our communities and seeking justice on behalf of those whose most personal rights have been undermined. We dedicate our full priority, attention, and resources to fighting on behalf of our clients.
If you or a loved one need legal guidance or representation, contact us at (619) 236-9363. We are on hand at each step of the process and will provide you with the support and guidance you need.