Louisville Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Chaining, Trafficking Girlfriend in Her Own Home

The case, which drew widespread attention for its brutality and manipulation, marks one of the first major convictions under Kentucky’s newly expanded human trafficking laws.

Moises May, a Louisville resident, was convicted in May for his abuse of Jonna Wilson, the mother of his child, following a harrowing 2023 incident in the Park Hill neighborhood of Louisville.

Prosecutors originally recommended a 35-year sentence, but a judge ultimately handed down a 30-year prison term. May will be required to serve at least 20% of the sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.

May’s conviction followed a jury trial and included charges of human trafficking, kidnapping, intimidation of a participant in the legal process, terroristic threatening, and harassment. His case is only the second time a Kentucky jury has convicted a defendant of human trafficking under the state’s revised legal definitions, which were broadened in 2023 to expand protections for victims and increase penalties for offenders.

“This was a deeply emotional case for all involved,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina D. Whethers in a statement. “I commend the diligent work of our Special Victims Unit prosecutors in getting justice for the victim. Human trafficking will never have a place in our community. This outcome sends a strong message that we will stand up against these despicable acts.”

According to court documents and police reports, May had subjected Wilson to a terrifying ordeal. When police responded to the home, they found her chained to the floor of a second-story bedroom, prompting an immediate rescue.

In disturbing body camera footage released by the Louisville Metro Police Department, Wilson is seen thanking officers through tears: “Thank you so much.”

During the investigation, May initially claimed that Wilson had chained herself up, saying she did it because she “couldn’t stop cheating” on him.

However, that narrative quickly unraveled under scrutiny. A detective testified during the trial that there was no physical evidence to support the idea that Wilson had self-restrained. “It didn’t seem like it was something she did to herself,” the officer noted on the stand.

Further details from the trial revealed more disturbing behavior. May was accused of cutting off Wilson’s hair with a machete, telling officers at one point that she had “lost a bet” in a game of checkers. He later changed his story, suggesting she wanted her hair cut to dye it and asked for his help.

Perhaps most egregiously, May was accused of forcing Wilson to engage in sex acts with other men for money — a pattern of abuse prosecutors said occurred on at least five occasions. These acts formed the basis of the human trafficking charge.

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The conviction stands as a milestone for Kentucky’s justice system in enforcing its updated human trafficking laws. Advocates hope it will serve as both a deterrent and a signal of stronger legal protection for victims.

May remains in custody and has not yet commented publicly on the verdict. Wilson, meanwhile, is reportedly recovering with the support of victim services.