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Sex Trafficking

Lawsuit Alleges Westchester's Sean Combs Sexually Assaulted 10-Year-Old: Report Lawsuit Alleges Westchester's Sean Combs Sexually Assaulted 10-Year-Old: Report
Lawsuit Alleges Westchester's Sean Combs Sexually Assaulted 10-Year-Old: Report The latest lawsuits filed against hip-hop mogul and New York native Sean Combs are accusing him of sexually assaulting both a 10-year-old and a 17-year-old boy in separate incidents, according to reports.  The two civil lawsuits were filed against Combs on Monday, Oct. 28, according to a report by ABC News. The outlet reported that the first of the lawsuits alleges that the parents of a 10-year-old boy beginning a music career brought him to New York from Los Angeles to meet with Combs so he could meet people in the industry. Once there, Combs allegedly told the family's consultan…
Here's How Westchester's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest Here's How Westchester's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest
Here's How Westchester's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest Almost a month after his arrest for federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, hip-hop mogul and New York native Sean Combs has broken his silence on his social media pages.  On Tuesday, Oct. 15, a post appeared an on Instagram page belonging to Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon and will stand trial in May for federal charges.  Although the post is the first to be made following Combs's arrest, it does not address the allegations against him; instead, it celebrates the birthday of the embattled star's young 2-yea…
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events’ In NY, Feds Say Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events’ In NY, Feds Say
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events’ In NY, Feds Say Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries preyed on aspiring models and coerced them into prostitution in order to satisfy his and others’ sexual desires, prosecutors alleged. The 80-year-old Jeffries – along with his life partner Matthew Smith and a third defendant, James Jacobson – are named in a 16-count sex trafficking indictment unsealed in Central Islip federal court on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Prosecutors said the trio relied on Jeffries’ wealth and status, along with a network of employees, contractors, and security professionals, to victimize dozens of men over a seven year peri…
Here's When Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Will Stand Trial For Sex Trafficking: Report Here's When Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Will Stand Trial For Sex Trafficking: Report
Here's When Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Will Stand Trial For Sex Trafficking: Report Hip hop mogul and New York native Sean Combs has learned when he will stand trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, according to a report by The New York Times.  Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon, will stand trial in May 2025 following his arrest on Tuesday morning, Sept. 17 on a three-count indictment, The New York Times reported.  The trial's starting date, Monday, May 5, was set by Judge Arun Subramanian of the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York, the newspaper ad…
Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Mom Calls Allegations Against Him 'Lies': Report Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Mom Calls Allegations Against Him 'Lies': Report
Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Mom Calls Allegations Against Him 'Lies': Report As New York native and hip hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs faces federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, his mother is coming to his defense while also admitting he has made mistakes, according to reports.  Combs's mother, Janice Small Combs, released a statement defending her son, who was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 17 on a three-count indictment accusing him of running a criminal enterprise that involved sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, BBC reported on Monday, Oct. 7.  Earlier Report - Mount Vernon's Sean 'D…
120 Accuse Westchester's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report 120 Accuse Westchester's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report
120 Accuse Westchester's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report The legal troubles faced by Sean "Diddy" Combs, a New York native, are far from over, as the hip-hop mogul is facing allegations of sexual assault from over 100 new accusers, according to a report by NBC News.  Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee announced on Tuesday, Oct. 1 that he is currently representing 120 people with various allegations against Combs occurring over two decades, NBC reported.  These accusations against Combs, a New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon, include sexual assault or rape; facilitated sex with a controlled substance;…
50 Cent's Docuseries On Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Coming To Netflix: Report 50 Cent's Docuseries On Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Coming To Netflix: Report
50 Cent's Docuseries On Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Coming To Netflix: Report Amid hip hop mogul and New York native Sean "Diddy" Combs' ongoing legal battles, fellow rapper 50 Cent has found a new way to take a shot at his longtime rival.  In a social media post on Wednesday, Sept. 25, famous rapper 50 Cent hinted at his upcoming docuseries focusing on Combs' alleged criminal activity, according to a report by Variety. The outlet reported that the series, directed by Alexandria Stapleton, is now in production and will go over sex trafficking and racketeering allegations against Combs, who grew up in Westchester County in the city of Mount Vernon. It will eventu…
Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused Of Drugging Woman, Filming Rape In New Lawsuit Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused Of Drugging Woman, Filming Rape In New Lawsuit
Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused Of Drugging Woman, Filming Rape In New Lawsuit Following his arrest on federal sex trafficking charges, a woman has filed a lawsuit against hip-hop mogul and New York native Sean "Diddy" Combs accusing him of drugging and sexually assaulting her while recording it on film.  In a lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on Tuesday, Sept. 24, Thalia Graves accused Combs of spiking her glass of wine and rendering her unconscious before raping her in a studio in Manhattan.  According to the lawsuit complaint, Graves met Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchest…
Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs On Suicide Watch Before Sex Trafficking Trial: Report Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs On Suicide Watch Before Sex Trafficking Trial: Report
Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs On Suicide Watch Before Sex Trafficking Trial: Report Days after being federally charged with sex trafficking and racketeering offenses, hip-hop producer and New York native Sean "Diddy" Combs is on suicide watch as he waits for his trial in prison, according to a report by People.  Following his arrest, the 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County in Mount Vernon was remanded to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday, Sept. 17, where he has been placed on suicide watch, according to People.  The outlet reported that it is not known if Combs is suicidal or how exactly how long he …
Westchester's  Sean 'Diddy' Combs Now Facing Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Charges: Feds Westchester's  Sean 'Diddy' Combs Now Facing Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Charges: Feds
Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Now Facing Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Charges: Feds Following several lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and other abuses, successful hip-hop producer and New York native Sean "Diddy" Combs now faces federal sex trafficking charges, officials announced.  Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County in Mount Vernon, was arrested on Tuesday morning, Sept. 17 on a three-count indictment, according to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.  According to federal officials, beginning as far back as 2008, Combs ran a criminal enterprise that involved sex trafficking, forced…
'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers 'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers
'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers New York lawmakers are considering new legislation aimed at protecting sex trafficking survivors and closing a legal loophole often used by their abusers. The Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act (STSJEA), introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, would decriminalize prostitution and automatically expunge all prior convictions for prostitution. If passed, the bill would also: Eliminate a loophole in New York State law that prevents sex abusers from being charged with promotion of prostitution when they traffic people to themselves Prevent people from being charged as a…
Former Brewster Police Officer Sentenced For Extorting Prostitution Rings For Sex Former Brewster Police Officer Sentenced For Extorting Prostitution Rings For Sex
Former Brewster Police Officer Sentenced For Extorting Prostitution Rings For Sex A former Hudson Valley police officer will spend time in prison for protecting prostitution businesses from law enforcement activity in exchange for free sexual services, federal officials announced. Ulster County resident Wayne Peiffer of Highland, a former officer in Putnam County who worked for the Village of Brewster Police Department, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for protecting two Queens-based prostitution rings, the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York announced on Thursday, May 2.  According to federal officials, between 2010 and October 2018, …
Police Investigate Alleged 'Sex Trafficking' Incident At Mall In Westchester Police Investigate Alleged 'Sex Trafficking' Incident At Mall In Westchester
Police Investigate Alleged 'Sex Trafficking' Incident At Mall In Westchester A police department in Westchester investigated a "sex trafficking" incident at a shopping mall after a viral social media post drew concern from residents, authorities said. The White Plains Police Department conducted an investigation into an incident at the City Center shopping complex in White Plains after a social media post brought attention to it, the department announced on Tuesday, March 12.  The incident appeared to residents to be connected to sex trafficking, police said. However, the investigation found no evidence of this being the case, authorities said.  More deta…
Gilgo Beach Murders: Attorney For Victims' Families To Unveil New Evidence Over DA Objection Gilgo Beach Murders: Attorney For Victims' Families To Unveil New Evidence Over DA Objection
Gilgo Beach Murders: Attorney For Victims' Families To Unveil New Evidence Over DA Objection A Long Island attorney is moving forward with plans to unveil purported new evidence in the Gilgo Beach serial murders case despite objections from the lead prosecutor. John Ray, a Miller Place attorney representing relatives of some of the victims, will hold a symposium at Molloy University in Rockville Centre on Friday, Dec. 8, according to a GoFundMe.  During the event, Ray will “reveal and share facts” about the Gilgo Beach murder case and other “related serious crimes,” said campaign creators Delores Smith and Frances Nicotra. Earlier Report: Gilgo Beach Murders: New 20/20 Episode …
Sex Cult Leader At College In Westchester Draws 60-Year Sentence Sex Cult Leader At College In Westchester Draws 60-Year Sentence
Sex Cult Leader At College In Westchester Draws 60-Year Sentence A man who put a group of college students through sexual, psychological, and physical abuse after moving into his daughter's dorm room in Westchester County will spend the rest of his life in prison.  Earlier Report - Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult Leader In Bronxville Found Guilty On All Charges Larry Ray, also known as Lawrence Grecco, was sentenced to 60 years in prison on Friday, Jan. 20 for leading a sex cult out of Sarah Lawrence College located near the border of Bronxville and Yonkers, according to Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. …
NY Man Sentenced For 'Terrorizing Young Women, Coercing Them Into Commercial Sex Acts' NY Man Sentenced For 'Terrorizing Young Women, Coercing Them Into Commercial Sex Acts'
NY Man Sentenced For 'Terrorizing Young Women, Coercing Them Into Commercial Sex Acts' A New York man will spend decades behind bars for forcing women to engage in prostitution. Long Island resident Justin Rivera, age 32, of Amityville, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison Tuesday, Oct. 11, in US District Court in Manhattan. The sentence followed an eight-day jury trial in June 2021 in which he was convicted of conspiring to sex traffic two victims. Federal prosecutors said Rivera - also known as Denzel Rivera, Bangout, and Jackie Chan - conspired with others to coerce the young women to engage in commercial sex acts at an abandoned house in Bohemia in 2015. They di…
‘Trusted Lieutenant’ Of Westchester College Sex-Cult Leader Admits To Conspiracy ‘Trusted Lieutenant’ Of Westchester College Sex-Cult Leader Admits To Conspiracy
‘Trusted Lieutenant’ Of Westchester College Sex-Cult Leader Admits To Conspiracy A former Westchester County college student who fell under the spell of convicted sex-cult leader Larry Ray has pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder money for his illegal dealings. Isabella Pollok, age 31, a former student at Sarah Lawrence College, located near the border of Yonkers and Bronxville, who was described as Ray's "trusted lieutenant," pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Sept. 7 to one count related to Ray's twisted plot in Manhattan federal court. Ray, now age 62, will be sentenced in December on more than a dozen charges, including extortion, sex trafficking, and racketeering cons…
Woman Under Arrest In Westchester For Sex Trafficking May Have Hundreds Of Victims, FBI Says Woman Under Arrest In Westchester For Sex Trafficking May Have Hundreds Of Victims, FBI Says
Woman Under Arrest In Westchester For Sex Trafficking May Have Hundreds Of Victims, FBI Says A woman accused of forcing immigrant women into prostitution in New York may have hundreds of victims, federal investigators said. Ysenni Gomez was arrested Friday, Aug. 12, on charges of sex trafficking in Westchester County and the Bronx, according to the FBI. The agency said Gomez posted an online ad looking for waitresses to work at a restaurant in Manhattan.  She later interviewed a woman who responded before telling her she got the job, police said. On the victim’s first day at work, however, Gomez allegedly told the woman there was no waitress job and forced her to have sex wi…
Westchester Man Accused Of Sex Trafficking Vulnerable, At-Risk Youth At NY Hotels Westchester Man Accused Of Sex Trafficking Vulnerable, At-Risk Youth At NY Hotels
Westchester Man Accused Of Sex Trafficking Vulnerable, At-Risk Youth At NY Hotels A Westchester County man is facing federal charges for allegedly forcing a vulnerable minor into prostitution at New York City hotels. Rai Thomas, age 27, of Mount Vernon, was arrested Friday, July 22, on charges of sex trafficking a minor and using interstate facilities to promote sex trafficking and prostitution. According to the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District, Thomas recruited the teenage girl in January and February 2022 and made her engage in commercial sex acts on multiple occasions in hotels in the Bronx and Brooklyn. He allegedly coordinated transportation to get the…
Ex-Area Cop Admits To Protecting Prostitution Rings In Exchange For Sex Ex-Area Cop Admits To Protecting Prostitution Rings In Exchange For Sex
Ex-Area Cop Admits To Protecting Prostitution Rings In Exchange For Sex A former police officer in the Hudson Valley has admitted to providing protection to a pair of Queens-based sex trafficking rings in exchange for sexual favors. The ex-cop in Putnam County, Wayne Peiffer, was a member of the Village of Brewster Police Department. He's a resident of the Ulster County hamlet of Highland. The 48-year-old Peiffer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion and conspiracy to commit bribery in violation of the Travel Act in federal court in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8.  Peiffer was charged for his role in protecting the two prostitution busin…
Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult Leader In Westchester Found Guilty On All Charges Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult Leader In Westchester Found Guilty On All Charges
Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult Leader In Westchester Found Guilty On All Charges Larry Ray, the leader of a sex cult run out of his daughter's dorm room at Sarah Lawrence College in Westchester, will face life in prison after being found guilty by a jury of sexually exploiting and trafficking girls. Ray, now 62 years old following multiple delays in his trial and prosecution, was found guilty of 15 counts that include racketeering, sex trafficking, conspiracy, forced labor, extortion, tax evasion, and other crimes in relation to his scheme. Related story - DOJ Accidentally Publishes List Of Alleged Clients In Sarah Lawrence Case It reportedly took the jury le…
New York State Supreme Court Justice Found Dead New York State Supreme Court Justice Found Dead
New York State Supreme Court Justice Found Dead A New York State Supreme Court Justice has died by suicide less than two weeks after his home was searched by federal and state law enforcement. Justice John Michalski, age 61, died in his Amherst home in Erie County, according to multiple reports that were confirmed on Tuesday, April 5. The suicide came following investigators storming his home to execute a search warrant, reports said, though Michalski and his wife cooperated with police during the investigation. No one was taken into custody and no charges were or have ever been filed against the judge or his wife. Michalski’s death …
DOJ Accidentally Publishes List Of Alleged 121 Clients In Westchester Sex Cult Trial DOJ Accidentally Publishes List Of Alleged 121 Clients In Westchester Sex Cult Trial
DOJ Accidentally Publishes List Of Alleged 121 Clients In Westchester Sex Cult Trial The trial of a father accused of running an alleged sex cult out of his daughter’s college dorm room in Westchester County took an unexpected twist after federal prosecutors reportedly released a list of former clients tied to the operation. Lawrence Ray, age 62, the man who allegedly ran the cult out of Sarah Lawrence College near the border of Yonkers and Bronxville in Westchester, has been on trial in Manhattan for more than a week on charges that include sex trafficking, extortion, forced labor, and other offenses for running the shady operation at the school. Original story - Father O…
Six, Including Area Cop, Charged In Sex Trafficking, Bribery Scheme Six, Including Area Cop, Charged In Sex Trafficking, Bribery Scheme
Six, Including Area Cop, Charged In Sex Trafficking, Bribery Scheme A police officer who allegedly protected a prostitution ring in exchange for free sexual favors is among six facing a host of charges for their roles in operating a sex trafficking organization throughout New York, federal officials announced. In Brooklyn federal court, a 14-count indictment has been unsealed for six suspects who ran the operation - which included minors - while the cop protected them from being arrested by law enforcement. Those charged: Wayne Peiffer, age 48, of Highland in Ulster County; Jose Facundo Zarate Morals, age 32, of Queens. Luz Elvira Cardona, age 33, of Que…
LGBTQ+ Bill Protecting Gender Pronouns Becomes Law In New York LGBTQ+ Bill Protecting Gender Pronouns Becomes Law In New York
LGBTQ+ Bill Protecting Gender Pronouns Becomes Law In New York New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation into law that will protect the LGBTQ+ community and gender pronouns. To celebrate “Transgender Awareness Week,” Hochul signed a pair of bills that relate to vacating convictions for offenses committed due to being a victim of sex trafficking, labor trafficking, or compelling prostitution, and another that will require utility companies to allow customers to use their preferred name and pronouns. “As we witness attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and protections around the country, New York is once again declaring that we are a state for all — one w…
Fugitive Wanted For Fatal Shooting In Westchester Apprehended After Shootout Fugitive Wanted For Fatal Shooting In Westchester Apprehended After Shootout
Fugitive Wanted For Fatal Shooting In Westchester Apprehended After Shootout A manhunt into the fatal shooting of a cab driver in Westchester led to the arrest of a wanted fugitive who was wanted in Connecticut after a shootout with police, authorities announced. Shortly before 3 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14, a New Rochelle police officer on patrol found a man, later identified as city resident Andres Valenzuela, on the ground in the parking lot of Juliano’s Caterer’s on Main Street with two apparent gunshot wounds. New Rochelle Police Capt. J. Collins Coyne said that he was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his wounds. Earlier story - P…
Six Arrested As Opioid Ring Operating Out Of Market/Deli In Area Is Taken Down, Authorities Say Six Arrested As Opioid Ring Operating Out Of Market/Deli In Area Is Taken Down, Authorities Say
Six Arrested As Opioid Ring Operating Out Of Market/Deli In Area Is Taken Down, Authorities Say A Hudson Valley drug task force announced the arrests of six people and the dismantling of a local criminal enterprise that operated out of an area market and deli, officials said. The Dutchess County Drug Task Force announced that they have broken up a drug ring that sold “counterfeit” Oxycodone pills and a fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits out of the Zaid Market and Deli on Main Street in the city of Poughkeepsie for more than a year. It is alleged that the owner of the market, Rami Nshaiwat, and his employees distributed large quantities of illegal opio…
Man Convicted Of Sex Trafficking Young Girls, Including From Westchester Man Convicted Of Sex Trafficking Young Girls, Including From Westchester
Man Convicted Of Sex Trafficking Young Girls, Including From Westchester A New York man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the sex trafficking of minors that included girls from a Westchester County residential treatment facility. Hurbert Dupigny, of Brooklyn, was sentenced on Thursday, June 24, after being found guilty in a jury trial last year, said Audrey Strauss, U.S. States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  “Dupigny victimized and violently abused, some of the most vulnerable members of our society for his own financial gain," Strauss said. "His predatory conduct irreparably damaged the lives of his victims." From at least August …
Woman Accused Of Conspiring With Father In So-Called Westchester College Sex Cult Case Woman Accused Of Conspiring With Father In So-Called Westchester College Sex Cult Case
Woman Accused Of Conspiring With Father In So-Called Westchester College Sex Cult Case A female cohort of the man accused of running a sex cult out of his daughter’s dorm at Sarah Lawrence College in Westchester Countyis facing charges for her role in helping him run the scheme. Staten Island resident Isabella Pollok, age 29, has been charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, and extortion conspiracy for helping Lawrence Ray manipulate and groom the college students, who the convicted felon met after moving into his daughter’s on-campus room in 2010. Original story - Father Of College Student In Westchester Charged With Sex Trafficking Her F…
Man Charged In Sex Cult Case At College In Westchester Accused Of Witness Tampering Man Charged In Sex Cult Case At College In Westchester Accused Of Witness Tampering
Man Charged In Sex Cult Case At College In Westchester Accused Of Witness Tampering The father of a former college student in Westchester who allegedly ran a sex cult out of his daughter’s dorm room for nearly a decade is now reportedly manipulating his victims from his prison cell. Lawrence Ray, 60, who is facing charges that include sex trafficking, extortion, and forced labor, has been allegedly attempting to control at least two of his victims from inside his cell, according to a New York Times report. Ray was released from prison in 2010 and moved into the co-ed dorm of his daughter at Sarah Lawrence College near the border of Yonkers and Bronxville. It is alleged th…
Bail Denied For Father Charged With Running Sex Cult At Area College Bail Denied For Father Charged With Running Sex Cult At Area College
Bail Denied For Father Charged With Running Sex Cult At Area College Bail has been denied for the father of a former college student in Westchester who allegedly ran a sex cult out of his daughter's dorm room at Sarah Lawrence College. A judge in Manhattan federal court denied the bail appeal of Lawrence Ray, 60, who pleaded not guilty to nine federal charges for allegedly moving into his daughter’s dorm at Sarah Lawrence College near the border of Bronxville and Yonkers and operating a sex cult. Specifically, Ray is charged with: Conspiracy to commit extortion; Extortion; Sex trafficking; Obtaining forced labor; Forced labor trafficking; C…