Tag:

Sex Trafficking

Suffolk County Duo Forced Women Into Prostitution, DA Says Suffolk County Duo Forced Women Into Prostitution, DA Says
Suffolk County Duo Forced Women Into Prostitution, DA Says A man who allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl is among two Long Island defendants accused of forcing women into prostitution. Danny St. Louis, age 43, of Bay Shore, and Samantha Wimmer, age 37, of Central Islip, were arraigned on a total of 33 criminal charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, April 11. Prosecutors said St. Louis advertised and sold women for sex several times to various buyers between March 2023 and March 2024, with Wimmer serving as photographer for pictures that were used in his ads. After taking one victim’s ID and cell phone to prevent her from leaving, St. Louis ma…
'Deplorable': Pimp Forced Suffolk Co. Woman Into Sex Work, Beat Her When She Refused, DA Says 'Deplorable': Pimp Forced Suffolk Co. Woman Into Sex Work, Beat Her When She Refused, DA Says
'Deplorable': Pimp Forced Suffolk Co. Woman Into Sex Work, Beat Her When She Refused, DA Says Formal charges have been filed against a man accused of forcing a Long Island woman into prostitution and allegedly beating her when she refused. Michael Howell, age 64, of Brooklyn, was indicted on sex trafficking and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Feb. 29. Prosecutors allege that between September 2022 and February 2024, Howell forced the Suffolk County woman to engage in sexual acts with others for money. He rented hotel rooms and posted ads of the victim on websites typically used to advertise sex work, investigators said. In order to get the woman to comply, How…
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 …
'Blight On Community' Sayville Motel That Housed Alleged Sex, Drug Trafficking Ring Sold 'Blight On Community' Sayville Motel That Housed Alleged Sex, Drug Trafficking Ring Sold
'Blight On Community' Sayville Motel That Housed Alleged Sex, Drug Trafficking Ring Sold Nearly a year after the owner and several employees of a Long Island motel were charged in an alleged sex and drug trafficking operation, the property has a new owner. The Sayville Motor Lodge, located in Sayville on Sunrise Highway, was sold to another company, the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District announced Tuesday, Oct. 3. US District Judge Joanna Seybert approved the sale for $2 million, with the payment from the state’s proceeds going to prior lenders on the property. The remaining proceeds will be forfeited to the government, which will seek to have the funds given to vic…
Hauppauge Man Forced Women Into Sex Trafficking 'Movement,' Branded Victims, Feds Say Hauppauge Man Forced Women Into Sex Trafficking 'Movement,' Branded Victims, Feds Say
Hauppauge Man Forced Women Into Sex Trafficking 'Movement,' Branded Victims, Feds Say Two Long Island men are facing federal charges for allegedly running sex trafficking rings. Lamont Young, age 41, of Hauppauge, and Michail McKen, age 35, of Baldwin are named in separate indictments that were unsealed in federal court in Central Islip Wednesday, Sept. 27. According to prosecutors, both men forced women to engage in prostitution by subjecting them to violence. Young spent a decade recruiting victims, beginning in 2011, by promising them financial stability, prosecutors said. He allegedly then used violence, fraud, and coercion to force them into performing commercial sex a…
Sex Cult Leader At College In NY Draws 60-Year Sentence Sex Cult Leader At College In NY Draws 60-Year Sentence
Sex Cult Leader At College In NY 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. …
Owner, Employees Of Sayville Motel Accused Of Facilitating Sex Trafficking, Drug Sales Owner, Employees Of Sayville Motel Accused Of Facilitating Sex Trafficking, Drug Sales
Owner, Employees Of Sayville Motel Accused Of Facilitating Sex Trafficking, Drug Sales The owner and employees of a Long Island motel were charged after investigators found that they allowed and profited from prostitution and narcotics trafficking at the business. The news comes after an investigation into activities at the Sayville Motor Lodge, according to an announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 2, from Breon Peace, United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Peace said the following individuals were charged with sex trafficking conspiracy and managing a drug premises: Narendarakuma Dadarwala, age 76, of Sayville Shardaben Dadarwala, age 69, of Sayville J…
Amityville Man Sentenced For 'Terrorizing Young Women, Coercing Them Into Commercial Sex Acts' Amityville Man Sentenced For 'Terrorizing Young Women, Coercing Them Into Commercial Sex Acts'
Amityville 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…
Coram Man Convicted Of Attempting To Traffic, Kidnap Women In Suffolk County Coram Man Convicted Of Attempting To Traffic, Kidnap Women In Suffolk County
Coram Man Convicted Of Attempting To Traffic, Kidnap Women In Suffolk County A 57-year-old man was convicted of attempting to traffic and kidnap two women on Long Island. Andrew Frey, of Coram, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and obstruction of justice on Tuesday, Sept. 27, according to Breon Peace, United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York. The guilty plea follows his conviction on Tuesday, Sept. 20, by a federal jury on charges for the attempted sex trafficking and attempted kidnapping of two victims, Peace reported.  “Frey targeted and used violence against vulnerable members of our society seeking to explo…
‘Trusted Lieutenant’ Of NY College Sex-Cult Leader Admits To Conspiracy ‘Trusted Lieutenant’ Of NY College Sex-Cult Leader Admits To Conspiracy
‘Trusted Lieutenant’ Of NY 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 For Sex Trafficking May Have Hundreds Of NY Victims, FBI Says Woman Under Arrest For Sex Trafficking May Have Hundreds Of NY Victims, FBI Says
Woman Under Arrest For Sex Trafficking May Have Hundreds Of NY 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…
Central Islip Duo Admits To Conspiracy To Commit Sex Trafficking Of Minor Central Islip Duo Admits To Conspiracy To Commit Sex Trafficking Of Minor
Central Islip Duo Admits To Conspiracy To Commit Sex Trafficking Of Minor A pair on Long Island is facing life in prison after admitting to conspiring to use the Internet to sex traffic a minor, federal prosecutors announced. Central Islip residents Terron “Loso" Newsome, age 25, and Fredjy Exavier, age 25, pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday, May 20 to their roles in a conspiracy to abuse at least two minors. Specifically, Newsome and Exavier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking of a minor. As part of his guilty plea, Newsome also admitted to attempting to engage in the sex trafficking of a 12-year-old vic…
Ex-Cop Admits To Protecting Queens Prostitution Rings In Exchange For Sex Ex-Cop Admits To Protecting Queens Prostitution Rings In Exchange For Sex
Ex-Cop Admits To Protecting Queens 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…
NY College Sex Cult Leader Found Guilty On All Charges NY College Sex Cult Leader Found Guilty On All Charges
NY College Sex Cult Leader 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 Police Officer, Charged In Sex Trafficking, Bribery Scheme Six, Including Police Officer, Charged In Sex Trafficking, Bribery Scheme
Six, Including Police Officer, 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…
Suffolk Man Convicted Of Murder, Narcotics Distribution, Sex Trafficking Suffolk Man Convicted Of Murder, Narcotics Distribution, Sex Trafficking
Suffolk Man Convicted Of Murder, Narcotics Distribution, Sex Trafficking A Long Island Bloods gang member faces life in prison after being found guilty of murder, forcible rape, sex trafficking, and drug possession, among other offenses during a four-week trial. Lawrence Lewis, also known as “L Boogs,” age 38, of Claverton, was convicted Tuesday, Nov. 9, for the 2017 murder of John Birt, the forcible rape and sex trafficking of a Suffolk County woman, racketeering, multiple firearms offenses, narcotics possession and distribution, and witness tampering, according to the US Attorney's Office. As proven at trial, between April 2004 and June 2019, Lewis, as a membe…
27-Year-Old Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Victim To Long Island Hotels, Motels 27-Year-Old Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Victim To Long Island Hotels, Motels
27-Year-Old Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Victim To Long Island Hotels, Motels A Long Island man has been sentenced for forcing a victim to engage in prostitution at hotels and motels in Suffolk and Nassau counties over the course of two years.  Dominic Cunningham, age 27, of Roosevelt, had pleaded guilty to three felony sex trafficking counts, and charges of second-degree promoting prostitution, and third-degree intimidating a victim or witness, according to the Nassau County District Attorney.  He was sentenced on Friday, July 9 to seven years in prison and a maximum of five years of supervision after his release. He is also required to register as a …
Long Island Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking, Exploitation Of Minors Long Island Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking, Exploitation Of Minors
Long Island Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking, Exploitation Of Minors A "Bloods" gang member from Long Island has been charged with alleged sex trafficking, interstate prostitution, and child pornography. Joshua Lampley-Reid, age 26, of West Hempstead, a member of the Makk Balla set of the Bloods, was arrested and Wednesday, June 9, and arraigned on the charges on Thursday, June 10, according to Mark J. Lesko, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Lampley-Reid was charged with sex trafficking, coercion, and enticement of minors, sexual exploitation of a minor, transportation of child pornography, and interstate prostitution. “As alleged,…
Man Nabbed For Prostitution, Sex Trafficking At Long Island Hotel, Police Say Man Nabbed For Prostitution, Sex Trafficking At Long Island Hotel, Police Say
Man Nabbed For Prostitution, Sex Trafficking At Long Island Hotel, Police Say A 36-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly promoting prostitution and sex trafficking on Long Island. Robert Richards, age 36, of Springfield Gardens in Queens, was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 24, in Rockville Centre following an investigation at an area hotel, said the Nassau County Police. According to Narcotics Vice Squad detectives, an investigation at the Best Western located at 173 Sunrise Highway led to the arrest of Richards. Richards was charged with sex trafficking and promoting prostitution. He will be arraigned on Friday, Feb. 26, in Mineola.
Woman Accused Of Conspiring With Father In So-Called College Sex Cult Case Woman Accused Of Conspiring With Father In So-Called College Sex Cult Case
Woman Accused Of Conspiring With Father In So-Called 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…
Long Island Man Indicted For Alleged Sex Trafficking Operation Long Island Man Indicted For Alleged Sex Trafficking Operation
Long Island Man Indicted For Alleged Sex Trafficking Operation A 29-year-old man has been indicted for allegedly conducting a sex trafficking operation on Long Island. William Wilkinson, of Hempstead, was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 2, said Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini. An investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Suffolk County Police Department’s Human Trafficking Investigations Unit revealed evidence that Wilkinson allegedly ran a sex trafficking operation throughout Suffolk and Nassau counties as early as November 2019. Wilkinson allegedly provided his victims with narcotics and subje…
Long Island Man Sentenced For Running Human Trafficking Ring Out Of Parents' Basement Long Island Man Sentenced For Running Human Trafficking Ring Out Of Parents' Basement
Long Island Man Sentenced For Running Human Trafficking Ring Out Of Parents' Basement A 48-year-old Long Island man has been sentenced to nearly a decade in prison after running a sex trafficking ring out of his parents' basement. Raymond Rodio III, a resident of the Brookhaven hamlet of Sound Beach, has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of sex trafficking in February. In total, Rodio trafficked nearly two dozen women over the past five years, forcefully detaining some in the basement of his parents' Lower Rocky Point Road home without a shower or bathroom. Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini said that Rodi…
Long Island Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Teen Victim For Nearly A Year Long Island Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Teen Victim For Nearly A Year
Long Island Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Teen Victim For Nearly A Year A Long Island man has been charged for alleged sex trafficking involving a teenager in various hotels for nearly a year. Baldwin resident Jordan McCormick was indicted by a grand jury this week for allegedly trafficking a teen across Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn between September last year and June this year. Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said that beginning in September last year, McCormick allegedly trafficked his victim to various hotels. It is further alleged that McCormick physically abused the teenager and drugged her so that she could stay awake to make mo…
College Sex Trafficking Case Dad Pleads Not Guilty To Nine Charges College Sex Trafficking Case Dad Pleads Not Guilty To Nine Charges
College Sex Trafficking Case Dad Pleads Not Guilty To Nine Charges The father of a former college student in Westchester has denied that he ran a sex cult out of his daughter’s dorm room by manipulating students. Lawrence Ray, 60, has pleaded not guilty to nine federal charges that he’s facing 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; Conspiracy to obtain forced labor; Two counts of violating the travel act; Money l…
Father Of Student At Area College Charged With Sex Trafficking Her Friends Father Of Student At Area College Charged With Sex Trafficking Her Friends
Father Of Student At Area College Charged With Sex Trafficking Her Friends The father of a former college student in Westchester has been charged with running an alleged sex cult out of his daughter’s dorm room for nearly a decade. Lawrence Ray, 60, who was the subject of a cover story for New York Magazine, has been charged with sex trafficking, extortion, forced labor, and other offenses, officials announced on Tuesday, Feb. 11. 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 that Ray subjected “his victims to sexual and psychological manipulati…
Man Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Of Minors In Area Man Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Of Minors In Area
Man Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Of Minors In Area A 23-year-old man from Queens will spend nearly two decades behind bars after being sentenced in Manhattan federal court for his involvement in sex trafficking minors, including one from a residential treatment facility in Westchester. Luidji Benjamin has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for sex trafficking of minor females, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman announced. He was convicted by a federal jury of one count of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, following a five-day jury trial earlier this year. Following his release from prison, Benjam…
Man Extradited From Mexico To Face Sex Trafficking Charges In Case Involving Queens Minors Man Extradited From Mexico To Face Sex Trafficking Charges In Case Involving Queens Minors
Man Extradited From Mexico To Face Sex Trafficking Charges In Case Involving Queens Minors A man from Mexico is back in the States after being extradited to face charges for an alleged sex trafficking conspiracy involving minors in Queens. Jose Miguel Melendez-Rojas, 45, was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, Aug. 15 in Brooklyn federal court on an 18-count indictment charging him with operating a sex trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking of minors, interstate prostitution, alien smuggling, and a money-laundering conspiracy.  Melendez-Rojas was arrested in February in Mexico following a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Mexican Federal Po…
Queens Man Convicted Of Sex Trafficking Offenses Queens Man Convicted Of Sex Trafficking Offenses
Queens Man Convicted Of Sex Trafficking Offenses A 23-year-old man from Queens has been convicted of sex trafficking a pair of minors, including one that lived in a residential treatment facility in Westchester County. Following a five-day trial, Luidji “Zoe” Benjamin, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking of a minor, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman announced this week. In 2015, Benjamin “engaged in sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of two minors,” Berman said. Benjamin recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, and maintained women for the purpose of commercial se…