Authorities in Florida say that a man who allegedly tricked women into prostitution and then used their money to support his lifestyle is now facing charges in Palm Beach County. The charges include human trafficking, kidnapping, and sexual assault. Sources report that the 27-year-old man was taken into police custody on Oct. 19.
An investigation leading to the charges began in July 2016 when a 19-year-old woman reported being lured to Broward County and forced to work as a prostitute under the man’s tutelage. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by news reporters, the woman never received any financial or other compensation “for her personal benefit.” A number of women between 18 and 22 years of age gave similar accounts to investigators. Some of the women reported being physically threatened or harmed by the charged man, and several indicated that they lived in a climate of fear.
The FBI, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Broward Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office cooperated in the joint investigation. The man is believed to have recruited women across the country through escort-service and related websites. At least one of the women responded to an ad for an exotic dancer on Craigslist.
These types of sex crimes are taken seriously, and a conviction could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. An attorney who understands the complexities of the criminal justice system may be able to present a range of defense options to a charged client that could ultimately serve and protect that individual’s best interests and future prospects. In some situations, the lawyer could negotiate with the prosecution for lesser charges or achieve a dismissal of the case due to a deficiency in the prosecution’s evidence.
Source: Local 10, “Deerfield Beach man lured women into becoming sex slaves, investigators say”, Peter Burke, Oct. 25, 2017
