“Walter Melvin was convicted by a Manhattan jury of trafficking a 15-year-old girl and attempting to traffick a 16-year-old girl and will now serve a significant prison sentence for his crimes against these children,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Even after he was arrested, Melvin continued to harass and bribe these young survivors in an effort to evade responsibility for his horrific actions. I thank the jury for its careful consideration of the evidence in this case, and my office’s prosecutors for ensuring accountability for those who profit off of the abuse of children.”

“Winston Williams kept a woman trapped in a cycle of drugs and debts while lining his pockets,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Traffickers target vulnerable New Yorkers all too often, as this defendant did by specifically seeking out someone with substance use disorders. If you or someone you know has information about forced labor, sexual exploitation, or related forms of coercion, please contact our Human Trafficking Unit at 212-335-3400. Help is available.”

“Jonathan Ruiz ran a violent sex trafficking operation that spanned from Massachusetts to Delaware,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Even while incarcerated, he continued to harm a trafficking survivor by hiding her from law enforcement and continuing to use her to make a profit. We want survivors to know that this is a safe place to seek help. Please call us at 212-335-3400.”  

“While this case contains the elements of coercion and control that we see in all of our trafficking prosecutions, the allegations here are especially, disturbingly violent,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The swift and effective coordination between the NYPD’s 30th Precinct, the NYPD’s Human Trafficking Squad, and my office’s dedicated prosecutors and investigators led to the arrest of this alleged trafficker. This indictment speaks to the power of our collaboration, and I am thankful for their commitment to this work.”