“This horrific trafficking and narcotics operation centered around a state employee’s insider information and access to firearms, we allege,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Deanna DiCastro allegedly funneled firearms to her partner, Gilliam Cordero, to use in a violent trafficking operation that even included forcing a survivor to transport narcotics into state prison. Our Human Trafficking Unit has specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors to seek accountability and help survivors rebuild their lives. Please call us at 212-335-3400.”

D.A. Bragg said: “Curtis Brown used extreme violence to manipulate, control, and coerce women to conduct prostitution. Today marks the end of a harrowing ordeal for these survivors. I thank them for their bravery and their commitment to pursuing justice.”

“For more than a decade, Curtis Brown profited from this extremely controlling, coercive, and violent operation,” said District Attorney Bragg. “With explicit rules and brutal punishments for perceived slights, he forcibly trafficked at least two women, including his wife, the mother of his child. After his arrest, he threatened to kill her if she testified, on top of committing perjury by repeatedly lying about his actions. Thank you to the members of the jury for their careful consideration of this very difficult case, and to the brave survivors who took the stand to secure justice for his years of abuse.” 

“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.”