“A hallmark of sex trafficking is coercion, which we allege was employed here through a despicable cycle of drugs and debts,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Again and again we see traffickers prey on vulnerabilities to turn a profit while maintaining control. Our Human Trafficking Unit is here to help with expert attorneys and investigators and robust victim services – please call us at 212-335-3400.”

“As alleged, these individuals targeted a 14-year-old who frequently ran away from home, abusing her and profiting off of her,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The child’s age is exceedingly common in human trafficking cases and illustrates why my office is fighting to eliminate the statute of limitations for sex trafficking. This young girl has been put through an unimaginably terrible ordeal, and it is no wonder why it might take survivors more than a very narrow five years to come forward.”

“These alleged acts are absolutely horrendous, and I cannot imagine the physical, emotional and mental trauma this survivor continues to experience. It took extraordinary strength and courage for her to come forward and our team of specially trained prosecutors, investigators and social workers will support her with every resource we have available,” said District Attorney Bragg. “My Office is here to fully assist anyone who has been the survivor of sexual abuse and trafficking, and I urge anyone who has experienced this type of violence and abuse to call us at 212-335-3400.”

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr., said: “It is long past time for New York State to eliminate the statute of limitations for sex trafficking and child sex trafficking. When we give survivors more time to report, they come forward. Five years is simply not enough – which the State recognized when it eliminated the statute of limitations for serious sex crimes two decades ago. I call on the legislature to help us support survivors and prosecute traffickers: pass this critical bill this session. Thank you to the bill’s sponsors, Senator Cleare and Assemblymember Dinowitz, as well as the survivors and advocates who stood with us today, for their persistence, dedication, and leadership.”

“Kareem and Sharice Mitchell preyed on young New Yorkers, including two entrusted to their care,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The vulnerabilities exploited by the Mitchells – youth, homelessness, isolation – are common among trafficking survivors. Those same vulnerabilities often prevent survivors from coming forward to law enforcement. I call on the legislature to confront the realities of sex trafficking in New York State: help us dismantle operations like these by eliminating the criminal statute of limitations.”