Tag

Sex Trafficking

All articles tagged with #sex trafficking

Botstein Resigns from Bard After Epstein Email Controversy
politics-and-education5 days ago

Botstein Resigns from Bard After Epstein Email Controversy

Leon Botstein resigned from all positions at Bard College after congressional Democrats demanded a criminal investigation into his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The demand followed the discovery of an email in which Botstein allegedly asked Epstein if a young woman was 'for me, or are you keeping her for yourself.' Botstein denied sending the message and claimed he resigned to protect the institution from distraction, while the college board accepted his resignation and launched a full review.

Malden landlord uncovers sex trafficking victim held in attic for six weeks
crime-and-courts13 days ago

Malden landlord uncovers sex trafficking victim held in attic for six weeks

Jordende Pierre, 29, faces federal and state charges for kidnapping and sexually trafficking a woman he met on a dating app. Prosecutors allege he held her captive for six weeks in an unfinished attic in Malden, Massachusetts, where she was found malnourished and locked in by a landlord investigating a water leak. Pierre, who was already out on bail for a prior assault charge, allegedly forced the victim to have sex with other men to pay for drugs. He was arrested Thursday by a joint federal and local task force and pleaded not guilty Friday.

Landlord’s Leak Repair Uncovers Six-Week Sex Trafficking Ring in Malden Attic
crime14 days ago

Landlord’s Leak Repair Uncovers Six-Week Sex Trafficking Ring in Malden Attic

Jordende Pierre, 29, faces federal and state charges for kidnapping and sexually trafficking a woman he met on a dating app. Prosecutors allege he held her captive for six weeks in an unfinished attic in Malden, Massachusetts, where she was found malnourished and locked in by a landlord investigating a water leak. Pierre, who was already out on bail for a prior assault charge, allegedly forced the victim to have sex with six other men to pay for drugs. He was arrested Thursday by a joint federal and local task force and pleaded not guilty Friday.

Philadelphia detectives plan to tear into Olney home as probe of Horsch’s digital archive deepens
crime17 days ago

Philadelphia detectives plan to tear into Olney home as probe of Horsch’s digital archive deepens

Philadelphia police are preparing to return to a dilapidated duplex in the Olney neighborhood for a deeper physical search, potentially removing walls and floorboards, as they investigate over one million digital files linked to Raymond 'R.C.' Horsch. The investigation, which began in June, has identified at least seven missing women, with five believed dead based on graphic images and videos recovered from the property. While no bodies or biological evidence have yet been found, a new witness has come forward with a 2012 account of being photographed by Horsch and his son, Eugene, who remains in federal custody on gun charges.

Romanian prosecutors indict Andrew Tate on minor trafficking and money-laundering charges
world-news1 month ago

Romanian prosecutors indict Andrew Tate on minor trafficking and money-laundering charges

Romanian prosecutors indicted Andrew Tate on trafficking of a minor and money-laundering charges, alleging he recruited a 15-year-old girl for sexual exploitation in the UK and Romania between 2012 and 2021; Tristan Tate is charged as an accomplice. The brothers, detained in Miami while fighting extradition to Britain, are accused of earning about $1.25 million from the alleged crimes, and authorities seek to confiscate luxury cars linked to the case. Tate has denied the allegations and the case is part of ongoing proceedings in Romania and abroad.

Tate Brothers Seek Bail in Miami as UK Extradition Fight Intensifies
world1 month ago

Tate Brothers Seek Bail in Miami as UK Extradition Fight Intensifies

In Miami, Andrew and Tristan Tate—dual American–British citizens—petition a judge to grant bail while they fight extradition to the United Kingdom on charges including rape and sex trafficking. Andrew testified he is not a rapist and called the proceeding his “last chance,” while Tristan described his online persona as a character and criticized custody conditions. The defense argued they are not flight risks and should remain free, whereas prosecutors warned they could evade justice and interfere with witnesses. The case also references separate Romanian charges tied to an alleged organized-crime group and trafficking.

Tate brothers complain about jail snacks as extradition fight heats up
us-news1 month ago

Tate brothers complain about jail snacks as extradition fight heats up

In a Miami detention center, Andrew and Tristan Tate, jailed while fighting extradition to the UK on dozens of charges including rape and human trafficking, complain about prison meals in a handwritten note shared by their lawyer, saying they have received only 14 snack items in 32 days for two men; their 28-page filing contends their wealth displays were for show to generate social media income as they remain in federal custody during extradition proceedings.

Ex-Abercrombie CEO Cleared to Stand Trial in Sex-Trafficking Case
crime1 month ago

Ex-Abercrombie CEO Cleared to Stand Trial in Sex-Trafficking Case

A federal judge ruled former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries mentally competent to stand trial on sex-trafficking charges after a four-month hospital stay for dementia-like symptoms. He and two co-defendants are set to be tried in October, with prosecutors alleging they used modeling promises to lure men to drug-fueled sex parties in New York City, the Hamptons, and elsewhere. Jeffries’ lawyers argued for ongoing care given his cognitive issues, but the judge found he understands courtroom procedures and legal concepts.

Ex-Abercrombie CEO Cleared to Stand Trial in Global Sex-Trafficking Case
crime1 month ago

Ex-Abercrombie CEO Cleared to Stand Trial in Global Sex-Trafficking Case

A federal judge ruled former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries is mentally competent to stand trial on federal sex-trafficking and interstate prostitution charges tied to an international scheme from 2008–2015, rejecting defense claims of dementia; the ruling followed review of testimony, medical reports, and 109 phone calls, and sets an October trial on Long Island with accommodations for proceedings, as Jeffries and associates allegedly coerced men into sexual acts under the guise of modeling opportunities at events worldwide.

Former Abercrombie CEO Cleared to Stand Trial in Global Sex-Trafficking Case
world1 month ago

Former Abercrombie CEO Cleared to Stand Trial in Global Sex-Trafficking Case

A federal judge ruled that former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries is competent to stand trial on sex trafficking and prostitution charges, reversing a prior finding of incompetence due to dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's. The decision followed review of medical records and more than 21 hours of audio from 109 calls, with the trial set to begin October 26. The court will provide accommodations for his age (81) and cognitive impairments, including a reduced schedule, breaks, and daily transcripts. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence. The charges arise from a global sex-trafficking operation uncovered after a BBC investigation.

Minnesota ‘Outstanding Refugee’ winner charged in $1M Medicaid fraud tied to trafficking ring
politics1 month ago

Minnesota ‘Outstanding Refugee’ winner charged in $1M Medicaid fraud tied to trafficking ring

Salman Elmi, a Minnesota immigrant once honored as an “Outstanding Refugee,” faces eight counts in a Medicaid fraud scheme—three for swindle and five for false representation—allegedly billing over $1 million. Two other participants are tied to a sex-trafficking ring. The DHS awarded Elmi in 2021 and the Outstanding Refugee Awards ended in 2024; the case has sparked social-media backlash amid broader Minnesota fraud investigations.

Former refugee entrepreneur faces Medicaid fraud charges tied to Minnesota sex-trafficking case
crime-and-public-safety1 month ago

Former refugee entrepreneur faces Medicaid fraud charges tied to Minnesota sex-trafficking case

Salman Ahmed Elmi, once named an “outstanding refugee” by Minnesota DHS and a co-owner of Tavolo, is charged with seven counts of Medicaid fraud for allegedly billing over $1 million for services not provided or not eligible through Reva Health in Golden Valley. Two co-defendants, including an former Anoka County prosecutor, are also charged; they’re tied to a sex-trafficking ring busted in Hennepin County last week. The indictment alleges falsified documents and kickbacks to obtain Medicaid reimbursements, with prosecutors signaling more victims may be identified as the case unfolds.

Former Minnesota county attorney tied to online sex-trafficking ring
crime1 month ago

Former Minnesota county attorney tied to online sex-trafficking ring

A former Anoka County assistant attorney, Andrea Leigh Sampson, faces 26 felony charges for allegedly running an online sex-trafficking ring in Hennepin County from 2020 to 2026, using shell companies to funnel profits and coordinating with three others including the alleged ringleader; investigators say properties were used to photograph victims for ads, Sampson was placed on leave and later fired, and bail was set at $1 million with future court appearances planned as more victims are sought.

White House declines to shield Tate brothers as extradition proceeds
politics2 months ago

White House declines to shield Tate brothers as extradition proceeds

The White House says it will not intervene in the extradition of Andrew and Tristan Tate to the United Kingdom on 59 charges including rape and sex trafficking; US marshals detained the brothers in Miami, who also face Romanian and Florida investigations. The article traces how MAGA-era media elevated Tate and tied him to Trump allies, then labels the administration’s move as a political recalibration after Tate attacked Trump on Iran. It also notes reporting of Tate's links to Barron Trump and rising congressional scrutiny, with Rep. Ansari urging an investigation into possible influence-peddling and Barron’s potential testimony, signaling fallout for Trump’s circle.