Seven were arrested Wednesday morning in connection with a human sex trafficking ring based in Rochester.
US Attorney William Hochul says the seven defendants were charged in four separate complaints of sex trafficking of a minor and conspiracy to sex traffic minors. Two of the defendants are also charged with trafficking of an adult through force.
Hochul says there are nine known victims affiliated with the defendants. Seven of the victims are minors, as young as 14 years old. The US Attorney says the victims were coerced with the promise of drugs and alcohol, money, threats of violence, or violence. He says social media played a role in connecting some of the accused with victims.
The accused also used the website backpage.com, a free advertising and classifieds site, and My Provider, an escort service site.
Victims from the Rochester area were trafficked to Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, Utica, and in one case across state lines to New Jersey.
Hochul says human trafficking and sex trafficking are a lot more common than Rochester residents may realize. He provided tips for parents and children to follow in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe:
"Be aware of the nature of the threat. Be aware of the technology. Trust your gut."
Hochul says if it feels wrong, it probably is.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. The maximum sentence is life in prison.
