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New York Man Convicted in Human Trafficking Ring

A New York man pleaded guilty in New Haven, Connecticut federal court for his role in a human trafficking ring that forced adolescent and teenage girls to work as prostitutes and dancers.

Corey "Magnificent" Davis, 36, of Queens, pleaded admitted to one count of sex trafficking of a minor before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall. Davis was arrested in December 2006 on several charges including sex trafficking, forced labor and transportation of a minor for immoral purposes.

His trial was scheduled to begin on Monday. He has been detained since his arrest.

As a result of the guilty plea, Davis agreed to a prison term of 23 years when he is sentenced on June 2. Federal prosecutors said a victims' fund also has been created from profits of the criminal enterprise.

U.S. Attorney Kevin O'Connor said the plea deal lets the victims avoid testifying in court. "There are few crimes more heinous than sex trafficking of minors," O'Connor said.

Authorities said Davis forced a 12-year-old girl to be a sex slave in 2005, confining her to a house in New York and transporting her to Connecticut to work up to 12 hours a day as a prostitute. He also was accused of recruiting a 17-year-old girl in 2006 with the promise of a cheap apartment, but when she arrived, investigators say Davis took away her cell phone and locked her in an apartment.

They say Davis controlled all aspects of the girls' lives, including regulating their food intake and confiscating their identification documents.

The girls were slapped and beaten, threatened and confined to a house in Queens, authorities said. The 17-year-old worked at "Pleasant Moments" club in Bridgeport and in underground clubs, according to court documents. She was flown to Dallas, Texas, to engage in prostitution after she turned 18, authorities said.

One of the victims later called a Stratford police officer, who notified federal authorities. The operation allegedly allowed Davis to lead a life of luxury. Authorities seized $29,000 in cash, two Mercedes Benz cars, a two-family house in Queens, and jewelry worth $110,000, from Davis.

Adapted from: "NY man convicted in human trafficking ring." Newsday.com.  14 March 2008.