Attorney General Michelle Henry and the Pennsylvania State Police announce the disbanding of a long-running, Philadelphia-based human trafficking ring with charges against 22 individuals.
Terrance L. Jones, of Philadelphia, is the alleged leader of the ring, having posed as a female (“Julia”) to recruit commercial sex workers, who were taken to and from “dates” by drivers hired by Jones.
Jones, 52, is charged with corrupt organizations, trafficking in individuals, involuntary servitude, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses. He was arrested on Oct. 18 and arraigned. Bail was set at $2 million.
Thomas Reilly, one of the hired drivers, is charged with similar offenses, as well as rape and other sexual assault offenses. Reilly, 54, was arraigned and bail was set at $1 million.
Also charged are Natoria Jones (Terrance Jones’ daughter), who served as a financial manager; three other drivers; and 16 commercial sex buyers.
The charges result from a years-long, comprehensive investigation by the Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, and 50th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, which heard testimony and returned a presentment about conduct spanning from 2012 to 2023.
“For more than a decade, Terrance Jones allegedly tricked vulnerable young women into his web of control and abuse, disregarding their well-being and safety to make a profit,” Attorney General Henry said. “These charges and arrests are huge steps toward holding Jones and his cohorts accountable for a reign of terror that caused pain and suffering.”
“Today, we stand firm in our commitment to keeping communities safe as we announce these significant human trafficking arrests,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner. “The Pennsylvania State Police and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to supporting victims and ensuring that those who exploit others face the full weight of the law.”
Also charged are: James Rudolph, Rhaheem Hill, and Joseph Franklin (drivers); and Joseph Szegila, Christopher Wood, Stephen Osborne, Pasquale Difelice, Steven May, Michael Bonczak, Brian Smith, Christopher Bello, Jonathan Fellenz, Robert Brutsche, Kevin Bullock, Boris Volinsky, Brian Nice, Gary Ames, Grady Durham, and Gregory Doto (commercial sex buyers).
Charging commercial sex buyers is essential to reducing trafficking because, without buyers, traffickers would have no source of income. Individuals willing to pay other people to exploit young women fuel the existence of human trafficking.
Anyone with information about Jones they believe law enforcement should have is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations at 215-452-5239.
Jones is accused of running the operation from his residence from 2012 through February 2023. He used the persona of a female, “Julia,” to recruit commercial sex workers. The individuals he called to recruit believed they were speaking to a woman. Jones chose recruits who were dealing with substance abuse disorder or other hardships.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Erik Olsen and Senior Deputy Attorney General Helen Park. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Original source can be found here.