In New York City, a married couple was arrested for allegedly pimping young women in their care via the foster system as part their five-year sex Trafficking operation.
Sharice Mitchell (51), and Kareem “Napoleon”, 38, were indicted for sex trafficking, conspiracy in the fourth degree, by the New York Supreme Court. They are accused of operating a sex-trafficking operation that involved at least eight women, starting in 2018.
Prosecutors noted that two of the women were placed under the care of the wife in her capacity as a New York State certified foster parent. He was already a registered sexual offender, and faces additional charges for promoting prostitution in third degree and aggravated harassment second degree.
Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney, stated in a statement Wednesday that “sex traffickers target New York’s most vulnerable people,” According to the allegations, this husband-and-wife forced eight young women into prostitution instead of providing a safe place. These proactive investigations will be prioritized to stop sex trafficking and keep New Yorkers safe.
Kareem Mitchell, a federally convicted sex offender for transporting a minor to prostitution and other related offenses in 2008, is a registered victim. Court documents claim that he operated a sex trading operation that involved at least eight women from November 2018 to February 2022.
He used Instagram and Facebook to recruit women, and then subjected them verbally and physically to coerce them into prostitution. This included in cars and hotels in Midtown Manhattan and other parts of Manhattan as well as Brooklyn and Queens, and the Bronx.
His wife lied to him about her application to be a foster parent. She claimed she didn’t live with her husband, even though he was registered at the same address. Two young women were placed in Sharice Mitchell’s care. They were then recruited into the couple’s prostitution ring.
Foster care is available to young people up to age 21. Prosecutors allege Sharice exploited the vulnerable who sought shelter in the foster care system to avoid New York City’s streets.
According to New York Daily News, “Prostitution advertisements were placed less than one month after her placing with the defendant,” Assistant District attorney Lauren Breen stated Wednesday in a Manhattan Criminal Court hearing about one of two women in foster care.
Judge Felicia Mennin had Kareem Mitchell placed under house arrest. If convicted, he could face up to 100 years in prison. Sharice Mitchell was released on bail at $500,000, and could face up to 75 years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors claimed that the District Attorney’s Office gathered evidence during a nine month investigation based on communications, physical surveillance, and records from Zelle, CashApp, and Zelle.
New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services stated that it is cooperating with the investigation.
The agency released a statement saying that it takes safety seriously the children and youth in New York City’s foster system. “The vast majority foster parents offer safe and loving environments. We don’t tolerate anyone who puts children at risk or exploits them.