Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty To Sex Trafficking Charges As Trial Was About To Begin

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
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BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today Anthony Thompson, a/k/a Fresh Tone, 35, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life and a fine of $250,000. 

“Today’s conviction, together with this week’s arrest of two other defendants for production of child pornography, depicts the dark side of modern communication devices and applications” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “The cases also serve as a warning to all of the many ways predators seek to manipulate children through technology into engaging in sexually explicit conduct. By education and dialogue, such conduct – which criminals would otherwise seek to keep in the shadows – can be exposed and prevented.”

"This investigation highlights HSI's commitment to identify and investigate trafficking threats, as well as protect victims' rights and bring traffickers to justice," said ICE-HSI Special Agent in Charge James Spero. "We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle human trafficking networks in our community."

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marie Grisanti and Trini E. Ross, who are handling the case, stated that Thompson engaged in the sex trafficking of two adults and one minor, between November 2012 and September 2014. The defendant recruited and enticed the three victims to engage in commercial sex acts at his direction. One of the victims was recruited through social media. Thompson then advertised the availability of the victims on social media including “Backpage.com.” The defendant also required that some victims “walk the streets” in order to attract customers for commercial sex. As a result, Thompson received all the money earned from the commercial sex acts by the victims.

Thompson pleaded guilty today as a federal jury was to begin hearing evidence involving the charges against him. Included in the Government’s evidence was a rap video showing the defendant’s state of mind regarding prostitution and prostitutes.

Rap lines included:

• “I'm the s--- I had a lot of hoes... And when they left I went and got some more. I rap to em then them b------ want to rock and roll. Ha. You think I'm playin' but I'm really pimpin'. I don't do the 50/50 with em.”

• “Papa's fat and I don't ever wanna diet. I sell dreams and these b------ really buy it. You wanna work bring some money and you hired.”

In a social media posting, the defendant describes the sexual exploitation of women as “tha best thing goin.” Thompson also compares the sale of women to the sale of narcotics, “U can sell it n still have it after you sell it. It goes nowhere….u don’t have to re up, or u not riskin years n jail.”

U.S. Attorney Hochul further stated “while the likely sentence will prevent this defendant from victimizing any other young women, the public at large must be on alert and vigilant for other potential predators.”

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.