As taken from an NYC District Attorney Press Release, August 1, 2012:

“Human beings are not property,” said District Attorney Vance. “It took the victim in this case great courage to come forward after suffering years of abuse at the hands of this sex trafficker, and I would like to thank her for her bravery. As in many sex trafficking cases, the victim suffered physical and psychological abuse, exploitation, and manipulation by the defendant, and I hope that today’s sentencing gives her some measure of peace as she continues her recovery. This case was the result of an investigation by my Office’s Human Trafficking Program, working closely with our partners in the anti-trafficking advocate community. I thank them for their dedication to helping sex trafficking victims rebuild their lives.”

After being coerced into prostitution for four years and tattooed “L$,” to show another man’s ownership over her life, an underage victim in NYC finally got a taste of justice; seeing her trafficker sentenced. Her perpetrator, Lamont Brunson, 33, received 3-to-9 years in prison for running a prostitution and sex trafficking ring. Upon being released from prison Brunson will also be required to register formally as a sex offender. 

If you’ve even been to New York and been seduced by her bright lights it’s easy to overlook her darker side. This victory in NYC is a great reminder for us all to 1. Pray for more victories and rescues, and 2. Support organizations like The A21 Campaign in their pursuit of justice. 

You can donate to I-HEART’s support of the A21 Campaign, through their Kiev safe house, HERE.