Buffalo Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking, Assaults

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A federal grand jury has indicted Michael McDonald, also known as George Jackson and Rabbit, on four counts of sex trafficking, marking a chilling escalation in the city’s ongoing battle against sex crime. The 41-year-old resident is now staring down the barrel of life imprisonment after authorities alleged he used force and coercion to enslave multiple women for his own gain.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, McDonald lured his victims with false promises, including a singing career, only to trap them in a cycle of exploitation. His crimes began in 2017 when the FBI launched an investigation into the defendant’s illegal sex buying scheme. The harrowing tale includes:

• McDonald promised Victim 1 a legitimate job dancing and stripping in Florida, but instead held her captive and forced her into prostitution both there and back in Buffalo.

• Victim 2 was lured from New York to Florida with the same lie, enduring sexual assault and threats before she was rescued by Plantation police.

• McDonald preyed on Victim 3 through social media, initially promising to help her achieve her dreams. Instead, he held her captive, forcing her into a life of sex work and subjecting her to physical abuse.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the FBI and Cheektowaga Police Department, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia and Chief Michael Sliwinski. The charges against McDonald reflect a relentless pursuit of justice for his victims.

As with all criminal charges, McDonald is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. However, if convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

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