Bakari Bizzle McMillan, Sex Trafficking, South Carolina 2014

Charleston, South Carolina — A sprawling sex trafficking ring that exploited over 100 young women and minors across the Southeast has been dismantled, with nine defendants sentenced to federal prison. The operation, run through coercion, violence, and psychological control, forced victims into nightly commercial sex acts under brutal conditions from 2014 through 2016.

Bakari McMillan, a/k/a “Bizzle”, age 25, of Columbia, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after being convicted at trial in March 2017 on charges of Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking and Trafficking of a Minor for Sex Involving Force, Fraud, and Coercion, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1) and (b)(1). Corey Miller, a/k/a “Clow”, a/k/a “C”, a/k/a “OG P”, age 44, of Orangeburg, received 20 years on the same charges following his trial conviction.

The following defendants pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking and received the following sentences: Tremel Black, a/k/a “Sincere”, a/k/a “New York”, age 33, of New York, sentenced to 25 years; Robert Black, a/k/a “Kareem Banks”, a/k/a “Nino Black”, a/k/a “Black”, age 47, of New York, sentenced to 20 years; Desmond Singletary, a/k/a “Six”, age 32, of Florence, sentenced to 15 years; Kerry Taylor, a/k/a “KJ”, age 23, of Columbia, sentenced to 11 years; Ryan Turner, a/k/a “Gotti”, a/k/a “Qweezy”, age 25, of Columbia, sentenced to 10 years; Da’Shun Curry, a/k/a “Dae Dae”, age 25, of Columbia, sentenced to 9 years; and Howard Parker, a/k/a “Poppa”, age 25, of Columbia, sentenced to 6 years.

Damon Jackson, a/k/a “D”, a/k/a “Daddy Frost”, was also convicted at trial and is awaiting sentencing. Evidence revealed the defendants targeted vulnerable women and underage girls, using physical beatings, drug manipulation, brandings, and death threats to maintain control. Victims were forced to follow strict rules and perform sex acts for multiple “Johns” each night, treated as commodities in a criminal enterprise that spanned state lines.

All defendants were handed lifetime supervised release, mandatory registration as sex offenders, and required participation in computer and internet monitoring programs. U.S. Attorney Beth Drake emphasized the growing trend of gangs shifting from drug operations to human trafficking: “We have the legal tools to take the organizations apart, and need the public’s help. If you see something, say something.” She urged tips via the Polaris Hotline at 1-888-3737-888.

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime, akin to modern day slavery,” said acting Atlanta HSI Special Agent in Charge Gregory L. Wiest. The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Shawn Caines and North Charleston Police Department Detective Charlie Benton. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Austin and Rhett DeHart prosecuted the case, marking one of the most significant human trafficking convictions in South Carolina’s recent history.

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