Brian Folks, 44, was found guilty on May 9, 2019, after a three-week trial in U.S. District Court in Burlington, Vermont, on 13 federal felonies tied to a brutal sex and drug trafficking operation that ran from 2012 to 2016. The jury convicted him on all counts, including five counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, and multiple drug distribution and conspiracy charges. Folks preyed on dozens of young, heroin-addicted women, exploiting their addiction and vulnerability to fuel his criminal enterprise.
Folks used manipulation, violence, and drug dependency to maintain control. Women testified that he initially promised to split earnings 50/50 from prostitution, but quickly turned that into total control—forcing them to hand over their share to buy heroin from him. He pocketed 100% of the profits while keeping his victims chemically and psychologically dependent. Many were homeless, survivors of childhood abuse, and deep in addiction by the time he targeted them.
Twenty witnesses, including eight victims, took the stand during the trial. Two victims died of overdoses before proceedings began. Others described being raped, beaten, and humiliated when they disobeyed Folks’ strict rules. He recorded degrading sexual acts during withdrawal episodes, using the footage to further control and shame them. One victim, only 17 when Folks recruited her, was later featured in a defamatory video he posted on his Facebook page after she tried to leave.
Folks also exploited underage girls, approaching three 17-year-olds struggling with addiction. He photographed them in their underwear and advertised them on Backpage.com’s escort section. One of those girls, now deceased, was the subject of the sex trafficking of a minor conviction. The jury deliberated just six hours before returning a full guilty verdict on all charges.
U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan called the conviction a “total vindication” for the victims. “Folks is a merciless predator who targeted vulnerable young addicted women,” she said. “We are grateful that a Vermont jury has served up justice.” She emphasized that the case is part of a broader anti-drug and anti-trafficking effort, crediting federal and local law enforcement for their relentless work and compassion toward survivors.
Folks now faces a mandatory minimum sentence under federal law, with sentencing scheduled for a later date. Authorities stress that human trafficking often hides in plain sight, especially when linked to addiction and the sex trade. They urge more victims to come forward, promising support, recovery services, and protection. The conviction stands as a stark warning: predators like Brian Folks will be hunted, exposed, and punished.
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Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking|Drug Trafficking|Sex Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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