Clifton H. Gibbs, Sex Trafficking and Forced Labor, Delaware 2024

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Table of Contents

Defendant Convicted of Sex Trafficking and Forced Labor

A federal jury in the District of Delaware convicted Clifton H. Gibbs, 68, of Sussex County today on multiple counts of sex trafficking and forced labor.

Gibbs was convicted of seven counts of sex trafficking seven adult victims, five counts of forced labor, and one count of interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution.

According to the evidence presented at the seven-day trial, Gibbs exploited the victims’ heroin addiction and fears of withdrawal sickness to compel them to engage in commercial sex, panhandle, perform demanding manual labor on his property, and to steal goods for him to resell.

Gibbs’ co-defendant, Brooke Waters, 46, previously pled guilty to sex trafficking, forced labor, and interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution charges.

‘Today’s conviction vindicates the rights of multiple victims who the defendant trafficked over several years within the District of Delaware,’ said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division.

‘This defendant preyed on individuals suffering from opiate addiction and cruelly exploited them for his own profit. The Justice Department is committed to aggressively fighting human trafficking and seeking justice for its victims.’

‘I hope that today’s verdict brings some measure of closure for the victims in this case,’ said Acting U.S. Attorney Shannon T. Hanson for the District of Delaware.

‘I commend the victims’ bravery and willingness to testify to bring this defendant to justice. Our communities are much safer, and this verdict should serve as a warning to other individuals who exploit victims for personal gain.’

The conviction of Clifton H. Gibbs highlights the strong partnership between Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Justice in the fight against human trafficking.

Gibbs preyed on vulnerable individuals, feeding their addiction for profit through forced labor and commercial sex.

HSI remains committed to working alongside federal partners to dismantle trafficking networks, bring perpetrators to justice, and through our victim-centered approach, support victims as they reclaim their lives.