Luidji Benjamin, Sex Trafficking of Minors, New York 2023

Sex Trafficker Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Exploiting Minor Victims

Grimy Times has learned that Luidji Benjamin, 23, of Queens, New York, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for sex trafficking of minor females. The sentencing took place on December 1, 2023, in Manhattan federal court.

Benjamin was convicted by a federal jury of one count of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, following a five-day jury trial. The U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff handed down the sentence.

According to the allegations, from Fall 2015 to December 2015, Benjamin engaged in sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of two minor victims. He recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, and maintained women for the purpose of commercial sex, including one minor victim who resided at a residential treatment facility in Westchester County.

Benjamin used social media, Backpage.com, and Craigslist.com to post advertisements for commercial sex, including graphic images of his victims. He directed one of the victims to engage in commercial sex acts in cars and residences throughout Queens, New York.

Benjamin and a co-conspirator also recruited a second minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts. They spent the proceeds of the scheme on marijuana, liquor, and other goods for themselves.

This case is part of an ongoing investigation that has charged 19 defendants, including Benjamin, for the sex trafficking of at least 13 minor girls and young adults in New York State's social services system.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/luidji-benjamin-aka-zoe-sentenced-manhattan-federal-court-17-years-sex-trafficking