Ralph Wallace, Sex Trafficking, New York 2021

Ralph Wallace, a 36-year-old man from the Bronx, New York, has been charged with violent sex trafficking of multiple women. According to the indictment, Wallace, also known as "Chase" and "Prize," recruited women to engage in commercial sex between 2021 and 2025.

The indictment alleges that Wallace used violence and coercion to force the women to continue engaging in commercial sex. This included beating, punching, choking, and dragging women on multiple occasions. Wallace also withheld money for basic necessities, such as food and toiletries, unless the women agreed to continue engaging in commercial sex on his behalf.

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said, "As alleged, Ralph Wallace systematically exploited and abused women, using horrific violence to force women to engage in prostitution against their will. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue those who engage in sex trafficking."

HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso added, "This defendant’s arrest signals the beginning of a long journey toward freedom for women who for years have endured unimaginably cruel violence and abuse. Today’s charges are a direct result of these victims’ continued strength, despite Ralph Wallace’s alleged inhumane treatment and manipulation."

Wallace is charged with two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, each carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. He is also charged with one count of transportation to engage in prostitution, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Madison Reddick Smyser and Getzel Berger are in charge of the prosecution. If you believe you are a victim of a crime perpetrated by Wallace, please contact HSI at Sextrafficking_outreach@hsi.dhs.gov or via their mobile tip-line at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP and reference this case.

Wallace was arrested this morning in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave in Manhattan federal court. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.

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