Rochester Teenager Convicted of Sex Trafficking

Rochester, N.Y. – Zaylik Harrison, a 21-year-old Rochester resident, has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor, according to Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr.

Harrison is facing a minimum of 10 years in prison and potentially life behind bars, along with a $250,000 fine. He must also register as a sex offender. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi detailed the case, revealing that between September 30, 2016, and October 6, 2016, Harrison coerced a teenage girl into participating in commercial sex acts at the Gates Motel on Buffalo Road in Gates, NY. The defendant then advertised the minor’s services on Backpage.com.

According to Rossi, Harrison rented rooms at the motel where the victim was forced to engage in prostitution with adult males over several days. Harrison retained all proceeds from these illegal activities.

The investigation leading to Harrison’s conviction was a collaborative effort between several law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; Monroe County Sheriff’s Office; Erie County Sheriff’s Office; Gates Police Department; Monroe County District Attorney’s Office; and Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

Sentencing is set for June 8, 2017, before Judge Siragusa. This case serves as a stark reminder of the efforts being made to combat human trafficking in New York State.