BUFFALO, N.Y. – A shocking case of human trafficking has come to a close with the conviction and sentencing of Thomas Cramer. Cramer was found guilty on four counts of sex trafficking of minors and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
According to court documents, from April through December 2011, Cramer enticed, promoted, and profited from the commercial sex activities of four young girls, knowing they were under 18 years old. He used the internet to identify and recruit victims who typically came from broken homes or were runaways.
Cramer lured young girls into the commercial sex business by promising them a "fancy life style," living and working in hotels while making money. In one exchange of text messages, he told a victim she could make much more money performing commercial sex acts than she could working at a grocery store.
The defendant placed advertisements on adult websites regarding the availability of the young girls for commercial sex acts. The acts took place at hotels in Rochester and Buffalo and in Cramer’s residence. Customers were charged between $180 and $200 per hour to engage in sexual activities with the victims, and Cramer received a portion of those proceeds.
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul said, "The decision from the Court of Appeals affirms this Office’s approach towards using federal law to combat a modern day form of slavery. It also serves as a warning to any who would exploit children and others for their financial gain: we will be relentless in prosecution, and sentences in the event of conviction will be substantial."
Cramer’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of being aware of the threat posed by predators. Parents and children are encouraged to visit the Office’s website, www.justice.gov/usao-wdny, to learn more about how to avoid becoming a victim.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant: Thomas Cramer
Criminal Charges: Four counts of sex trafficking of minors
City and State: Buffalo, New York
Date: April-December 2011
Sentence: 30 years in prison
Dollar Amounts: None
Related Federal Cases
- Johnny Ricardo Thomas, Sex Trafficking of Minors, South Carolina 2024 · North Carolina
- Jasmin Osteen, Sex Trafficking Conspiracy, New York 2020 · Florida
- Paul Edward Bell, Sex Trafficking, California 2012 · Alaska
- Kendall Andrew Streb, Child Sex Trafficking, Iowa 2023 · District of Columbia
- Edward Walker, Sex Trafficking, Florida 2020 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Sex Crimes|Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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