Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution has successfully obtained a 19-year prison sentence for Brandon Gutman, a human trafficker who forced a woman and teenage girl into the sex trade. Gutman, from Boca Raton, pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges related to his involvement in a human trafficking operation that spanned several years. The investigation revealed that Gutman utilized various forms of manipulation and violence to coerce his victims into engaging in commercial sexual activity.
According to law enforcement officials, Gutman withheld money and identification documents from the victims, ensuring their dependence on him and their inability to escape the situation. The victims suffered physical abuse, emotional trauma, and financial exploitation at the hands of Gutman. Judge Caroline Shepherd, presiding over the case, sentenced Gutman to 19 years in prison. Additionally, Gutman will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed her disgust and condemnation of Gutman's actions, stating, "The repugnant actions of this trafficker led a woman and teenage girl into a life of unspeakable horror, including physical abuse and emotional and financial manipulation. Human trafficking is an atrocious crime and we do not tolerate it in our state. This trafficker will now serve a long time behind bars for his horrendous crimes."
The investigation into Gutman's activities revealed that he operated his human trafficking enterprise through the use of physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional and financial manipulation. One of his victims was a 16-year-old girl who was forced into exotic dancing and commercial sex. The arrest of Gutman and the subsequent dismantling of his operation was the result of a collaborative effort between the Boca Raton Police Department, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office's Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Human trafficking is a grave issue that requires immediate attention and action. Attorney General Moody has been actively working to combat this heinous crime in the state of Florida. She urges members of the public to report any suspected cases of trafficking to law enforcement through the statewide Human Trafficking Tip Line at 1(855) FLA-SAFE. In emergency situations, it is essential to dial 911.
The successful prosecution and sentencing of Brandon Gutman sends a strong message that human trafficking will not be tolerated in Florida. It serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies, together with dedicated prosecutors like those in Attorney General Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution, will relentlessly pursue justice for the victims of this abhorrent crime.
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