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Thursday, November 21, 2024

Bail bondsman charged with human trafficking and racketeering

State AG
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Attorney General Ashley Moody | Office of Attorney General Ashley Moody

Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged Russell Bruce Moncrief, a bail bondsman, with human trafficking and racketeering. The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation conducted an inquiry revealing that Moncrief allegedly exploited his role in Central Florida to target female inmates in Orange County jail. These women were reportedly offered bond in exchange for sex.

Attorney General Ashley Moody commented on the case, stating, "The defendant used his position as a bail bondsman to prey on women in the criminal justice system. After bailing his victims out of jail, he continued to use his power over them to sell the women for sex to others for his own financial gain. Working with MBI, we uncovered this sickening scheme, and we will prosecute the defendant on human trafficking and racketeering charges."

Moncrief is accused of running Moncrief Bail Bonds across several Florida counties and engaging in these activities by bonding out female inmates for sexual favors. He allegedly threatened these women with revoking their bonds as a form of coercion. His actions are linked to a prior case involving former defense attorney John Gillespie who was involved in similar offenses.

Moncrief was apprehended by the Orange County Fugitive Unit and is being held without bond. He faces multiple charges including three counts of human trafficking for commercial sexual activity, one count of racketeering, and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony. In total, Moncrief could face up to 125 years in prison if convicted.

The case will be prosecuted by OSP Statewide Prosecutor Mary Sammon.

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