Matthew Podolsky, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, together with Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations, announced the unsealing of an indictment against Ralph Wallace. Wallace, also known as "Chase" or "Prize," faces charges related to the sex trafficking of multiple women through force, fraud, and coercion. Wallace was apprehended in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and will appear in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave, with the case assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky stated, "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. If you have been a victim of the alleged crimes perpetrated by Wallace, we urge you to come forward by contacting 1-877-4-HSI-TIP."
HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso commented, "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. I thank them for their bravery when faced with the unknown, and pledge that HSI New York and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served."
The indictment, dating from around 2021 to 2025, accuses Wallace of recruiting multiple women for commercial sex work, leveraging violence and coercion to compel their participation. Wallace, reportedly a self-declared "pimp," took nude photographs of the women, placed advertisements, instructed them on clothing, behavior, and pricing, and collected all proceeds.
On several occasions, Wallace purportedly employed physical force, including beating, punching, choking, and dragging women who hesitated or refused to engage in commercial sex. He allegedly deprived women of money for basic needs like food and toiletries unless they complied with his demands.
Wallace, 36, from the Bronx, New York, is charged with two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, each carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison. He also faces one count of transportation to engage in prostitution, with a maximum 10-year sentence. The potential sentences are set by Congress and sentencing will be determined by the judge.
"The outstanding investigative work" of the HSI New York/New York City Police Department Human Trafficking Task Force was praised by Mr. Podolsky.
If you believe you are a victim of a crime committed by Wallace, contact HSI at Sextrafficking_outreach@hsi.dhs.gov or through their tip-line at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP, referencing this case.
This matter is under the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division, overseen by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Madison Reddick Smyser and Getzel Berger.
The charges within the indictment are accusations. Wallace is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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