A federal jury in Delaware has convicted Clifton H. Gibbs, a 68-year-old from Sussex County, on several charges related to sex trafficking and forced labor. The jury found Gibbs guilty of seven counts of sex trafficking involving seven adult victims, five counts of forced labor, and one count of interstate transportation for prostitution purposes.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Gibbs exploited his victims' heroin addictions and fears of withdrawal to force them into commercial sex work, panhandling, manual labor on his property, and theft for resale. His co-defendant, Brooke Waters, aged 46, had previously admitted guilt to similar charges.
"Today’s conviction vindicates the rights of multiple victims who the defendant trafficked over several years within the District of Delaware," stated Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. "This defendant preyed on individuals suffering from opiate addiction and cruelly exploited them for his own profit."
Acting U.S. Attorney Shannon T. Hanson expressed hope that the verdict provides some closure for the victims: "I commend the victims’ bravery and willingness to testify to bring this defendant to justice."
Edward V. Owens from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia highlighted their partnership with the Department of Justice: "Gibbs preyed on vulnerable individuals... HSI remains committed to working alongside our federal partners."
Michael McCarthy from HSI Maryland remarked on the severity of these crimes: "Exploiting vulnerable individuals through coercion, abuse, and manipulation is nothing short of reprehensible."
The trial detailed how Gibbs targeted young women addicted to heroin by offering housing and drugs in exchange for engaging in commercial sex acts. He maintained control by managing their drug supply to prevent withdrawal symptoms while profiting from their exploitation.
Gibbs faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison with a maximum potential life sentence along with mandatory restitution; sentencing will be determined at a later date by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Knox along with Trial Attorneys Christina Randall-James and Leah Branch from the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Information about human trafficking can be reported toll-free at 1-888-373-7888 or found online at www.humantraffickinghotline.org; further details on efforts against human trafficking are available at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.