Jermaine Myrie, a/k/a “Rapp,” Sentenced To Over 11 Years In Federal Prison For Sex Trafficking Of A Minor

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JERMAINE MYRIE was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for sex trafficking of a minor female.  MYRIE was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood, before whom he previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor.  As part of his plea, MYRIE acknowledged that he trafficked a minor female.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Jermaine Myrie previously admitted to unconscionable conduct involving the exploitation of a minor girl who had resided in New York State’s social services system.  Today’s lengthy prison term exemplifies the seriousness of Myrie’s crimes against his vulnerable minor victim.  We will continue to advocate for the victims of these crimes and urge anyone who might have information that may be relevant to this investigation to contact the FBI at 1-212-384-1000 or https://tips.fbi.gov.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and other court documents filed in Manhattan federal court:

From at least in or about January 2016 to in or about April 2016, JERMAINE MYRIE, a/k/a “Rapp,” the defendant, participated in a conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of one minor victim (“Minor Victim-1”).  The defendant recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, and maintained Minor Victim-1 for the purpose of commercial sex.  Prior to being trafficked by MYRIE, Minor Victim-1 previously resided at a residential treatment facility located in Westchester County, which provided housing for at-risk troubled children and adolescents on behalf of department of social services for certain counties in New York State.

The defendant recruited Minor Victim-1 to engage in commercial sex by conveying that he was romantically interested in her.  Subsequently, the defendant used the website Backpage.com, an online classifieds website, to post advertisements of Minor Victim-1 for commercial sex.  MYRIE directed Minor Victim-1 to engage in commercial sex in particular locations in the Bronx, New York.  The defendant used physical violence with Minor Victim-1, including to discourage Minor Victim-1 from working directly for any other pimps. 

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In addition to his prison sentence, MYRIE, 35, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

MYRIE is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case by Judge Wood for his participation in the sex trafficking of minors.

    Reuben Sands, who pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Travel Act, was sentenced on December 18, 2019, to a term of 60 months in prison.

            This case is part of an ongoing prosecution of 19 defendants, set forth in eight indictments, for the sex trafficking of at least 20 minor girls and young adults in New York State’s social services system.  All 19 of the defendants have been convicted, either via guilty plea or following trial.  In addition to MYRIE and Sands, three other defendants have also been recently sentenced:

    Christopher Bullock, who pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Travel Act, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman on December 6, 2019, to 54 months in prison.

    Cimmie Wright, who pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Travel Act, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John F. Keenan on January 15, 2020, to 51 months in prison.

    Dariel Braham, who pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Travel Act, was sentenced by Judge Furman on January 29, 2020, to 48 months in prison. 

Any individuals who believe that they have information that may be relevant to this investigation should contact the FBI at 1-212-384-1000 or https://tips.fbi.gov.

Mr. Berman thanked the FBI and the NYPD for their outstanding work in this matter and, in particular, the New York Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Mollie Bracewell, Elinor Tarlow, Jacob Gutwillig, and Peter Davis are in charge of the prosecution.