Three Charged In Drug, Sex Trafficking Ring Extending To Maine

Three men face charges in drug and sex trafficking ring that extended to Maine, according to federal prosecutors.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday that the three men --
William Bazemore, Warren Bryant, and Marquis Jackson -- are in custody and charged with various offenses including racketeering, sex trafficking, and drug trafficking.

"[T]his organization trafficked significant quantities of drugs across the northeast of the United States and forced women, through violence, threats of violence, and coercive tactics, to further the drug business and engage in prostitution for the organization’s financial benefit.  Thanks to the extraordinary work of the FBI, the NYPD, and Special Agents in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the defendants will now face justice in federal court," U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said in a statement.

Prosecutors allege the men were involved in various criminal acts, including drug distribution, sex trafficking, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice, in and around New York City, Maine, and Connecticut.  Members and associates of the organization transported heroin and crack cocaine between New York, Connecticut, and Maine, including by, using female addicts as drug couriers to secrete drugs on their persons and transport drugs and drug proceeds in vehicles controlled by the organization.

Several of the charges carry with them maximum penalties of life in prison.