A Long Island man has been charged in federal court with trafficking a 16-year-old girl and exploiting her across multiple states, according to federal prosecutors.
Jimmy Francois, 37, of Elmont, also known as “Bentley Bugz,” was arraigned Friday in federal court in Brooklyn on a six-count indictment charging him with trafficking of a minor using force, fraud and coercion; coercing and enticing a minor; sexual exploitation of a child; and interstate prostitution.
Prosecutors allege Francois trafficked the teenager, identified in court filings as Jane Doe, between June and August 2024, forcing her to engage in commercial sex with multiple clients each day. Authorities say the activity took place in several locations, including Queens.
According to investigators, Francois took explicit photographs of the victim and used them in online prostitution advertisements. Prosecutors also allege he used violence, threats and intimidation to control the teen, including physically assaulting her and abusing other women in her presence.
Law enforcement recovered a video in which Francois allegedly assaulted the girl while making threats and degrading statements. In the video, he reportedly told the victim they were “not equal” and threatened to “personally break your bones.”
Francois was arrested January 29 in Miami, Florida, and was transported to New York earlier this week by the United States Marshals Service.
Federal officials say the investigation began after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers noticed indicators of possible exploitation and alerted investigators. Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies across multiple states.
Francois was arrested on January 29 in Miami, Florida, and transported to New York by the U.S. Marshals Service.
According to court records, Francois was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and the case was adjourned with a temporary order of protection issued; bail was set at $5,000 cash, $15,000 insured bond, or $15,000 partially secured surety bond, which was subsequently posted.
If convicted, Francois faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to life behind bars.
The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
