NEW YORK, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that Cleveland Sterling has been arraigned on multiple charges, including sex trafficking, robbery, and assault. Sterling, 34, of Uniondale, allegedly forced two victims into prostitution, using violence and intimidation to control them. If convicted, Sterling faces up to 50 years in prison.
According to the charges, Sterling met the first victim, a 19-year-old woman, in 2016, forcing her into prostitution in Queens until November 2022.
He used photographs of the victim to create online ads, arranged prostitution dates, and collected payments. Sterling physically assaulted the victim when she refused to comply.
The second victim, a 19-year-old woman, met Sterling in August 2021 and was similarly compelled to engage in sexual activities. Sterling intimidated her by sending photos and videos of him abusing the first victim. Both victims were tattooed with a form of Sterling’s name, which he used to threaten them.
The arrests were conducted by officers from the New York City Police Department’s 103 Precinct. Assistant District Attorney Marina Arshakyan is prosecuting the case.