WILMINGTON, Del. — A Sussex County man was convicted Tuesday on multiple counts of sex trafficking and forced labor following a week-long federal trial in Delaware, officials announced.
Clifton H. Gibbs, 68, was found 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. Prosecutors said Gibbs targeted individuals addicted to heroin and used their dependency to coerce them into commercial sex, theft, and manual labor.
The jury heard evidence that Gibbs controlled victims by offering housing, drugs, and food, only to exploit them for profit. He housed them in trailers on his rural properties, supplied them with heroin to avoid withdrawal, and used threats and physical abuse to maintain control.
Gibbs’ co-defendant, Brooke Waters, 46, previously pleaded guilty to related charges. Waters helped recruit victims and post online ads for commercial sex. The women were forced to hand over all proceeds to Gibbs, who offered them only small drug doses in return.
In addition to commercial sex, Gibbs used the same coercive methods to force victims to panhandle, steal goods for resale, and work on his properties. At times, he kicked, hit, or threatened to shoot those who resisted his control.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. Gibbs faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison, as well as mandatory restitution to his victims.
