Brooklyn, NY – A Kissimmee, Florida man was convicted Thursday of trafficking women for commercial sex in Brooklyn and transporting a minor across state lines for illegal conduct.
Joel David Forney, 42, was found guilty by a federal jury in the Eastern District of New York on multiple counts, including sex trafficking and coercion involving a minor.
The case centered on conduct involving two adult women and one teenage victim, with offenses taking place in Brooklyn and across several states including Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Forney targeted vulnerable individuals using false promises, then transported and directed them to engage in commercial sex acts for his financial benefit. Some of the activity took place at an area in Brooklyn known informally as the “Penn Track,” a known site for commercial sex activity along Pennsylvania Avenue.
According to trial testimony, when individuals did not comply, Forney resorted to threats and physical force. The jury also heard that Forney transported one woman across state lines with the intent that she engage in commercial sex in multiple states.
The jury further convicted Forney on charges of coercion and enticement of a minor, stemming from a separate incident in which he was significantly older than the victim. Prosecutors said Forney used communication to persuade the underage individual into meeting him, and afterward sent messages indicating a possible intent to involve her in commercial sex.
Forney’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled. He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and could receive a life sentence. The FBI conducted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Elbert and Antoinette N. Rangel and Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
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Key Points
- Joel David Forney was convicted in federal court for sex trafficking and coercion involving a minor.
- His actions included transporting victims across state lines for commercial sex in multiple locations.
- Sentencing will follow; Forney faces at least 15 years to life in federal prison.