Queens sex trafficker sentenced to 44½ to 52 years for exploiting three women

A Uniondale man will spend decades behind bars after a jury convicted him of trafficking and abusing multiple victims across Queens.

New York, NY – A 38-year-old man convicted of sex trafficking and abusing three women over several years has been sentenced to 44½ to 52 years in prison, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced. Cleveland Sterling, also known as “Rich” and “Dollarz,” was found guilty following a jury trial of multiple felony charges including sex trafficking, promoting prostitution, robbery, and assault.

Key Points

Cleveland Sterling sentenced to 44½ to 52 years after jury conviction
Prosecutors say he trafficked and abused three women between 2019 and 2022
Victims were forced into prostitution and subjected to violence and coercion

Sterling, of Uniondale, was convicted on February 13 following a trial that began in late January. The jury deliberated for two days before reaching a verdict. On Tuesday, Queens Supreme Court Justice Peter Vallone Jr. imposed consecutive sentences totaling more than four decades in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision. Sterling will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Pattern of coercion and violence detailed at trial

Prosecutors said Sterling used violence, intimidation, and manipulation to control his victims. According to trial testimony, he met a 22-year-old woman in 2019 and forced her into prostitution across Queens through November 2022. He created online advertisements using her photos, arranged sexual encounters, and collected all earnings.

When the victim resisted or withheld money, Sterling assaulted her. Testimony detailed repeated acts of violence, including breaking her teeth and striking her with a glass bottle, resulting in head injuries that required medical treatment.

A second victim, 19, met Sterling in August 2021 and initially entered a relationship with him before being coerced into prostitution. Prosecutors said Sterling arranged encounters, took all proceeds, and assaulted her when she refused. In one instance, police observed visible bruising after he forcibly stole money from her.

Third victim exploited, branded during trafficking

A third woman, 27, was also forced into prostitution after meeting Sterling in 2019. Within weeks, prosecutors said, he compelled her to take explicit photos and engage in sex work, again controlling all arrangements and profits.

Two of the victims were tattooed with variations of Sterling’s name, which prosecutors said was used to assert control over them. One victim was told the tattoo meant she belonged to him, while another was misled about the tattoo before it was applied.

District Attorney Katz said the sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes and the lasting harm inflicted on the victims. The case was prosecuted by the Queens District Attorney’s Office following a multi-year investigation.

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