By Sasha Gonzales
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A Bronx man was charged with sex trafficking Tuesday for allegedly plying a woman with heroin, assaulting her, and using the drug to keep her chemically dependent after he forced her into the sex trade, authorities said.
Devorn Parker, 31, AKA “West,” of 901 Alexander Avenue, allegedly operated a prostitution and sex trafficking ring from his apartment and local motels, according to Bronx prosecutors.
He forced one 33-year-old victim to engage in prostitution by way of death threats, and plied another female victim with heroin “to impair her judgement in order to coerce her to continue to engage in prostitution,” prosecutors said.
When the latter victim tried to leave the sex trade, and reported Parker to police, he repeatedly forced her back into prostitution through physical violence and coercion, prosecutors said.
“The defendant allegedly forced the victim to engage in sex with men for months, using subtle coercion as well as brazen violence,” said Bronx District Atttorney Darcel Clark. “He allegedly provided heroin to the victim until she was addicted. Such degradation of a human being is the mainstay of sex trafficking, and my Office’s Human Trafficking Unit will prosecute it to the fullest extent of the law.”
Parker was arraigned Tuesday on charges including sex trafficking, promoting prostitution, coercion, assault, criminal contempt, stalking, and aggravated harassment.
Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy ordered him held on $250,000 bail.
Parker, who is due back in court Nov. 20, faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. His attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.
Prosecutors said they believe Parker may have victimized other women. Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD Human Trafficking Hotline at 646-610-7272.