U.S. Attorney Breon S. Peace | U.S. Department of Justice
Earlier today, Joshua Lampley-Reid, also known as "Tio" and "Fendi," was sentenced to 23 years in prison for sex trafficking of minors. The sentencing took place at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, with United States District Judge Gary R. Brown presiding over the case. Lampley-Reid, a member of the Makk Balla set of the Bloods street gang, pleaded guilty to charges in August 2022.
Carolyn Pokorny, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, commented on the sentence: “The defendant is a ruthless predator who exploited vulnerable minors without families or homes, and sexually trafficked them for his own financial gain.” She expressed hope that this significant jail sentence would provide some comfort to the victims.
William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, stated: “This sentence brings some justice to the minors victimized by this dangerous predator who is now put away from causing any further harm to our community’s most vulnerable members.” He emphasized HSI's commitment to ending child exploitation and sex trafficking.
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. added: “The sentencing of this dangerous gang member is a clear message that those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our community will be held accountable.”
According to court documents and a government sentencing memorandum, Lampley-Reid began recruiting females for commercial sex acts in December 2019. He used social media and other internet platforms to establish relationships with potential victims and manipulated them into performing commercial sex acts through force and coercion. His actions included physical violence and psychological abuse.
Lampley-Reid's conduct extended beyond Nassau County as he transported certain victims to states like Florida, North Carolina, and Maryland. He used his association with the Bloods street gang to intimidate his victims further.
If you are a victim or have information about sex trafficking, contact HSI at 1-866-347-2423 or reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Assistant United States Attorney Megan E. Farrell is leading the prosecution of this case under E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-319 (S-1) (GRB).
