A Bronx man, Ralph Wallace, also known by aliases "Chase" and "Prize," has been charged with sex trafficking multiple women through force, fraud, and coercion, as announced today by Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew Podolsky, and Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations, Michael Alfonso. Wallace was taken into custody in Fort Lee, New Jersey and is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave in Manhattan federal court. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman has been assigned the case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky stated, “As alleged, Ralph Wallace systematically exploited and abused women, using horrific violence to force women to engage in prostitution against their will. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue those who engage in sex trafficking. If you have been a victim of the alleged crimes perpetrated by Wallace, we urge you to come forward by contacting 1-877-4-HSI-TIP.”
Michael Alfonso, HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge, remarked, “This defendant’s arrest signals the beginning of a long journey toward freedom for women who for years have endured unimaginably cruel violence and abuse. Today’s charges are a direct result of these victims’ continued strength, despite Ralph Wallace’s alleged inhumane treatment and manipulation. I thank them for their bravery when faced with the unknown, and pledge that HSI New York and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served.”
The indictment details allegations that from 2021 to 2025, Wallace, who claimed to be a "pimp," recruited women into commercial sex work for his own gain. Wallace allegedly took nude photographs of the women, managed their appearances and actions, set prices, and collected all earnings. The indictment also alleges that Wallace used violence and coercion when women refused to engage in commercial sex, withholding money for essential items unless they complied.
Wallace, aged 36 from the Bronx, faces charges including two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, each with a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years to life in prison, and one count of transportation to engage in prostitution, carrying up to a 10-year sentence. Sentencing will ultimately be determined by the judge.
Acting U.S. Attorney Podolsky commended the investigative work carried out by the HSI New York/New York City Police Department Human Trafficking Task Force. Individuals who believe they may be victims of Wallace's alleged crimes are encouraged to reach out to HSI via email at Sextrafficking_outreach@hsi.dhs.gov or through the mobile tip-line at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP, referencing the case.
The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Madison Reddick Smyser and Getzel Berger from the Office's Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. It should be noted that these are allegations, and Wallace is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
