Shannon T. Hanson Acting United States Attorney for the District of Delaware | U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware
A federal jury in Delaware has found Clifton H. Gibbs, 68, guilty of multiple charges related to sex trafficking and forced labor. The Sussex County resident was convicted on seven counts of sex trafficking, five counts of forced labor, and one count of interstate transportation for prostitution.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Gibbs exploited his victims' heroin addiction and fear of withdrawal to coerce them into commercial sex work, panhandling, manual labor on his property, and theft. His co-defendant, Brooke Waters, 46, had already pled guilty to similar charges.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated: "Today’s conviction vindicates the rights of multiple victims who the defendant trafficked over several years within the District of Delaware." She added that Gibbs preyed on individuals suffering from opiate addiction for profit.
Acting U.S. Attorney Shannon T. Hanson expressed hope that the verdict provides closure for the victims and commended their bravery in testifying against Gibbs. "Our communities are much safer," she said.
Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia emphasized the collaboration between HSI and the Department of Justice in combating human trafficking: "Gibbs preyed on vulnerable individuals... through forced labor and commercial sex."
Michael McCarthy from HSI Maryland described the crimes as some of the most egregious encountered by Homeland Security Investigations. He highlighted the importance of dismantling criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals.
The trial revealed that Gibbs targeted young women addicted to heroin by offering housing and drugs in exchange for engaging in commercial sex acts. He controlled their access to drugs to maintain power over them. Physical force was also used against some victims who disobeyed him.
Gibbs now faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison with a maximum potential life sentence. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled later.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Knox along with Trial Attorneys Christina Randall-James and Leah Branch from the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Individuals with information about human trafficking are encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org for more resources.
