Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced on March 12 the arrest of Tyron Dumel and Nicole Dumel in connection with an alleged sex trafficking operation based in Rockland County, New York. The arrests took place on March 11, and both individuals appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik in White Plains federal court. Tyron Dumel was ordered detained while Nicole Dumel was released on bond.
The case is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat sex trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable individuals across state lines. According to the indictment, since August 2025, the defendants allegedly conspired to traffic at least ten women for commercial sex acts in multiple states including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Arizona, Tennessee, and Michigan.
"The message from New York families is clear: stop the sex trafficking," said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. "It is corroding our communities. Since August 2025, the defendants have allegedly conspired to traffic at least 10 women to engage in commercial sex. In furtherance of that operation, Tyron Dumel allegedly exerted ruthless control over sex trafficking victims through lies, intimidation, violence, and psychological abuse, while he and Nicole Dumel allegedly reaped thousands of dollars in profits. This kind of conduct should shock the conscience of every New Yorker, and it will not be tolerated. This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to bringing the perpetrators of such crimes to justice."
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. said: "These defendants allegedly operated a human trafficking network in which Tyron Dumel forced victims to engage in sexual acts for profit through physical and psychological coercion, while Nicole Dumel collected their illicit proceeds... The FBI will target human traffickers who abuse and torment victims for personal enrichment." The indictment alleges that Tyron Dumel used force, fraud, and coercion—including physical assault and threats—to control his victims; he also required them to tattoo themselves with his personal brand.
Nicole Dumel is accused of helping set up online accounts used for advertising commercial sex services and managing electronic funds transfers related to these activities.
Tyron Dumel faces charges including one count of sex trafficking by force (with a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years), transportation for purposes of prostitution (maximum ten years), and conspiracy (maximum five years). Nicole Dumel faces one count of conspiracy with a maximum sentence of five years.
Authorities emphasize that all charges are allegations at this stage; both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
