A Buffalo man, described by prosecutors as a former dangerous and powerful drug dealer, has pleaded guilty to charges of sex trafficking and coercing teens into prostitution. Steven Gonzalez, 48, admitted to coercing two drug-addicted young women into prostitution, including one whom he began grooming when she was just 12 years old. Tragically, both victims have since passed away.
Gonzalez is already serving a 15-year prison sentence for his involvement in a narcotics conspiracy that resulted in an overdose death. He now faces an additional prison sentence of between 17½ and 20 years for the sex trafficking charges, to be served concurrently with his existing sentence. The plea agreement outlines the proposed sentence.
Between 2012 and March 2015, Gonzalez exploited the victims' addictions to cocaine, heroin, and pills. He withheld drugs from them, subjecting them to severe withdrawal symptoms, unless they engaged in sexual acts with clients and handed over all their earnings to him.
Although there was no trial, witnesses would have testified that they witnessed Gonzalez physically assaulting at least one of the victims. The prosecutors also stated that witnesses would have testified that Gonzalez intentionally kept the victims addicted to drugs to maintain control over them. The prosecutors further revealed that witnesses were prepared to testify that the two deceased victims had acknowledged engaging in sexual acts with Gonzalez when they were minors.
During the plea hearing, Gonzalez himself admitted that "the girls were doing sexual stuff" and that they were buying drugs from him in exchange for the sex acts. Witnesses would have also testified that Gonzalez showered the victims with expensive gifts, including sneakers, clothes, and jewelry. One of the victims, who had been groomed by Gonzalez since the age of 12, stored drugs and guns for him at her grandmother's house. However, Gonzalez isolated the victims from their families and friends, controlling their contact with the outside world.
Gonzalez operated a "trap house" in the basement apartment at 232 Richmond where several drug-addicted women were coerced into prostitution and drugs like crack and heroin were distributed. He also used his residence at 197 West Ave. for drug distribution.
The guilty plea by Steven Gonzalez sheds light on the horrific exploitation and abuse suffered by vulnerable individuals caught in the grip of addiction. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of combating sex trafficking and providing support to those affected by it.