A Bronx man and woman today admitted their roles in a month-long scheme to advertise and provide a minor for sexual acts for money, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Officials say, Richard Ortiz, 23, a/k/an “Ace,” and Gabriella Colon, 19, both of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court to information charging them with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2018 through February 2018, Ortiz and Colon recruited, enticed, and advertised Victim-1, knowing that Victim-1 was less than 18 years old and would be caused to engage in one or more commercial sex acts.
Police say Colon and Ortiz acknowledged having transported Victim-1 from New York into New Jersey and Colon admitted to photographing Victim-1 in various states of undress and posting the photographs on a website advertising Victim-1 for sexual services.
Colon and Ortiz admitted collecting money from numerous individuals who paid to have sexual relations with Victim-1.
The count to which Ortiz and Colon pleaded guilty carries a maximum term of life imprisonment. Sentencing for Colon is scheduled for May 13th, and for Ortiz, May 14th.