Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced today that Kareem Mitchell, also known as “Napoleon,” has been sentenced to 18 years in state prison for running a sex trafficking operation alongside his wife, Sharice Mitchell. The operation involved at least eight women, two of whom had been placed in Sharice Mitchell’s care as a certified New York State foster parent. Sharice Mitchell was previously sentenced to 6 years in state prison. Both defendants pleaded guilty to multiple counts of Sex Trafficking in May 2023.
District Attorney Bragg expressed his outrage at the actions of the Mitchells, stating, “Kareem and Sharice Mitchell preyed on young New Yorkers, including two entrusted to their care. The vulnerabilities exploited by the Mitchells – youth, homelessness, isolation – are common among trafficking survivors. Those same vulnerabilities often prevent survivors from coming forward to law enforcement. I call on the legislature to confront the realities of sex trafficking in New York State: help us dismantle operations like these by eliminating the criminal statute of limitations.”
According to the defendants’ guilty pleas, court documents, and statements made in court, Kareem Mitchell ran a sex trafficking operation between November 2018 and February 2022. He used popular social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to recruit women to work for him. Once recruited, Kareem Mitchell subjected these women to verbal and physical abuse to coerce them into engaging in prostitution. The illicit activities took place in cars and hotels in various locations, including Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
It is worth noting that Kareem Mitchell is a registered sex offender due to his 2008 federal conviction for transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution and other related charges. Despite his criminal history, he continued his exploitative behavior with the assistance of his wife, Sharice Mitchell.
Related Post
What makes this case particularly shocking is that Sharice Mitchell was a certified New York State foster parent. She deliberately lied on her application, stating that she did not live with her husband, despite them sharing the same address. Two of the eight survivors were young women who had been placed in Sharice Mitchell’s care.
Sex trafficking is a grave crime that exploits vulnerable individuals and leaves lasting emotional and physical scars. The survivors of these horrific acts often face significant obstacles in coming forward to seek justice. It is crucial for lawmakers to address the realities of sex trafficking and provide strong support for survivors.
District Attorney Bragg’s call for the elimination of the criminal statute of limitations is an important step towards dismantling sex trafficking operations and holding perpetrators accountable. By removing the statute of limitations, survivors would have a better chance of seeking justice, regardless of when the crime took place.
The sentencing of Kareem Mitchell to 18 years in prison and Sharice Mitchell to 6 years sends a strong message that sex trafficking will not be tolerated in New York State. It serves as a reminder that those who engage in such heinous crimes will be held accountable for their actions.
While this case highlights the disturbing reality of sex trafficking, it also underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to raise awareness, provide support to survivors, and improve legislation to combat this form of exploitation. Organizations and individuals working in this field play a critical role in preventing and addressing sex trafficking.
As society progresses, it is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in the fight against sex trafficking. This means supporting survivors, providing resources, and pushing for legislative changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Only through a collective effort can we hope to eradicate this deplorable crime and create a safer world for all.
