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Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don’t have a verifiable source on file yet. Know one?
What happened
Derrick Avery, also known as "Pimp Snooky", ran a prostitution ring across multiple state boundaries for many years, starting as early as in 1997. He would entice girls into becoming prostitutes by bringing them gifts and jewelry. Once trafficked, girls were forced to have sex with men and sometimes rob them. If girls returned with fewer than $500 in a night, they would be beaten with pool cues, shoes, pots, broom handles, and belts, along with other forms of violence. His prostitutes were known to be as young as 14 years old. Many girls were also forced to cook and clean for him, essentially becoming domestic servants as well. He worked most prominently in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee, but his operation expanded over eight states according to a federal criminal complaint.
Response and intervention
After conducting a secret investigation before a grand jury and speaking with multiple witnesses, a federal criminal complaint was filed against Avery and his top prostitute, Shamika Evans. In August, three counts of child sex trafficking were filed against Avery with two being filed against Evans. However, on December 8, 12 more criminal counts were brought against Avery in court. He now faces 10 to life if convicted. There are seven witnesses involved in the case. Avery has been the star of multiple documentaries of his lifestyle, that of a pimp. This originally brought attention to himself by federal agents, but some witnesses and former prostitutes have come forth to the feds. Most notably, one girl (whose name remains unsaid for her protection) claims she was recruited to go with Avery at 14 and was forced to be a prostitute, giving most of her earnings to the pimp. She was scared not to quit the business or go to police by threats of violence and murder towards her and her family. The case is now in the Milwaukee court system. All of the known victims are currently serving as witnesses in the case, which inhibits ability to find information regarding the witnesses. Some have reportedly been coached by Avery on what to say in court. The witnesses who do not testify against Avery will most likely not receive any help with the conclusion of the trial. Some victims are currently under the protection of the government.