Anthony Burris, a 34-year-old resident of Jamestown, New York, has pleaded guilty to two counts of enticing travel to engage in sexual activity. The charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The plea was entered before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins explained that between January and March 11, 2021, Burris coerced a woman identified as Victim 1 into performing commercial sex acts by threatening physical violence and manipulating her drug addiction. He provided transportation, housing, a cellular phone, and food to the homeless victim in exchange for the proceeds from these acts. Burris advertised on Skipthegames.com using sexually suggestive photographs of Victim 1 and transported her across various locations including Pennsylvania.
Similarly, between June 2020 and March 11, 2021, Burris coerced another individual referred to as Victim 2 under similar circumstances involving threats of violence and control over substance access. Ads were also posted for Victim 2 on the same website.
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies including the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff James B. Quattrone; Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; Amherst Police Department directed by Chief Scott Chamberlin; and Millcreek Police Department in Pennsylvania under Chief Carter Mook.
Sentencing is set for October 8, 2025.
