A Long Island man, Jimmy Francois, also known as “Bentley Bugz,” is set to be arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn on charges related to sex trafficking and exploitation of a minor. The six-count indictment accuses Francois of using force, fraud, and coercion to traffic a 16-year-old girl identified as Jane Doe. The indictment alleges that Francois physically assaulted the victim and intimidated her by threatening and assaulting other women in her presence. He is also accused of creating sexually explicit images of the minor and posting some online in prostitution advertisements.
Francois was arrested on January 29 in Miami, Florida, and transported to the Eastern District of New York earlier this week by the United States Marshals Service. The arraignment will take place before United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York; and Frank Russo, Director of Field Operations at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) New York announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, the defendant preyed on a vulnerable child and sold her body for his own profit, while subjecting her to physical violence and threats,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “With today’s arrest, Francois is being held to account for his cruel and depraved crimes. Our Office will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of sex trafficking that threatens the safety of our communities.”
“As alleged, the defendant’s exploitation and trafficking of an innocent teenager — across state lines and over the course of months — can only be described as depravity in its most vile form. He hid his dark life of threats and abuse behind a facade of power and luxury. Together with our law enforcement partners, HSI New York is wholeheartedly focused on protecting victims as we relentlessly pursue those who dehumanize and debase them for their own selfish gain and satisfaction,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.
“This case began with the vigilance of our CBP officers, who recognized indicators of possible exploitation and took action,” stated CBP Director of Field Operations Russo. “From that first encounter, our Task Force Officers worked tirelessly with Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, and state and local law enforcement across multiple states to help identify, locate, and apprehend the defendant. Their determination and close collaboration with our partners were critical to bringing this alleged trafficker into custody and protecting a vulnerable child from further harm.”
According to court filings, between June 2024 and August 2024 Francois allegedly trafficked Jane Doe through several states including Queens, New York. He reportedly forced her into commercial sex acts with multiple clients per day during this period. Law enforcement recovered sexually explicit photographs posted online as well as a video showing Francois assaulting Jane Doe while making threatening statements such as: “You learned and understand that me and you are not equal”; “You speak when you’re spoken to”; “I’mma violate you… you gonna have broken bones… in your hotel room. No hospital, no nothing”; “I will personally break your bones.”
The charges are allegations at this stage; Francois is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years up to life imprisonment.
The case is being handled by the Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York—an office responsible for prosecuting federal crimes within Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County and representing civil matters. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel A. Bennek and Molly Delaney are leading the prosecution.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office supports community outreach efforts for victims and maintains offices in Brooklyn and Central Islip as part of its district coverage.
Jimmy Francois
Age: 37
Elmont, New York
E.D.N.Y Docket No.: 26-CR-11 (DLI)
