United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced on March 12 the arrest of Tyron Dumel and Nicole Dumel in connection with an alleged sex trafficking operation based in Rockland County, New York. The two were arrested on March 11 and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik in White Plains federal court. Tyron Dumel was ordered detained while Nicole Dumel was released on bond.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat sex trafficking in the region. According to prosecutors, since August 2025, the defendants allegedly conspired to traffic at least ten women for commercial sex across several states.
“The message from New York families is clear: stop the sex trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “It is corroding our communities. Since August 2025, the defendants have allegedly conspired to traffic at least 10 women to engage in commercial sex. In furtherance of that operation, Tyron Dumel allegedly exerted ruthless control over sex trafficking victims through lies, intimidation, violence, and psychological abuse, while he and Nicole Dumel allegedly reaped thousands of dollars in profits. This kind of conduct should shock the conscience of every New Yorker, and it will not be tolerated. This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to bringing the perpetrators of such crimes to justice.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr., said: “These defendants allegedly operated a human trafficking network in which Tyron Dumel forced victims to engage in sexual acts for profit through physical and psychological coercion, while Nicole Dumel collected their illicit proceeds. The Dumels allegedly exploited and abused nearly a dozen women across the country to generate a twisted cash flow. The FBI will target human traffickers who abuse and torment victims for personal enrichment.”
According to allegations outlined in the indictment, Tyron Dumel advertised for recruits on social media platforms and transported at least ten women across multiple states including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Arizona, Tennessee, and Michigan for commercial sex acts under his supervision. He is accused of using force, fraud, coercion—including physical assault and threats—to control victims.
Nicole Dumel is alleged to have assisted by setting up online accounts used for advertising commercial sex services and managing electronic funds transfers related to these activities.
Tyron Dumel faces charges including one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion (with a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years), transportation for purposes of prostitution (maximum ten years), and conspiracy (maximum five years). Nicole Dumel faces one count of conspiracy with a maximum sentence of five years.
Clayton praised the investigative work conducted by local police departments as well as federal agents involved with the case.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Sidransky from the White Plains Division. Authorities remind that all charges are allegations at this stage; both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
