Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a nearly 20-year prison sentence for a human trafficker who forced a woman and teenage girl into sex work.
According to the law enforcement investigation, Brandon Gutman withheld money and identification documents from the victims.
Brandon Gutman of Boca Raton pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges for running a human trafficking operation for several years. The Honorable Judge Caroline Shepherd sentenced Gutman to 19 years in prison. As a result of the crimes, Gutman must register as a sex offender for life.
“The repugnant actions of this trafficker led a woman and teenage girl into a life of unspeakable horror, including physical abuse and emotional and financial manipulation,” Attorney General Ashley Moody said. “Human trafficking is an atrocious crime and we do not tolerate it in our state. This trafficker will now serve a long time behind bars for his horrendous crimes.”
The investigation revealed Gutman ran a human trafficking operation using physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional and financial manipulation to coerce women to engage in commercial sexual activity for personal benefit. Gutman also trafficked a 16-year-old juvenile, forcing the victim to engage in exotic dancing and commercial sex.
In June, Attorney General Moody announced the arrest of Gutman and the shuttering of the human trafficking operation. The Boca Raton Police Department, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office’s Human Trafficking Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Gutman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit human trafficking of a minor for commercial sexual activity, a second-degree felony; two counts of human trafficking of an adult for commercial sexual activity, first-degree felonies; three counts of deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution, second-degree felonies; and two counts of unlawful sexual activity of a minor, second-degree felonies.
To report suspected trafficking to Florida law enforcement, please call the statewide Human Trafficking Tip Line at 1(855) FLA-SAFE. In case of emergency, always dial 911.
