FLORIDA — A Central Florida bail bondsman is facing multiple charges, including human trafficking and racketeering, for allegedly exploiting female inmates by offering bail in exchange for sexual acts.
Russell Bruce Moncrief, who owns Moncrief Bail Bonds, is alleged by the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) to have targeted women in the Orange County Jail under this scheme.
According to Attorney General Ashley Moody, Mr Moncrief reportedly continued exploiting his victims even after securing their release, allegedly arranging for them to be sold for sex to others.
“The defendant used his position as a bail bondsman to prey on women in the criminal justice system,” said Ms Moody.
“Working with MBI, we uncovered this sickening scheme, and we will prosecute the defendant on human trafficking and racketeering charges.”
Investigators allege that Moncrief, beyond trading bond for sex, coerced his victims by threatening to revoke their bail if they did not comply.
The defendant’s actions reportedly stem from a previous case that involved former defense attorney John Gillespie committing similar crimes. Victims of Mr Gillespie alleged to have performed sexual acts with Mr Moncrief as well.
Moncrief was taken into custody by the Orange County Fugitive Unit. He faces multiple charges, including three counts of human trafficking, one count of racketeering, and one count of unlawful use of a communication device to commit a felony. He faces up to 125 years in prison.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution’s Statewide Prosecutor Mary Sammon is leading the prosecution.
