FLORIDA—Attorney General (AG) Ashley Moody has charged a Pembroke Pines woman with human trafficking.
On May 24, Ms Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution charged Elise Mizrachi with two counts of human trafficking following an investigation by the Pembroke Pines Police Department (PPPD).
According to the AG, Ms Mizrachi recruited multiple women addicted to heroin and fentanyl and forced the victims into sex work, taking most, if not all, of the profits. Mizrachi allegedly controlled the victims by supplying the women with drugs.
“This depraved human trafficker targeted women struggling with addiction, giving them heroin and fentanyl to coerce them to have sex in exchange for money—most of which the defendant kept,” said Ms Moody.
“I am grateful for those who came forward to report the atrocious crimes to police. If anyone suspects human trafficking, please call our new statewide tip line: 855-FLA-SAFE.”
Reportedly, the investigation uncovered that, while on probation for trafficking heroin, Ms Mizrachi recruited multiple women addicted to fentanyl and heroin and coerced the victims into sex work for Mizrachi’s benefit.
Mizrachi is said to have recruited women from Miami and one from Pennsylvania, promising the victims a way to make money and access to drugs. Once the women joined Ms Mizrachi in Pembroke Pines, Mizrachi allegedly photographed each victim and posted the women’s pictures on various commercial sex websites.
According to the AG, Ms. Mizrachi solicited buyers for the victims and directed the women to the dates, keeping most, if not all, of the profits. The investigation also reportedly uncovered that Mizrachi passed out heroin or fentanyl at certain times of the day to the victims to keep the women subdued.
The case came to the attention of law enforcement when a few of the alleged victims reportedly escaped and made reports.
Ms Mizrachi is charged with two counts of human trafficking of an adult, along with additional charges.
Attorney General Moody’s OSP will prosecute the case.
