A New York rapper has been accused of trafficking a 16-year-old girl across multiple states, using violence, intimidation, and disturbing threats to control the teenager. Jimmy Francois, also known as Bentley Bugz, is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn on a six-count indictment. The charges include sex trafficking of a minor using force, fraud, and coercion; coercing and enticing a minor; sexual exploitation of a child; and interstate prostitution. Authorities allege Francois physically assaulted the victim, identified in court filings as Jane Doe, and intimidated her by threatening violence and assaulting other women in front of her.
Prosecutors say Francois also created sexually explicit images of the teen and used them in online prostitution advertisements. He was arrested on January 29 in Miami, Florida, and transported to the Eastern District of New York earlier this week by the U.S. Marshals Service. The arraignment is scheduled before United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky.
“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,” said United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. “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.”
Officials say the alleged trafficking occurred between June and August 2024 in multiple states, including Queens, New York. Investigators claim Francois forced the teen to engage in commercial sex acts with several clients per day.
Authorities also recovered video in which Francois allegedly threatened the victim, telling her, “You learned and understand that me and you are not equal,” and “You speak when you’re spoken to.” He also allegedly warned, “I’ma violate you… you gonna have broken bones… in your hotel room. No hospital, no nothing,” and “I will personally break your bones.”
Francois has released several singles under his rap alias, such as “Face Of The Hood,” “Gotta Hit It,” and “Hardbody.”
