Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced the indictment of Mitchell K. Johnson, a 38-year-old resident of Farmingville, on charges related to sex trafficking. Johnson is accused of using physical violence and narcotics to coerce a woman into performing sexual acts for profit.
"One of my top priorities is the complete elimination of sex trafficking within Suffolk County," stated District Attorney Tierney. "This indictment is a pledge to the victim and our community that these heinous acts will be met with our most significant penalties."
The investigation alleges that starting in March 2023, Johnson provided crack cocaine to the victim to impair her judgment, leading her to engage in paid sexual activities with others. It is claimed that he exploited her addiction as a means of control, enforcing rules such as prohibiting her from keeping money or leaving the motel room alone. Additionally, Johnson allegedly retained the victim's identification and threatened violence against her and her family if she disobeyed.
In one reported incident, Johnson visited the victim's motel room and allegedly forced her into performing oral sex on him. He then withheld drugs from her and strangled her until she lost consciousness. The victim reportedly escaped in May 2023 after being directed by Johnson to endure a beating for refusing to comply with his demands. Following her escape, she contacted law enforcement.
Johnson was arraigned on December 26, 2024, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Stephen L. Braslow on multiple charges including:
- One count of Sex Trafficking (Force), a Class B violent felony;
- One count of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
- Four counts of Sex Trafficking, Class B felonies;
- One count of Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
- One count of Strangulation in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
- One count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D violent felony; and
- One count of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a Class E felony.