First Victim Testifies in Danbury Sex Trafficking Trial

DANBURY, CT — The Superior Court in Danbury heard the testimony of a man who said that he had sex with a Glastonbury businessman in exchange for money and drugs, the News-Times is reporting.

These were the first victim statements made in the case of Bruce Bemer, 65, who was arrested in March 2017 and charged as a client for a sex trafficking ring

In January, Bemer's defense team rejected a plea deal which would have spared him a jury trial, and carries the risk of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. His attorney Anthony Spinella has said he doesn't believe the state can make its case and many witnesses lack credibility.

On Tuesday, the victim testified that he felt he had no other way to get drugs or pay money he owed the leader of the ring other than allowing Bemer to perform oral sex on him.

Police allege that the ring, led by Danbury man Robert King, exploited young males with mental health issues by delivering them to wealthy clients statewide for the purpose of sex for money. King pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in connection with the ring last August.

The victim who testified Tuesday met with Bemer 20 times and lived on and off with King from 2007 to 2014.

Bemer owns several businesses across the state, most notably the New London-Waterford Speedbowl. He agreed to put up $25 million in assets to cover potential civil lawsuit awards against him

Additional victims are scheduled to testify when the trial resumes on Wednesday.

For more, see the News-Times.