More Witnesses Describe Sex for Money Scheme in Danbury Trial

DANBURY, CT — More witnesses took the stand on Wednesday in the third day of the sex trafficking trial being held in Danbury Superior Court, the News-Times is reporting.

Those called to testify recounted receiving money from Bruce Bemer, 65, a Glastonbury businessman, in exchange for sex. Bemer is being accused of patronizing a prostitute and being an accessory to trafficking.

One witness was homeless and living in Middleton until Robert King, who awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to conspiracy and human trafficking last August, allowed him to live in his Danbury trailer. The man said King provided him with food and drugs, but later required he pay off the debt. He testified that he felt the only way he could do that was by having sex with Bemer, who king drove him to visit.

The second witness, a Danbury auto mechanic, testified that he had been friends with King since the 1990s. King arranged for him to meet Bemer several times over 15 years, occasions where he would receive $150 to $200 for sex. Each time he would give some of the money to King, but said that he never felt pressured by him.

Both men testified that they suffered from mental illness.

At one point in the proceedings, the jury learned that one potential witness tried to kill himself when he was asked to testify. Bemer's defense team called for a mistrial, saying that the jury's new knowledge of the suicide attempt would taint their decision. The judge denied the mistrial, but asked the jury to not to consider the attempted suicide in their deliberation.

More witnesses are expected to testify when the trial resumes on Thursday.

For more, see the News-Times.