Sex Trafficking Case May Lead to Tougher Laws

DANBURY, CT — Following the arrest of three men in connection with an alleged city-based sex trafficking ring, state legislators are hoping to pass legislation that addresses the case.The state General Assembly's Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to approve a bill increasing the punishments for human trafficking by a count of 39-0.

HB-7309 would upgrade the crime of trafficking in persons from a Class B to a Class A felony allowing for stiffer penalties. The bill would also create a new stand-alone charge of commercial sex abuse of a minor, a Class B felony, and was drafted before the arrests were made in the Danbury case.

Several lawmakers have voiced disgust in reaction to the case, in which investigators say 15 young men with mental health issues were roped into a scheme through drug addiction and debt.

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“I was heartened to hear just before the meeting started that this committee leadership is willing to look at that issue,” Danbury Republican Sen. Michael McLachlan told the Connecticut Post.

According to a report from the Associated Press, Judiciary Committee Democratic House chairman Rep. William Tong (D-Stamford) said lawmakers are "well aware" of the Danbury case, and want to act on it.

The alleged scheme was ran by Miry Brook Road resident Robert King, who allegedly would befriend victims and provide them with drugs. Once the victims would run up a debt with King, he would offer them a way to repay him through prostitution with high-paying "clients."

King was arrested in August on promoting prostitution and witness tampering charges. New London-Waterford Speedbowl owner Bruce Bemer of Glastonbury and William Trefzger of Westport were charged Thursday with patronizing a trafficked person.

The Associated Press reports the bill will likely be changed before it moves to the House.