Speedbowl Owner Charged in Sex Trafficking Ring Exploiting Young Men: Police

DANBURY, CT — Two men were arrested this week in connection with a human trafficking ring that Danbury police say may have been in operation for decades and exploited young males with mental health issues.

Bruce J. Bemer, 63, of Glastonbury, and William Trefzger, 71, of Westport, were arrested on warrants by Danbury detectives and special agents of the FBI for their roles in a ring that operated out of the city but reached other cities, Danbury police announced Thursday. Police previously arrested Robert King, 50, of Danbury for promoting prostitution and witness tampering in connection with the ring.

Police allege the ring exploited young males with mental health issues by delivering them to wealthy "clients" statewide for the purpose of sex for money. The investigation began in January of 2016, but police say the ring may have been in operation for decades. To sign up for New London breaking news alerts and more, click here.

Bemer is the owner of Glastonbury-based Bemer Petroleum and the New London-Waterford Speedbowl. Police say they arrested Bemer at his petroleum company's office.

He was arrested on a charge of patronizing a trafficked person and is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond. Trefzger was arrested on the same charge and held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.

Police say additional arrests are expected in the case. Both men were arraigned Thursday and held.

Images via the Danbury Police Department