22 Charged In Philly-Based Sex Trafficking Bust: PA Attorney General

Editor's Note: One or more names in this report have been redacted in light of additional documentation provided regarding this case.

PHILADELPHIA — Twenty-two people have been charged after state authorities busted a Philadelphia-based human trafficking ring, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry and Pennsylvania State Police.

Authorities said Terrance L. Jones, 52, of Philadelphia, was the leader of the trafficking ring and posed as a woman named "Julia" to recruit commercial sex workers, who were taken to and from "dates" by drivers hired by Jones.

Jones is charged with corrupt organizations, trafficking in individuals, involuntary servitude, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses.

He was taken into custody Friday and arraigned. Bail was set at $2 million.

Jones is accused of running the operation from his residence from 2012 through February 2023. He used the persona of "Julia" to recruit commercial sex workers.

The people he called to recruit believed they were speaking to a woman, according to authorities. Jones chose recruits who were dealing with substance abuse disorder or other hardships, authorities allege.

Thomas Reilly, 54, one of the hired drivers, is charged with similar offenses, as well as rape and other sexual assault offenses, authorities said. Reilly was arraigned and bail was set at $1 million.

Also charged is Natoria Jones, the daughter of Terrance Jones, who served as a financial manager, according to authorities.

Other defendants in the case are: drivers James Rudolph, Rhaheem Hill, and Joseph Franklin; and commercial sex buyers Joseph Szegila, Christopher Wood, Stephen Osborne, Pasquale Difelice, Steven May, (removed) Brian Smith, Christopher Bello, Jonathan Fellenz, Robert Brutsche, Kevin Bullock, Boris Volinsky, Brian Nice, Gary Ames, Grady Durham, and Gregory Doto.

The charges result from a years-long, comprehensive investigation by the Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, and 50th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, which heard testimony and returned a presentment about conduct spanning from 2012 to 2023.

"For more than a decade, Terrance Jones allegedly tricked vulnerable young women into his web of control and abuse, disregarding their well-being and safety to make a profit," Henry said. "These charges and arrests are huge steps toward holding Jones and his cohorts accountable for a reign of terror that caused pain and suffering."

"Today, we stand firm in our commitment to keeping communities safe as we announce these significant human trafficking arrests," Colonel Christopher Paris, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner, said. "The Pennsylvania State Police and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to supporting victims and ensuring that those who exploit others face the full weight of the law."

Anyone with information about Terrance Jones they believe law enforcement should have is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations at 215-452-5239.