Rapper Bentley Bugz (real name Jimmy Francois) was arraigned Friday in a federal court in Brooklyn on a six-count indictment of sex trafficking charges involving a minor.
According to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office, Bugz faces charges of sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl using force, fraud and coercion, as well as coercing and enticing a minor, sexually exploiting a child and prostitution across state lines.
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Francois is also accused of physically assaulting and intimidating the minor victim, in addition to assaulting separate women while she was present.
Prosecutors allege that the New York rapper created sexually explicit images of the 16-year-old and posted the photos in various prostitution ads.
“As alleged, the defendant preyed on a vulnerable child and sold her body for his own profit, while subjecting her to physical violence and threats,” U.S. Attorney Nocella said in a statement. “With today’s arrest, Francois is being held to account for his cruel and depraved crimes. Our Office will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of sex trafficking that threatens the safety of our communities.”
Bugz was arrested Jan. 29 in Miami and transported to the Eastern District of New York earlier in March. He remains in custody without bail and faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars if convicted and up to a possible life sentence.
Court filings allege that Bugz forced the Jane Doe victim to engage in sexual acts with multiple clients per day between June 2024 and August 2024. Prosecutors accused the 37-year-old of sex trafficking the minor through multiple states, including a stop in Queens.
Francois is also accused of assaulting the victim and intimidating her with verbal threats. “I’ma violate you… You gonna have broken bones… in your hotel room. No hospital, no nothing,” Bugz allegedly told her. “I will personally break your bones.”
“As alleged, the defendant’s exploitation and trafficking of an innocent teenager — across state lines and over the course of months — can only be described as depravity in its most vile form,” HSI New York special agent Alfonso added. “He hid his dark life of threats and abuse behind a facade of power and luxury. Together with our law enforcement partners, HSI New York is wholeheartedly focused on protecting victims as we relentlessly pursue those who dehumanize and debase them for their own selfish gain and satisfaction.”
On the music side, Bentley Bugz has released singles to streaming services dating back to 2012. His most recent release on DSPs arrived in late 2023 with “Spin Again.”