SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — A Farmingville man was indicted this week on multiple felony charges, including sex trafficking and criminal sexual acts, after allegedly using violence and drugs to coerce a woman into prostitution, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
Mitchell K. Johnson, 38, is accused of supplying the victim with crack cocaine to impair her judgment and force her into performing paid sexual acts with others from March 2023 onward. Prosecutors allege Johnson withheld the woman’s identification, prohibited her from leaving a motel room alone, and used physical violence and threats to maintain control over her.
On at least one occasion, Johnson allegedly strangled the woman into unconsciousness after she resisted his demands and assaulted her in other instances, officials said. In May 2023, the victim reportedly escaped after Johnson directed another person to beat her for refusing to comply with his orders. She later reported the abuse to police.
Johnson was arraigned on December 26 on charges that include one count of sex trafficking (force), four additional counts of sex trafficking, promoting prostitution, strangulation, and sexual abuse, among others. If convicted of the most severe charge, Johnson faces up to 25 years in prison.
“This indictment is a pledge to the victim and our community that these heinous acts will be met with our most significant penalties,” said District Attorney Tierney in a statement.
Johnson, who has been remanded, is represented by attorney Michael Elbert. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 10, 2025, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis.
Authorities allege Johnson weaponized addiction, fear, and violence in a chilling case of human trafficking in Suffolk County.