Date: 01-22-2020

Case Style:

Case Number: 1:17-cr-00028-FPG-JJM

Judge: Frank P. Geraci

Court: United States District Court for the Western District of New York (Erie County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Meghan A. Tokash, Misha A. Coulson, Aaron J. Mango, Elizabeth Russo Moellering, Mary C. Kane, Patricia Astorga

Defendant's Attorney:

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Description: Buffalo, NY - The United States of America charged Valentino Shine, Sr. with five counts of sex trafficking, and one count each of sex trafficking conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, using and maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine

Valentino Shine, Sr., 52, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted following a jury trial of five counts of sex trafficking, and one count each of sex trafficking conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, using and maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. He was also ordered to pay $73,600 to the victims of his crimes.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth R. Moellering and Meghan A. Tokash, who prosecuted the case, with support from the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, stated that the defendant ran a sex trafficking operation out of his Humboldt Parkway residence in Buffalo. Shine preyed upon and exploited women who were vulnerable and addicted to drugs, coercing them to engage in commercial sex acts. The defendant provided or withheld drugs to coerce the victims to engage in commercial sex acts.

According to evidence presented by the government at trial, Shine was recovering from a cocaine addiction and knew the power that drug addiction could have over someone. The defendant used this as a weapon to target vulnerable women. Shine’s motto was “BABI PAE” – Break a (expletive) Incorporated; Pimping Ain’t Easy.

At the urging of the defendant, victims advertised on backpage.com. After performing sex acts for money, they would give that money to Shine. Money was important to Shine. When signing his name, the defendant wrote CREAM: “Cash Rules Everything Around Me.”

In addition to using drugs to control his victims, Shine also used physical beatings, manipulation, and brainwashing.

Three women who worked for the defendant died of drug overdoses as a result of their addictions.

“The defendant’s campaign to dehumanize the victims he ensnared was reprehensible,” noted U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Through manipulation, brainwashing, and torture, the defendant cashed-in by robbing—and then selling—the dignity of a number of young, often vulnerable, women in our community. Hopefully, this prosecution and the lengthy prison sentence imposed will give Mr. Shine—and others like him—plenty of time to reflect on my Office’s unwavering commitment to the value and worth inherent in the lives of all those who live in our District.”

“The successful criminal prosecution of Valentino Shine highlights the brutality with which sex traffickers treat their victims and the lack of regard they have for human life,” said Kevin Kelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of HSI Buffalo. “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to all individuals and criminal groups involved that traffickers will be held accountable and brought to justice. Additionally, HSI will ensure the survivors get the help they need.”

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Human Trafficking Task Force of the Western District of New York.

Charges:

21:846=CD.F CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
(1rs)
21:856=CD.F Controlled Substance Sell/Distribute/Dispence
(2rs)
21:841A=CD.F and 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE
(3rs)
18:1591.F and 18:1591(b)(1) and 18:2 SEX TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN OR BY FORCE, FRAUD OR COERCION
(4rs)
18:1594.F FORFEITURE
(9rs)

Outcome: Minute Entry for proceedings held before Hon. Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Sentencing held on 1/16/2020 for Valentino Shine, Sr., following Defendant's jury trial conviction on Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the Superseding Indictment. Court resolves outstanding motions. Court resolves Defendants objections to Presentence Investigation Report. Defendant is sentenced to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons for a term of 360 months on each of Counts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 and 240 months on Count 2 all to run concurrent. Upon release from imprisonment, defendant shall be placed on supervised release for a term of 5 years on Count 1, 6 years on Count 2, and 3 years on each of Counts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 all to run concurrent. Court imposes the standard conditions of release and the following additional conditions, Defendant shall undergo drug and alcohol evaluation/treatment, comply with Sex Offender registration and community Sex Offender treatment. Defendant shall cooperate in the collection of a DNA sample and submit to a search condition. Court orders restitution to the victims in the amount of $75,300. Restitution is joint and several. Court imposes a financial disclosure requirement. Court waives the $5,000. assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. $100. special assessment is imposed on each Count for a total of $900. Court advises Defendant of his rights regarding appeal. Court to recommend placement, as requested, at FMC Butner, N.C. at the discretion of the Bureau of Prisons. Defendant remanded.

01/16/2020 455 First MOTION for Disclosure of Sentencing Recommendations by Valentino Shine, Sr as to Valentino Shine, Sr, Jesse Lewis, Brittany Wieand. (Stachowski, Michael) (Entered: 01/16/2020)
01/16/2020 459 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Hon. Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Sentencing held on 1/16/2020 for Valentino Shine, Sr., following Defendant's jury trial conviction on Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the Superseding Indictment. Court resolves outstanding motions. Court resolves Defendant's objections to Presentence Investigation Report. Defendant is sentenced to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons for a term of 360 months on each of Counts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 and 240 months on Count 2 all to run concurrent. Upon release from imprisonment, Defendant shall be placed on supervised release for a term of 5 years on Count 1, 6 years on Count 2, and 3 years on each of Counts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 all to run concurrent. Court imposes the standard conditions of release and the following additional conditions, Defendant shall undergo drug and alcohol evaluation/treatment, comply with Sex Offender registration and community Sex Offender treatment. Defendant shall cooperate in the collection of a DNA sample and submit to a search condition. Court orders restitution to the victims in the amount of $75,300. Restitution is joint and several. Court imposes a financial disclosure requirement. Court waives the $5,000. assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. $100. special assessment is imposed on each Count for a total of $900. Court advises Defendant of his rights regarding appeal. Court to recommend placement, as requested, at FMC Butner, N.C. at the discretion of the Bureau of Prisons. Defendant remanded. Appearances: Meghan Tokash, AUSA, Elizabeth Moellering, AUSA, Mary Clare Kane, AUSA; Michael Stachowski, Esq., with Defendant; Lisa Ferraro, USPO. (Court Reporter Christi Macri) Modified on 1/18/2020 (JDK). (Entered: 01/18/2020)
01/16/2020 E-Filing Notification: 459 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Hon. Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Sentencing held on 1/16/2020 for Valentino Shine, Sr. MODIFIED - CORRECT USPO - Lisa Ferraro (JDK) (Entered: 01/18/2020)

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