A federal jury in the Middle District of Alabama has convicted Kimani Jones, 32, known as “Statik,” and Tremayne Lambert, 50, known as “Bayrock,” both from Montgomery, Alabama, on multiple charges related to sex trafficking. The convictions follow a four-day trial in which evidence showed that Jones compelled seven victims—including two minors—to engage in commercial sex acts between August 2016 and November 2020. The jury also found that Jones transported two victims across state lines for prostitution purposes. Lambert was found guilty of sex trafficking one victim between August 2017 and February 2018 and two other victims between July 2019 and November 2020.
Three additional co-defendants previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the operation.
“The defendants targeted vulnerable women and girls before using physical and sexual violence, along with threats of violence against them and others, to create a climate of fear that terrified the victims,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to vindicating the rights of human trafficking victims and enforcing the federal human trafficking laws, and this prosecution is a testament to the courageous young women who detailed the coercive scheme these defendants perpetrated for years on scores of women and girls.”
“These defendants exploited the vulnerabilities of women and young girls for their own profit, showing complete disregard for human dignity,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson. “Every victim deserves justice, and we will continue our efforts to ensure that those who prey on others are held accountable for their crimes.”
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Jones led an organized commercial sex operation by renting hotel rooms where acts occurred; providing food, clothing, drugs; posting online advertisements; communicating with customers; dictating locations where victims would work; setting rules including daily earning minimums; subsisting off victims’ earnings without legal employment; and displaying his profits on social media.
Testimony revealed Jones used repeated violence against his victims—striking them in ways that resulted in serious injuries such as broken jaws or lost teeth—and threatened harm against them or their family members. He sexually assaulted some victims to maintain control over them. Additionally, he intimidated his victims by possessing firearms in their presence and manipulated their drug withdrawal symptoms to force continued participation.
Lambert—the biological father of Jones—was found to have supported his son’s activities by monitoring victims and enforcing rules. Both men have prior federal convictions for being felons in possession of firearms.
Other co-defendants include Joseph Keon Bowe (39) and Daryle Gardner (32), who each pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges, while Aleccia Scott (29) pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony.
Both main defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years up to life imprisonment as well as restitution requirements. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge considering applicable guidelines.
The investigation involved DHS-HSI (Homeland Security Investigations), Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Ratz (Middle District of Alabama) and Trial Attorney Kate Alexander (Civil Rights Division Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit) are prosecuting the case.
Those with information about human trafficking are encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org for resources. More details about Justice Department efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
