A Bay Shore man was indicted on three counts of sex trafficking, and other related charges, for the alleged commercial sexual exploitation of an additional female victim.
On July 15, 2023, prior to his pending human trafficking indictment, Danny St. Louis was pulled over for a seat belt violation and allegedly found to be in possession of cocaine. At that time, four cellphones were recovered from St. Louis.
A human trafficking investigation was subsequently opened on St. Louis and he and a co-defendant were indicted for various sex trafficking and sexual assault charges in April 2024.
Following the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s announcement regarding those charges, an additional victim came forward and reported to the Suffolk County Police Department that St. Louis had sexually exploited her from January 2024 through February 2024. Much like St. Louis’ other alleged victims, the new victim indicated that she was required to perform sexual acts with buyers in return for money. The money that she made had to be given to St. Louis, who would allegedly provide her with a small quantity of drugs, namely crack cocaine and fentanyl, designed to keep her addicted and continuing to work.
During the initial human trafficking investigation, one of the other victims involved indicated that she had communicated with St. Louis through the cellphones he allegedly possessed when he was arrested in July of 2023. During a search of the cellphones, investigators found three videos of a victim, then aged 13, engaged in sexual performances.
On September 12, 2024, St. Louis, 43, was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei for the following charges contained in the indictment:
- three counts of sex trafficking, all Class B felonies
- one count of promoting prostitution in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor
- one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony
- three counts of possessing a sexual performance of a child, a Class E felony
- one seat belt violation, a traffic infraction
St. Louis is already facing 28 felony and misdemeanor charges on a separate indictment for alleged sex trafficking and other charges.
Mazzei ordered St. Louis to be held without bail during the pendency of the case. St. Louis is due back in court on October 17, 2024, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
“These new charges stem from a brave victim who came forward following our initial announcement,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “In my first year in office, I launched a comprehensive Human Trafficking Unit (HEAT) to perpetually combat this disgraceful modern-day slave trade. I remain committed to seeking justice for all victims of sex trafficking and urge any other potential victims and witnesses to please come forward. Our office stands ready to support you.”