Bentley Bugz faces federal sex trafficking charges after being extradited from Miami to Brooklyn federal court for allegedly exploiting a 16-year-old teen.
Federal prosecutors this week filed charges against rapper Bentley Bugz over a months-long sex trafficking operation targeting a minor in multiple states.
On March 6, 2026, he was extradited from Miami to Brooklyn federal court and later faced three federal charges, including child sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
The 37-year-old allegedly orchestrated the exploitation of a 16-year-old girl throughout the summer of 2024, forcing her to perform commercial sex work with multiple clients in New York City and other states.
Court documents show they created explicit photos and videos of their victims and then distributed them as online prostitution ads to solicit customers for paid sexual encounters.
Prosecutors said the rapper used physical violence and intimidation to maintain control of the teen during the two-month trafficking period.
In recorded statements captured during the investigation, Bentley Bagoz allegedly threatened to seriously harm the girl’s body, saying he would “personally break your bones,” and left her injured in a hotel room without access to medical care.
The threats were accompanied by documented incidents of facial attacks and verbal abuse, designed to make victims comply and prevent escape attempts.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella called the crimes particularly shocking in court statements.
“The defendant targeted a vulnerable child and sold her body for his own gain while subjecting her to physical violence and threats,” Nocera said. “With today’s arrest, Francois will be held accountable for his cruel and depraved crimes.”
Homeland Security Investigations officials recovered explicit content from Bentley Bugz’s iCloud account, including video evidence in which his voice could be heard directing the victim’s actions during a recorded sexual encounter.
Digital evidence provides critical documentation of trafficking operations and the defendants’ direct involvement in exploitation.
Bentley Bagoz remains in federal custody following his arraignment Friday in Brooklyn federal court.
