A Florida man’s reign of terror has come to an end after a federal jury delivered a guilty verdict on 13 counts of sex trafficking. Shannima Yuantrell Session, 47, of Lake Placid, Florida, now faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life behind bars.
The convictions cap a years-long investigation into Session’s alleged exploitation of nearly a dozen girls and women, whom he manipulated and coerced into commercial sex acts. According to prosecutors, Session preyed on vulnerable individuals struggling to find stable housing and employment, luring them with false promises of legitimate work and assistance.
Once in his grasp, Session exerted total control over his victims, dictating their every move and subjecting them to brutal treatment. He withheld food from those who disobeyed him, and forced them to engage in sex acts with him after being made to perform commercial sex acts with up to 18 men.
The trial revealed a shocking pattern of abuse, with prosecutors presenting evidence of Session’s violent outbursts, including beatings and choking. In one particularly disturbing incident, he allegedly held a victim’s head underwater in a lake, threatening to drown her. A firearm was also used to intimidate and control the women.
The Justice Department has hailed the verdict as a major victory in the fight against human trafficking. “The defendant’s actions were despicable and horrific,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “We remain committed to protecting vulnerable victims from such exploitation and holding perpetrators accountable.”
