In a recent case involving human rights violations in North Carolina, D'Angelo Taborn from Durham was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in a sex trafficking operation that forced women into trafficking through intimidation. His accomplice, Imani Franco, received a 12-year sentence last month, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.
In a coordinated Federal Bureau of Investigation sting operation in Jacksonville, NC, Taborn, 31, and Franco, 30, were arrested. The investigation focused on online ads for commercial sex, which led an undercover officer to a hotel where the activities were taking place. Law enforcement detained Taborn and Franco as they attempted to leave the scene, as reported by the United States Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. emphasized the teamwork of the Human Trafficking Task Force in uncovering traffickers and helping survivors recover. In a statement obtained by the U.S. Department of Justice, Easley, Jr. outlined the horrid treatment of the victims, remarking, "These defendants treated their victims like animals, deprived them of food, and threatened them with violence if they did not comply," as stated by the United States Attorney’s Office.
The court case revealed the serious challenges faced by victims of a sex trafficking operation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking Task Force conducted a sting operation on August 12, 2022, leading to the exposure of the situation. One victim described being coerced into prostitution and having to perform degrading acts to be seen as a "good product" by D'Angelo Taborn. Law enforcement confirmed their involvement when they called a number linked to the trafficking, as per the United States Attorney’s Office.
Victims expressed relief at the arrest of their captors, with one stating she felt "like an animal in a cage." Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Robert M. DeWitt said, "It is difficult to hear these victims literally felt 'caged' by these offenders." A firearm matching the victims' descriptions was found in Taborn's car, supporting their claims. The evidence gathered was crucial for the sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. DeVer III, as mentioned by the United States Attorney’s Office.
