A violent sex trafficking case emerged early yesterday at the Sherry Frontenac Hotel on Miami Beach, leading to the arrest of Texas man Michael William Benjamin. According to NBC Miami, Benjamin, aged 34, is facing multiple charges including armed kidnapping, human trafficking, and aggravated battery.
Officers arrived on the scene following reports of an unconscious man, later identified as Benjamin, who had sustained head trauma. The victim, Benjamin's girlfriend, was found with injuries and provided a harrowing account of her ordeal. As stated by the distressed woman, Benjamin had coerced her into prostitution, using alcohol as a means of control over her alcohol abuse issues. She said Benjamin "brought her from Texas intending to sell her" for sex, Local 10 reports.
The circumstances came to a violent head when the victim was unable to recruit more individuals for prostitution, leading Benjamin to physically assault her. An ensuing struggle resulted in Benjamin striking his head on a dresser, causing him to lose consciousness.
Both the victim and Benjamin were taken to different hospitals for treatment following the incident. A judge has since ordered him held without bond. These charges, as noted by NBC Miami, also include deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution and domestic battery by strangulation.
Miami Beach police disclosed that the appointments with clients were set up using an app named "Miami Singles," based on information given by the victim noted in Local 10 report. Her freedom restricted, money withheld, and personal items like her phone and identification taken away by Benjamin.
Michael William Benjamin now resides in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, awaiting further legal proceedings.
