Manhattan prosecutors on Thursday unsealed an indictment charging 40-year-old Matthew "Mister" Richardson with trafficking an 18-year-old woman, accusing him of using threats, violence and a supposed debt to coerce her into prostitution. According to the indictment, the alleged conduct began in May 2024 and continued through the summer, when prosecutors say the victim was pushed into taking dozens of prostitution dates and required to hand over most of the money she earned. Richardson faces state counts including sex trafficking, promoting prostitution of an 18-year-old and conspiracy, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Prosecutors outlined their account in a press release from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, saying Richardson met the woman at a club operating at 108 Greenwich Street and offered to help her secure dance work. They say he scheduled classes for her while also posting escort ads and arranging prostitution encounters. The office alleges that in May 2024 he drove her to a secluded location, told her she owed him $10,000 and threatened that he had previously had women who wronged him raped and killed; it further says he slapped her at least twice when he learned she had kept tips.
“As alleged, Matthew Richardson trafficked a woman by using threats and violence and hanging a supposed debt over her head.” — Alvin Bragg
— Alvin Bragg (@Manhattanda) April 14, 2026
Prosecutors' account of coercion
“As alleged, Matthew Richardson trafficked a woman by using threats and violence, and hanging a supposed debt over her head,” District Attorney Alvin Bragg wrote on X. His post links to the office’s indictment and closely tracks the narrative in the press release, including the claimed $10,000 debt and the allegation that most of the victim’s earnings were taken from her.
Investigation and next steps
The D.A.’s Human Trafficking Unit opened the investigation after the National Human Trafficking Hotline received a tip in summer 2025, the press release says, and Assistant D.A. Thomas Kendris is handling the prosecution under senior supervision. Detective Paul Mastronardi of the joint FBI/NYPD task force was thanked in the announcement, which notes that the charges were presented to a New York State grand jury and that the allegations remain to be proven in court. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office includes contact information for the Human Trafficking Unit for anyone with information.
Legal implications
Sex-trafficking and related state counts carry serious penalties if proven, and prosecutors said the case will be pursued by the Human Trafficking Unit with victim-support resources coordinated through the office. Defense attorneys commonly contest trafficking charges on evidentiary grounds; for now Richardson remains entitled to the presumption of innocence as the case moves toward arraignment and any subsequent court dates.
