A Miami Beach man is behind bars after police say he manipulated and violently forced a 23-year-old woman into prostitution, pocketed her earnings and beat her when she could not bring in money. Investigators allege the woman first met the man in Atlantic City in July 2025, and that he later brought her to Miami Beach, where the pair mostly lived out of her car while she worked to support them both. Detectives say he took control of her identification, phone and cash, posted nude photos of her on escort sites and drove her through several states for sex work. He is now being held at the Miami-Dade County Pre-Trial Detention Center while investigators build the case.
Police say he groomed and controlled her
Human-trafficking detectives say the woman met 45-year-old Tarance Gould in Atlantic City and that a pattern of grooming began while Gould was jailed on a probation violation. During that time, she reportedly deposited money into his commissary account. After his release, officers allege he took control of her ID, car and cell phone, instructed her to memorize a cover story and then forced her into prostitution in Miami Beach, keeping all the money she earned and even compelling her to shoplift for food when they needed it. Investigators also say Gould uploaded nude photos of the woman to escort websites and moved her through New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, according to Miami Herald reporting.
What the law says
Under Florida law, human trafficking is treated as a form of modern-day slavery. The statute defines coercion to include the use or threat of force, isolating a person, confiscating identification documents or controlling a victim's money. Using coercion for commercial sexual activity is a first-degree felony under state law, and the statute directs agencies to provide services to victims while prosecuting offenders. The legal language and penalties are detailed in Florida Statutes.
Criminal history and custody
According to the arrest affidavit, police described Gould as a dangerous repeat offender with numerous prior arrests in Miami Beach. The victim told detectives, "He would beat me all over my body," a statement that investigators say is backed up by bruises documented by crime-scene photographers. Gould remains locked up at the Miami-Dade County Pre-Trial Detention Center as of Thursday, according to the Miami Herald.
Help for survivors and local response
Victims and community members can reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline 24/7 at 1-888-373-7888, by texting BEFREE (233733) or through online chat for confidential help and referrals to local services. In recent years, the City of Miami Beach has publicly emphasized awareness and survivor support, including Red Sand events and partnerships aimed at connecting victims with resources, according to a city press release. Police have asked anyone with relevant information to contact investigators as the probe continues.
