Executive Summary
- Freddie Rice was sentenced to up to 36 years in prison for sex trafficking and drug charges.
- The court found Rice coerced drug-addicted women into prostitution through debt manipulation.
- Justice John Collins ordered consecutive sentences, citing Rice’s history as a repeat felony offender.
- Rice will be subject to lifetime supervision upon his eventual release from state prison.
A Bay Shore man was sentenced to up to 36 years in prison on Friday following his conviction on charges of sex trafficking and promoting prostitution involving women struggling with addiction. State Supreme Court Justice John Collins handed down the sentence in Riverhead, characterizing the defendant as a manipulator who preyed on vulnerable individuals.
Freddie Rice was sentenced to consecutive terms of 9 to 18 years for each of two counts of sex trafficking. According to court records, Rice coerced women addicted to drugs into performing sexual acts in exchange for narcotics. Justice Collins noted during the proceedings that Rice enforced a system of perpetual debt to maintain control over the victims. In addition to the trafficking sentences, Rice received concurrent sentences for promoting prostitution and third-degree criminal possession of narcotics.
During the hearing, one of the victims addressed the court, expressing pity rather than hatred for Rice. The victim stated that while she previously felt anger, she now viewed his actions as a repetition of a cycle of abuse. Justice Collins remarked from the bench that Rice had "repeatedly thumbed his nose at authority" and described him as a "despicable person" who was "scarily good" at manipulation. The judge emphasized that although the victims were not physically restrained, their addiction and financial coercion effectively prevented them from leaving.
Assistant District Attorney Veronica McMahon presented Rice’s extensive criminal history to the court, citing prior felony convictions including attempted assault, burglary, and criminal sale of a controlled substance. McMahon argued that Rice’s conduct had escalated from property crimes to "selling humans." Defense attorney Anthony Rutkowski requested leniency, arguing that the offenses were nonviolent and that his client was "young" and "charismatic." A jury convicted Rice of the trafficking charges on October 24, though he was acquitted of a third trafficking count.
Judicial Implications
This sentencing highlights the rigorous application of repeat felony offender statutes in cases involving human exploitation. By designating the defendant as a repeat offender, the court utilized its discretion to impose consecutive rather than concurrent sentences, significantly increasing the duration of incarceration. Furthermore, the mandate for lifetime supervision upon release reflects a judicial determination regarding the long-term risk the defendant poses to the community. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
