Long Island Man Faces Sex Trafficking Charges
A Long Island man, already in the spotlight for a missing person case, is now facing charges related to sex trafficking. Authorities allege that Daniel Soto, 37, from Bayshore, forced a young woman into prostitution, using drugs and violence as means of control.
Soto is accused of being involved in the sexual assault of 14-year-old Emmarae Gervasi after he was reported missing in December. Prosecutors claim he used threats of fentanyl withdrawal and physical force to overpower the young woman, compelling her into a life of exploitation.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasized the office’s dedication to seeking justice for victims of human trafficking. He stated that those who exploit others must be held accountable.
During a court appearance, Soto pleaded not guilty to multiple counts, including three charges of sex trafficking and two charges of promoting prostitution. The judge set bail at $500,000 or $3 million in bonds.
Since his arrest in February related to Emmarae’s case, Soto has been held in Suffolk County Jail. Prosecutors have described the case as one of the most disturbing events to occur on Long Island in recent years.
Emerging details indicate that Emmarae endured 25 days of abuse at the hands of multiple adults, who also filmed her suffering. Ultimately, her father rescued her from a docked boat in January.
Soto is one of 11 individuals charged, collectively facing 83 counts. He is said to have been invited onto the boat by co-defendant Elizabeth Hunter, 34, who allegedly took explicit photos of Emmarae and exploited her for drugs and money.
Soto’s defense attorney, Katherine Fernandez, claims these new charges hinge on previously known allegations that only became apparent after investigators obtained Soto’s phone. She strongly denies the trafficking allegations and insists that Soto has not been previously charged with these offenses.
Fernandez remarked on the timing of the new charges, suggesting that it’s suspicious that they emerged shortly after Soto requested a swift trial.
He is scheduled to return to court on August 13 and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the sex trafficking charges.
