A Volusia County jury found Derick Jones, 49, guilty of human trafficking and 10 other crimes for beating three women in 2022 to force them into prostitution, according to the state’s attorney’s office.
One victim was beaten so badly that she is now blind.
Daytona Beach detectives searched a South Ridgewood Avenue hotel room where Jones was staying and found evidence of human trafficking and prostitution in addition to illegal drugs.
The charges also included support from the proceeds of prostitution, armed trafficking of fentanyl, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the state. He was also found guilty of 2 misdemeanors.
More: Daytona Beach man charged with human trafficking, drugs and assault
“Humanity has a dark and evil side: human trafficking. It is incomprehensible that people are capable of such violence and cruelty,” State Attorney RJ Larizza said of the case.
The case was investigated by the Daytona Beach Police Department. Assistant State Attorneys Sarah Thomas and Sandy Desroisiers tried the case.
Judge Raul Zambrano presided over and will sentence Jones on July 13. He faces life in prison for his crimes.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona Beach man found guilty of forcing 3 women into prostitution