Newberry Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Horrific Human Trafficking Crimes
In a shocking turn of events, a Newberry man has been sentenced to an astonishing 40 years in federal prison for his role in a human trafficking conspiracy that exploited vulnerable women. Eric Rashun Jones, who is also known by the aliases “E Dolla” and “E”, faced serious charges including felon in possession of a firearm and witness tampering. His sentencing comes as a grim reminder of the dark side of human trafficking and the suffering it inflicts on its victims.
The Depth of the Crime
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the 31-year-old Jones was involved in a scheme that targeted women, forcing them into the commercial sex trade. It was reported that he initially shared the profits from these illicit activities with his victims. However, as his control grew, he began to take all the earnings for himself. The report is chilling as it describes how Jones resorted to physical violence against his victims, using both his fists and various objects to maintain his grip over them.
Control and Manipulation
Jones didn’t just stop at physical abuse; he also wielded an intense psychological grip over his victims. The DOJ revealed that he controlled almost every aspect of their lives, dictating how they ate, showered, spent their money, and even whom they could talk to. In a particularly disturbing twist, he went so far as to tattoo his name on many of the women he exploited, marking them as his possessions. Such behavior highlights the horrific level of control and intimidation he exerted.
Arrest and Consequences
The nightmare began to unravel when the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department found Jones in a hotel room with two women. His arrest marked a critical point in the fight against human trafficking in the area. After being taken into federal custody, he made jail phone calls that further revealed his manipulative nature. During these calls, he told one woman involved with him to “never say nothing” and to “f*** the police, the police ain’t your family”. His blatant disregard for the law and his victims was evident.
Justice Served
On Thursday, the United States District Judge Sherri Lydon not only sentenced Jones to 40 years in prison but also ordered a lifetime of court-ordered supervision once he is released. Additionally, he is required to pay $65,000 in restitution to the victims he harmed. The judge’s decision sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
A Broader Impact
Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office, stated that “Jones’ crimes revealed the depth of human depravity and outright evil he casually and continuously imposed upon his victims.” The trauma inflicted through his actions will likely leave lasting scars on those he exploited. It emphasizes the need for society to remain vigilant about human trafficking, recognizing the signs, and providing support for victims.
Co-Defendant Charged
Jones wasn’t the only one held accountable. His co-defendant, Brittany Cromer, also pleaded guilty to human trafficking conspiracy. She received a sentence of five years in prison, highlighting how these crimes can involve multiple people and how serious the issue is in communities.
The story of Eric Rashun Jones is not just a local issue; it’s a painful reminder that human trafficking remains a serious concern nationwide. As communities come together to combat this issue, it’s vital to spread awareness and encourage those affected to seek help. Together, we can work towards a future where such horrors become a thing of the past.
