“This investigation into the alleged recruitment and forced prostitution of a 17-year-old girl demonstrates our Office’s unwavering commitment to combatting sex trafficking, even during a public health emergency,” said District Attorney Vance.
“Untested rape kits cannot and will not sit on shelves collecting dust during the coronavirus pandemic,” said District Attorney Vance. “We owe survivors of sexual assault so much more than to be forgotten for any reason. This investment makes it possible for Puerto Rico to start testing nearly 1,500 backlogged kits today, and begin the crucial path toward securing justice for survivors.
“Thanks to the prosecutors in my office’s Child Abuse Unit, this defendant has finally been brought to justice and he will face significant jail time for his abusive conduct. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a crime, I urge you to report it to our Child Abuse Unit by calling (212) 335-4308.”
“For more than two decades, William Dixon evaded law enforcement while this young victim agonized over whether her assailant would ever be held accountable. But thanks to the groundbreaking work of my office’s Sex Crimes and Forensic Sciences Units as well as our resolve to test every kit, the defendant has finally been brought to justice and will serve a lengthy sentence for his horrific crime.”
“With the full support of our prosecutors, investigators, and social workers behind her, this survivor took the stand in an immense act of courage – as did the defendant’s brave stepdaughter, who testified about her own abuse at her stepfather’s hands.”
