Elmont Rapper Charged with Sex Trafficking of 16-Year-Old

Jimmy Francois, known as 'Bentley Bugz,' forced a teenager into prostitution using threats and violence, prosecutors say.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Jimmy Francois, a 37-year-old rapper from Elmont, New York known as 'Bentley Bugz,' was arraigned in federal court on charges of sex trafficking a 16-year-old girl, forcing her into prostitution across multiple states through the use of threats and physical abuse over a three-month period in 2024.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sex trafficking, particularly the exploitation of minors, and the use of violence and coercion by perpetrators to control their victims. It also sheds light on how criminals may attempt to hide their illicit activities behind a facade of fame and success.

The details

Francois was charged with six counts, including sex trafficking of a minor using force, fraud and coercion, enticing a minor, sexually exploiting a child, and interstate prostitution. Prosecutors say he created sexually explicit images of the victim and posted them in online prostitution ads. Law enforcement recovered a video showing Francois assaulting the minor and making threatening statements to her.

  • Francois sex trafficked the teenager between June and August 2024.
  • Francois was arrested on January 29, 2026 in Miami, Florida and transported to New York last week.
  • Francois was arraigned on March 6, 2026 in Brooklyn federal court.

The players

Jimmy Francois

A 37-year-old rapper from Elmont, New York who is also known as 'Bentley Bugz' and was charged with sex trafficking a 16-year-old girl.

Joseph Nocella Jr.

The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York who announced the charges against Francois.

Frank Russo

The Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection of New York.

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What they’re saying

“He hid his dark life of threats and abuse behind a facade of power and luxury, but it was the victim's unwavering courage that exposed his crimes and led to his downfall.”

— Frank Russo, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection of New York

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Francois' bail status at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for continued vigilance and law enforcement efforts to combat the exploitation of minors through sex trafficking, as well as the importance of supporting victims who come forward to expose these heinous crimes.