Newberry man found guilty of human trafficking sentenced to 40 years

Eric Jones

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A Newberry man found guilty of human trafficking has been sentenced in a federal court on Thursday to human trafficking conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and witness tampering, said the Justice Department.

31-year-old Eric Jones pled guilty to human trafficking and witness tampering after evidence in court showed from 2018-2022 he worked with one other person to prostitute women in the commercial sex trade by violent force, fraud, and coercion.

Evidence recovered by the FBI showed Jones directing the physical assault of women who worked for him and of him recording many of the assaults.

Evidence presented in court showed that from August 2018 through November 2022, Jones violently exploited women in the commercial sex trade for his financial gain which he did so by means of physical violence and force, including beating victims with a pistol and other objects and hitting victims with closed fists causing victims multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, broken bones and teeth, permanent injuries, and scarring.

Investigators say he introduced drugs to some victims, promoted the drug addictions of others, including fentanyl, and exploited withdrawal symptoms to coerce commercial sex while also using fear, threats of violence, and death of victims who spoke with the police.

Evidence presented also indicated 19 women were connected to the conspiracy he led, many of whom were identified as victims in the case.

Victims described fearing Jones would kill them, felt trapped, and felt like they had no option to leave.

He is also accused of tampering and interfering with the investigation by directing victims to not speak with agents and threatening to harm their families if they did.

“Jones’ crimes revealed the depth of human depravity and outright evil he casually and continuously imposed upon his victims,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office.

A United States District judge sentenced Jones to 40 years imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision, no contact with victims, and $65,000 in restitution payable to eight victims.

Jones’ co-defendant, Brittany Cromer previously pleaded guilty to human trafficking conspiracy, and was sentenced to five years earlier this month.