A Florida man pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to charges of sex trafficking conspiracy and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, marking the culmination of a years-long investigation into his crimes.
Angelo Dominic Lombardo, 29, admitted to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, threats, fraud, and coercion, and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Chief U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled Lombardo’s sentencing for April 8, 2025.
Lombardo, indicted in May 2022 by a federal grand jury, faces up to life in prison for the trafficking conspiracy and an additional 10 years for the firearm charge.
READ: Massachusetts Man Charged With Trafficking Cocaine From California Through The Mail
“Mr. Lombardo deceived his victims with promises of a better life, and then he delivered the exact opposite. He forced them into a life of sexual servitude, all for his own personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Human trafficking is a deplorable crime, and this office will continue to hold individuals like Mr. Lombardo accountable for their deplorable conduct.”
Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, called Lombardo’s crimes “horrific,” adding, “Using force, fraud, and coercion to traffic vulnerable women for his own financial benefit, even going as far as threatening one at gunpoint, demonstrates the depth of his exploitation.”
The Trafficking Operation
From June 2020 to July 2021, Lombardo orchestrated a trafficking conspiracy involving four victims. Lombardo used violence, coercion, and psychological manipulation to force his victims into commercial sex work in several states, including Massachusetts, where he retained all the money they earned.
READ: Florida Gov. DeSantis Accuses Media Of Creating “Division” And “Narratives” In Coverage Bias
- Victim 1: Recruited in Florida in 2020, the victim was promised a better life but was instead subjected to physical abuse and forced to turn over all earnings to Lombardo.
- Victim 2: Recruited later in 2020, she was threatened with separation from her family and physically assaulted when she refused to participate in sex work.
- Victim 3: A homeless victim from Portland, Oregon, was lured by Lombardo with the promise of shelter, then trafficked in Boston. He verbally abused her and once held a gun to her head, demanding she “make more money.”
- Victim 4: Recruited shortly after turning 18, this victim was manipulated with promises of financial stability. Like the others, she was forced to turn over all her earnings and endured verbal abuse.
One victim ultimately reported Lombardo to law enforcement in July 2021. Following his arrest during a traffic stop in Boston, police recovered a firearm with a laser attachment and a large-capacity magazine containing 20 rounds of ammunition in a nearby hotel room. The weapon matched descriptions provided by Lombardo’s victims.
READ: Massachusetts Man Charged With Trafficking Cocaine From California Through The Mail
Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have been a victim of Lombardo or has knowledge of his activities to contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov. Resources for those impacted by human trafficking can be found at Polaris Project.
The charge of sex trafficking conspiracy carries a penalty of up to life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. The firearm charge carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
“This case underscores our commitment to holding traffickers accountable and ensuring that victims receive the justice and support they deserve,” Cohen said.
Lombardo’s sentencing in April will close a grim chapter of exploitation, but it highlights the ongoing fight against human trafficking and the importance of reporting such crimes.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.